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Kathy’s job of 27 years was ending. Her passion for teaching child development was honed at the local college and was now being phased out of the school’s curriculum. Fortunately, Kathy found a newfound passion that was part of her already exercised teaching muscle: Practical Parent Talk System. Kathy now is available to teach all over the world a system that she knows and believes in. It’s a technique that’s proven to enhance the communication between you and your child based on respect and the opportunity for choice.
Kathy and I met at a MOPS meeting and I was so taken with the parent talk system that I wanted to have her as a guest on the show. I loved how simple and practical the techniques can be and how they really honor your child in the process. With a basis of respect and choice, this method allows you to effectively parent while you’re also encouraging your child to learn the building blocks of communication.
In our time together, I talk to Kathy about multiple situations in which the Practical Parent Talk system can be used. From toddlers to teens we see that treating your children with respect and allowing them the options of choices with appropriate consequence works! Focusing on using the Parent Talk skill instead of getting emotional can diffuse a lot of potential eruptions. Kathy points this out by explaining her “Red Light Green Light” Technique. This is where a parent can use logic to point out a frustration (Red Light) but then gives an option to move away from the poor behavior (Green Light).
I take some time to lament about disciplining my own children. Sometimes I have gotten to the point that I’ve taken so many things away that I can’t keep track of who is in trouble anymore! Kathy gives some great insight into stopping the reward/punishment and record keeping ways of discipline. So if you’re there with me mommas, listen up! (or fast forward to minute 15:00).
Parents can use this power of choice to help guide, teach, and discipline children. With the help of Kathy, the Practical Parent Talk System helps parents to lift up their children through language patterns that encourage children to learn and listen.
