Thursday, April 26, 2012

Parenting is Heart Work: Teaching Kids to Listen and Follow Directions


Parenting Is Heart Work by Dr. Scott Turansky and Joanne Miller is  wonderful new resource about parenting that my husband and I are reading.  For the next several weeks we are also hosting a home group with some video instruction.  Today I'm going to share a few thoughts from our session and hope that entices you to return to learn more.

Teaching Kids to Listen and Follow Instructions: 
*One thing we want to do is teach our kids to cooperate.  We do this by showing them how to listen and follow basic instructions.
*There are 5 steps.  In each step there is something for the child and something for the parent.
Step 1- For the parent...get close to the child---For the child...learn to come when called
Step 2- For the parent...consider the timing---For the child...always be ready to receive instruction
Step 3- For the parent...give the instruction---For the child...the child answers
Step 4- For the parent...wait expectantly---For the child...do the job as if on a mission
Step 5- For the child...report back---For the parent...inspect and release

Questions-
*Which one of the 5 skills do you need to work on first with your child?
*Which of the 5 skills would you like to see improved in you, as a parent?

From the book-
"God is interested in hearts because that's where real and lasting change takes place."
"When you see a behavior problem, ask 'What's the heart issue?'"

Next time: Reaching Deep into a Child's Heart (come back in 2 weeks)



2 comments:

Annette Whipple said...

I visited their website yesterday when looking for some parenting advice. Looks awesome! Have you read any books, or just doing the video?

Wendy said...

thanks for the review. working on our boys' hearts is what we long to do, but very few books give application as to what that might look like. I'll try this one for some encouragement. thank you.