Says John.   And then he does. 

When he is ready.   Not when Mom nags, hovers, or cajoles him.

When he was ready to swing out, Tarzan-style, on a long rope over the deep pool at SplashTown.   Letting go.  8 times.

When he was ready to try the archery range at Scout Camp.  Or over to the basketball hoop, with no one he knew.

When he was ready to try the electric hair clippers.

When he was ready to try no more pullups at night.

When he was ready to try . . . . . oh dear angels . . . . actually pooping in the toilet? (am I dreaming?)

The magic of self-directed intrinsic motivation—when he says he wants to.

So, with your learning ones, try saying,

“Do you want to try ……?”

And then we back off.  We really have no control.

Best,

Gayle