Parenting Soup

I called my mother-in-law sobbing asking if she would come get the girls. Perhaps she heard the desperation in my voice.  Perhaps as a mom she understood the urgency, but she didn’t ask a question. She simply replied, “I’m on my way.”

Three years ago, after a particularly draining morning with our strong willed daughter, I broke down crying hysterically. After the girls were headed off to Nana’s house I emailed two of my best friends, who both happen to be teachers, asking for advice. Each of them responded with three words, “Love & Logic.” Never heard of it? Here is a two sentence summary:

• Love allows children to grow through their mistakes.
• Logic allows children to live with the consequences of their choices.

At my wits end, I reserved every L&L book I could find at the public library. The first book I read was actually geared towards teenagers. I was so desperate I didn’t care. What I learned from that book is that the L&L parenting skills you master carry over through the years. For example, you handle breaking safety rules on a bicycle with a six-year-old in the same fashion you handle a sixteen-year-old driving unsafely (with different language of course).

I like the idea of being able to practice these techniques now, when the consequences are less damaging. When the child is riding a bike instead of a car, a poor grade in elementary school instead of on a high school transcript, etc. Learning this parenting skill set is truly an investment for the future, for when things can be really tough.

Do you have a specific parenting approach or style?

Love & Logic is definitely the broth of my parenting soup. However, I have found three additional ingredients that help flavorful. Check them out below and then let’s chat in the comments!

PS: Get the recipe for that yummy Tuscan Chicken Soup over at Peanut Blossom! Thanks for sharing your lovely photo with us Tiffany!

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Not Just Cute {Intentional Whole Child Development}

Yeah, I was sold when I read the tagline. My good friend Sally was always forwarding me posts from this blog, after awhile I became hooked. This blog is a wonderful resource for parents. Amanda recently published an eBook titled Parenting with Positive Guidance: Building Discipline from the Inside Out. ($9) She writes:

Parenting isn’t an easy job. Don’t let anyone tell you you’re doing it wrong just because it’s hard.  It is hard work, but with the right tools the hard work begins to feel easier. No book you read, or course you take, will ever change your child. It can only change you and how you react to your child in daily situations. It’s the difference in those interactions that will affect real change in your child.

Not Just Cute is also now offering a Positive Guidance Video eCourse starting April 4th. Click here to check it out!

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Uncommon Parenting

Uncommon Parenting has a wonderful eNewsletter. Don’t let the rough packaging throw you off. The email is not “pretty,” but the content is stellar. I highly recommend you sign-up. Their frame of mind is very similar to Love & Logic, but I have found this duo is particularly good at defining positive language to use with children. On their site they explain parents need to learn to…

• Understand the value of being present with their children rather than doing to their children since all the doing they can muster will not overcome unconscious being.
• Add the concept of allowing to their parenting repertoire so that appropriate moments of noninterference allow children to learn their own lessons, making their own mistakes.
• Help children develop an inner authority since their inner authority is the only one they will take with them everywhere they go.

They are a great resource!

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Awesomely Awake

Let’s Lasso the Moon co-hosts a Pinterest board Parenting with Presence with Shawn Fink over at Awesomely Awake. I admit it is one of my favorite boards! Awesomely Awake helps keep me on my toes and focused. Check out a few of her latest posts:

• 10 Amazing Mistakes Children Should Make
• Accepting our childrens’ beautiful imperfections
• How to Raise Peaceful Children

The blog is a wonderful insightful breath of fresh air for parents.

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Positive Parenting on Pinterest

Take a moment to follow this unqiue collaborative Positive Parenting Pinterest board hosted by Alissa Marquess from Creative With Kids. You will find a great collection of family friendly bloggers sharing parenting posts which are “hot off the press.” See the example, How to Connect on the Most Difficult Days.

Don’t forget to also check out our Parent with Presence board. It is a “family living board” about positive parenting, mindful living, and instilling a love for life that the whole family can enjoy.

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