LOVE & LOGIC

Are you looking for practical solutions to the day-to-day arguments with your children?  Would you like to reduce the amount of time and energy you spend maintaining discipline with your family and increase the amount of cooperation so you have more time to enjoy parenting?  Several of our teachers have been using strategies taught by Jim Fay and his team using the Love and Logic philosophy.  We will be featuring some of these tips in the Freeman newsletter each month.  For more information on Love and Logic check our their website www.loveandlogic.com 

Most Essential Skills for the Love and Logic Parent

Skill Number 1:  Neutralizing Arguing

STEP ONE:  GO BRAIN DEAD

Remember:  There is nothing wrong with a kid that a little reasoning won't make worse.

Never:  Never attempt to reason with the child.  Don't attempt to explain your position. 

Logic does not work in these situations because the child is playing by a different set of rules than you are.  He/she is not interested in facts and logic.  He/she is interested in seeing you give up.

STEP TWO:  CHOOSE A LOVE AND LOGIC "ONE-LINER" ANTIDOTE

            Choose from: "I love you too much to argue."

                                    "I bet it feels that way."

                                    "I know."

                                    "How sad."

                                    "Nice try."

                                    "Thanks for noticing that."

                                    "What a bummer."

                                    "Could be."

Note:  Can be followed up with..."and what was it I asked you to do." or "but right now I need you to ______."

STEP THREE:  DO NOT ATTEMPT TO THINK

Become a broken record, saying the same antidote for each new argument the youngster comes up with.  Keep your voice soft.  Allow any frustration to be that of the child, not of you.