By Leah Harter
When I became a parent for the first time almost 22 years ago, I felt like a fish out of water. I was flipping out, eyes bulging, so fearful of screwing up this little one who was completely dependent upon me. I felt especially unqualified when my little toddler started throwing her food on the floor from the perch of her highchair. I knew I needed to set some limits, but I didn’t want to be too loose and raise a hellion or too strict and have my child rebel. Reading Love and Logic Magic for Early Childhood by Jim Fay was a game-changer for my parenting skills, giving me a specific plan on how to set limits and not lose my mind while preparing my kids for life.
I continue to use the basic principles in Parenting the Love and Logic Way with my youngest daughter who is now 15 years old. Just this past weekend she attended a homecoming dance, staying out late, and Sunday night she voiced that she wanted to stay home from school on Monday. Using my old tools, I might have said, “No way… you are going to school. Staying up all night doesn’t earn you a sick day.” Instead, I employed one of the Love and Logic tactics along with empathy: “Oh, that’s a bummer. It is so hard to go to school the next day after having a huge weekend.” After she felt heard from sharing her feelings and concerns, she came to her own conclusion that she had better get to school so she didn’t get behind on assignments.
I love teaching others about Parenting the Love and Logic Way because it allows me to review these timeless principles on a regular basis, keeping them fresh and implementable in my own parenting. Even if you have been taught the Love and Logic basics, come join us for a refresher! You won’t regret it.
No matter where you are on your parenting journey, Love and Logic is super easy to understand and implement! Join us on February 12 from 4-6 pm at CCPC for our Parenting with Love and Logic seminar. Bring your spouse and you can hit the town for dinner afterward, enjoying an early Valentine’s Day date night!