A wonderful woman who lived in a shoe

Had so many children,

And she knew exactly what to do.

She held them,

She rocked them,

She tucked them in bed

“I love you, I love you”

Is what she said.

Our children are mirrors of our own behaviors. If we want our children to show self-control, we must model self-control behaviors for them. If we want our children to change, we begin by becoming wonderful loving adults ourselves. The revised Mother Goose rhyme above contains all the needed ingredients. As parents, we can focus on what we want to have happen instead of what we don’t want. We can rely on love, not fear, to motivate ourselves and our children. When we learn to love ourselves, we will be ready to teach our children to love themselves and one another. This is radically different from the original rhyme, which goes like this:

There was an old woman who lived in a shoe

She had so many children,

She didn't know what to do,

She gave them some broth without any bread,

She whipped them all soundly,

and put them to bed.

How often have you felt like the tired “old woman” after surviving a day with your children, fighting battle after battle? Have you ever in desperation, spanked your child? Unsure of how to proceed, have you sent your children to their room, or put them in time out? After a day like this the house can really feel as cramped as a shoe with laces tied too tightly.

How would tomorrow feel if you did know what to do--without nagging, punishing, or feeling overwhelmed? A parenting class can help you know what to do and how to build on the skills you already have. It’s a place where you can gain insights and ideas from other parents facing the same type of parenting challenges that you face. There’s no better time then right now to begin. See our class offering below and sign up today.

Parenting with Love and Logic TBA Cost: $35.00 per couple.

Love and Logic Early Childhood Parenting Made Fun!   TBA Cost: $35.00 per couple plus workbook.

Survival Skills for Healthy Families

Families Who Care

Touch a Heart, Teach A Mind  Tuesdays, Sept 25 - Oct. 30 at Grandview Elementary, 1591 Jordan Ave., Provo. Cost: $35.00 per couple. Grandview Elementary Parents Free!

Strengthing Families

PREP Training: Marriage Enhancement

Workshops

Classes are taught throughout the year and are held at area schools. Costs vary so call today. 225-7440