PricelessParenting.com generously offered up its online parenting class for me to review. With seven sections, it is an extremely well-organized lesson plan that covers the whole gammut of parenting. From toddler behavior to teenage talks, it is a comprehensive course that reminds us we all have choices in how we ourselves behave.
Each section is estimated to take one hour. Because of its user-controlled feature, I was able to breeze through some of the less pertinent sections in half the time. It is a mixture of audio input and visual interaction. I especially liked the course instructor's matter-of-fact tone, something I have adopted while parenting my own kids.
It comes down to this: speaking in 'I' statements while telling our kids what we are going to do, alleviates common power struggles virtually immediately. I tested it out on my seven and nine-year-old. It was amazing! Instead of shouting "Get your shoes on!" while trying to get out the door, I said, "I will be in the car if you are looking for me." Or this: "I see the struggle here. What are you going to do?" Leaving the problem up to the kid while showing interest is the key to raising independent thinkers.
I highly recommend this course. To quote Obama in his Inaugural address: "We will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist."
Parenting needn't be a tug-of-war. With love, compassion and effective communication, we can reach common ground. Together.
