Bribes work...

Why does Tommy look so satisfied? (And have a messy mouth?)
Because he was bribed! He wanted nothing to do with his swim teacher at his first lesson, so I promised him an ice cream cone if he would "swim" with her! Here's the result:

If you listen carefully, you can hear him say, "I get to eat ice cream, now, Mom!" and "I did it!"

By the way, the real definition of a bribe involves doing something illegal- so I have no guilt whatsoever with this parenting tactic!