Love & Logic

I started a parenting class a few weeks ago called Love & Logic. I had heard about it from friends in the past and when I found out the Muskego Rec Dept was offering the course I signed up quickly. I have one book which I have gotten partially through, but I only really get to read before bed and it usually doesn't last very long and I rarely remember what I read in the morning. That is why I reserve my US Weekly for bedtime, don't need to remember all the Hollywood gossip. Ha

The premise of Love &Logic is raising kids who are 1) Responsible 2) Respectful and 3)Fun to Be Around, sounds great doesn't it??? I like the approach because it is less yelling and more offering choices for the kids so they get used to taking responsibility for their actions. The thought is that they will learn by making mistakes when they are younger so that when they are faced with tough decisions later in life they are more prepared to make the best choice. It sounds really advanced, especially for our 16 month old girls, but it is really all about Chris and I learning how to be a better parent and doing it in a particular way right off the bat to instill consistency. Theoretically this will make it clear to the children that their parents' words mean something. There will not be threats, but there will be consequences. So, you ask how are we using these techniques on our girls. At this point it is pretty simple. When someone misbehaves, hits, pushes, throws things, etc. we say "Uh oh, _____ needs a little blanket time". We don't have to say what they did, because they know or will figure it out after a few incidents. We then put them on this little brown blanket in the corner and they have to stay there until they are "sweet" again, or stop crying . So far it is going ok, I hate seeing them cry, because they really do get worked up about it. BUT, I know if we are consistent with this now they will learn and be better off. Typically there is only one incident per day, if that. They have been very sweet to each other lately. I see the sharing is starting to sink in and there is less frustration with the taking of toys.

So that is where we are at in figuring out this whole parenting thing. We know we have the most important role ahead of us and we are determined together to do our very best. We love are girls beyond words and want them to be happy and fun to be around!!!