Parenting with 'Love and Logic'

By Dave Ogilvie

Emo correspondent

Effective parenting is probably one of the most difficult jobs in the world and one which is not getting any easier. At no time in history have parents been more confused about how to raise their children. To make things even more complicated there have been many conflicting philosophies that have attempted to help parents raise their children to be respectful, responsible and well adjusted citizens.

On Wednesday, March 24th at the Family and Children Services office in Fort Frances, parents from across the district were introduced to an approach to raising children that many people in Canada and the United States have found extremely practical and effective.

Kristan Leatherman, an author, speaker, parental consultant and representative for the 'Love and Logic' Approach to parenting was on hand to explain the concepts behind the program and introduce some of the techniques that have made it such a successful approach.

More than 20 local parents attended the evening workshop in the multi-use room at FACS. Another group of 20 interested individuals also listened to the presentation by video hook-up in Atikokan. A group of teachers and other individuals who deal with children on a daily basis also attended the presentation on Thursday morning and afternoon.

'Parenting with Love and Logic' is a philosophy of raising children which was founded by Jim Fay and Foster W. Cline, M.D. and based on a combined experience of over 75 years of working with and raising children.

Most philosophies concentrate, with good intentions, on making sure kids are comfortable and feel good about themselves. Fay and Cline believe however, that children develop self-confidence through struggle and achievement.

As the program states, "Self-confidence is not developed when kids are robbed of the opportunity to discover that they can indeed solve their own problems with caring adult guidance."

Many parents understand that part of the struggle of growing up is making mistakes, but are often unwilling to hold their children accountable for these errors in judgment. Fay and Cline believe parents are afraid that their kids will see them as mean.

"The result," the program states, "is they often excuse bad behavior, finding it easier to hold others, including themselves, accountable for their children's irresponsibility."

The parenting course which is called "Becoming a 'Love and Logic' Parent" teaches parents how to hold their kids accountable in a unique and special way.

By learning the techniques taught during the workshops adults are happier, feel empowered, and are much more skilled in their interactions with children. The 'love' in the program teaches children to grow through their mistakes, while the logic portion allows them to live with the consequences of their choices.

'Love and Logic' is a method of working with children that puts parents and teachers back in control, teaches children to be responsible, and prepares young people to live with the choices and consequences they face on a daily basis.

The program offers parents and teachers an alternative way to communicate with children. These special techniques produce immediate results because the techniques are simple, practical, and easy to learn.

The concepts that form the basis of 'Love and Logic' place a heavy emphasis on respect and dignity for children and at the same time allows parents to use effective approaches instead of learning difficult counseling techniques.

Almost anyone wanting to develop a better relationship with those around them will benefit from the 'Love and Logic' approach. The products available from the 'Love and Logic Institute' will help parents and teachers become more effective in dealing with children and in the process make the entire experience more enjoyable for everyone.

Parents and teachers, who have used this philosophy, love the program because it helps children develop and grow in a healthy way, provides them with confidence and dignity, and teaches them how to become more responsible.

Kristan Leatherman, who is passionate about the program and does an excellent job of explaining the benefits of 'Love and Logic', has been invited to return to the area in the near future, to present further workshops and training courses. Parents and teachers interested in taking the training should watch for further announcements.

In the meantime, everyone is invited to check out the institute's webpage which is full of ideas and suggestions for teachers and parents. It also has an online bookstore which is simply full of remarkable and helpful material.