Energy Drain: Consequences for Children
Consequences for Children: In our fast-paced world, none of us has the time or energy to use this parenting style. Instead of approaching parenting this way, Love and Logic parents try to keep it simple. For one reason, something that is simple is something that we can remember during stressful times. Love and Logic parents find it easy to remember that anything that causes a problem for the parent drains energy from the parent. That energy needs to be replaced in some way.
Instead of M&M’s, Kids Need More N&Ns – AKA: My Kid Hates When I Say “No”
One day when I took my young son to Burger King, he wanted something he couldn’t have and I said no. It didn’t work out well for either of us. What he wanted was “white pop” (known to older kids as Sprite). I was OK with that. I held the cup to the Sprite label […]
Dear Kerry: “Sick of all the Whining”
Dear Kerry, My 12 year old son whines constantly and it drives me absolutely crazy. It’s almost like it’s his default way of speaking. I don’t want to constantly berate him – but I am not sure how to curb the whining? Sick of All the Whining Dear Sick, For better or worse, this seems […]
Dear Kerry: “Toddler Full of Pasta”
Dear Kerry,My daughter is 2.5 years old and refuses to eat anything but the following: cheese, pasta, cheerios, milk, and bread. I have tried everything – being encouraging, being stern, offering “dessert”, talking, early bedtimes – nothing works! When I put something other than pasta in front of her, she screams “I no like it!!” […]
“I Want What’s On TV!”
My 4-year-old son wants everything he sees on TV so the other day when he said “Mom, I want that!” I used my “brain dead skills” and replied, “I know.” He finally stopped asking after 4-5 times of me saying “I know.” Then Daddy came home from work and my son looked at his […]
And Then My Daughter Said.. “You’re Not a Rock Star!”
I started using my new Love and Logic skills of empathy and going brain dead. My 4 year old daughter wasn’t too happy when I set a limit about eating snacks before dinner. She started arguing back and I calmly said “I know.” I could tell she was trying to figure out a way to […]
I’m Running Away!
The other night my 7 year old son kept trying to argue about something. I used my new Love and Logic skill of not engaging and calmly replied “I know.” He ended with “What is wrong with you!!” I replied again, “I know.” He yelled “Ugh!” and ran off. The next morning he comes down […]
Success Story: I Didn’t Say “Good Work”
My 3 year old son was struggling with a Buzz Lightyear puzzle. It was one that didn’t stay together well and putting in one piece would dislodge another. He’d get frustrated, but I had just read a Love and Logic article about the gift of giving our kids a chance to struggle. I said “Keep at […]
When is it Okay to Rescue?
Those who know Love and Logic™ know the damage done by C.H.P.S.“Chronic Helicopter Parent Syndrome.” Parents who chronically rescue their kids from the consequences of their poor decisions create kids who are chronically irresponsible and chronically unhappy. “You are so weak that you can’t survive without me” is the unintentional yet very real message sent […]
Three Different Parenting Styles
Drill Sergeant | Helicopter | Consultant Were you raised by a “Drill Sergeant” always telling you to “Jump,” and you asking, “How high?” or were you raised by a “Helicopter” always hovering, ready to swoop in and rescue? Did you ever think about what kind of a message these parenting styles send to your kids? […]