Love and Logic chp 10 (last one)

A great way to teach responsibility is through chores.  Start early in life, model and give choices.

I hope you have enjoyed these few snippets from each chapter.  There were so many more interesting things that you will be able to find out in detail when you read the book.  Here are just a few that are worth trying:
*How to get kids to stop whining
*Using "energy drain" to help kids solve problems
*Have a hassle free morning
*Put an end to arguing

Make Love and Logic a part of your parenting resource today!  I sure am!

Love and Logic chp 9

This chapter really opened my eyes to the value of how Love and Logic in my home will grow my child in responsibility and respect.  As a Kindergarten teacher I heard so many of the excuses presented in this chapter from parents as to WHY the couldn't get their kids to BEHAVE!  I especially liked the solution for stopping arguments.  I would love to expound, but I think you would benefit greatly from reading it yourself. 

Only one more chapter to go!

Love and Logic chp 8

This chapter addresses what parents of young children can do now so that they can enjoy the teen years.  One major step that parents can take is to establish Love and Logic authority.  Here is just a few ways:  unconditional love and respect, some freedoms within limits, and an understanding of the difference between needs and wants.  For a full explanation and several great example stories, be sure to get a copy of Love and Logic for your own!

Love and Logic chp 7

This chapter was excellent in teaching parents how to give responsibility to the child for the misbehavior by getting them to think of how to solve the problem.  There were so many great examples using a technique called "energy drain."  Also, delaying consequences and giving an appropriate consequences are key.  Be sure to snag this book for full details on "energy drain."  I thought it was a great way to teach responsibility.

Love and Logic chp 6

Back again!  Here's some highlights from chapter 6:

Use empathy rather than anger.  It not only preserves your relationship with your child, but it also teaches respect.  It's usually not our first "natural" response, but it will be received better than anger.

So if your child is younger than three years, it's very simple.  When your child misbehaves, use empathy, and let your actions speak louder than words (change child's location or remove object).

 I've been saying, "uh,oh," with my son a lot and it's been better than me getting angry and saying "NO!"

So, give empathy a try!

Love and Logic chp 4 & 5

Here a few highlights from chapter 4 and 5:

*Discipline without frustration and anger is key!

*Set the limit once and follow through.  For little ones say "uh, oh," and take action.

My son likes to throw his milk bottle on the floor when he's in his high chair.  If he throws the bottle I say "uh,oh, all done, it's time to get down."  Another tactic which I learned in a parent/infant class I am currently taking is to tell the child what you want to see.  So when I give my son is his bottle I say, "hold the bottle with your hands."

Of course, the best thing is to notice good behavior and give lots of attention to that!  "Thank you for holding your milk bottle in your hand!  Good job!"

So, set the limit, reduce anger and take action today!

Love and Logic chapter 3

The first 2 years of life is so important in meeting your child's basic needs. Bonding with eye contact, smiles, hugs, holding and touch has tremendous health benefits.

My favorite time of the day is right before nap and bedtime.  I spend about 15 minutes reading and then when my son is relaxed he can enjoy my singing.  Along with singing several special favorites, I stroke his arms and legs and give lots of kisses.  Also, many times during the day I take advantage of the times when Shrade runs into my arms for quick mama hugs.  I cherish these!

So your "Milk N' Honey" for today is to bond with your little one! Go for it, mama!

I can't wait to share more from this book!

Love and Logic chapter 2

Chapter 2 was all about starting now in teaching and training your child by setting limits, but also providing choices.

Children who are not yet able to talk can be taught boundaries.

Even just this week I had to set limits with my son when he wanted to touch the open dishwasher. I say "Leave it" and then actually draw an invisible boundary with my hand. He responds well by backing away.

He also likes to get into drawers in the kitchen. When he tries to get into a mommy drawer I tell him to "leave it" and show him the drawer where he can play.

Get it? I hope you can apply this principle early so that when your toddler becomes a teen you will have established a good foundation. This builds trust and responsibility.

Love and Logic chapter 1

I am so glad I found this book called Love and Logic Magic for Early Childhood by Jim and Charles Fay. I just finished chapter 1 and I wanted to share a few thoughts with you.

Here are my thoughts:
For parenting to be a joy both now and later, I must apply some good love and logic to everyday situations with my son. I can build self-concept by being empathetic, understanding and giving unconditional love. I can share the control by giving choices that will make both of us happy. I can learn to give consequence with empathy and let my son learn to think for himself.

I even started doing some of this today. My son climbed up on the couch, but was frustrated on how to get down. So I offered him the choice to ask me for help or let him figure out how he could do it by himself (he's only 16 months). He held his hands out to me indicating that he wanted my help, but I actually showed him how to get down himself. It was a great learning time for both of us.

I look forward to sharing more from this great book!