Love and Logic Discipline

When I was a teenager, my life changed.  Suddenly discipline changed.  The change happened because my mom changed.  She attended a Love and Logic conference.  She learned the magic of giving choices.  I guess you could say that I am a “product” of Love and Logic.  Because it was modeled to me, much of it has become second nature as I taught in the school system and now discipline our own children.  But, there are still some areas where I am needing some tweaking.

My mom had the opportunity to once again attend a Love and Logic conference with Charles Fay.  She came home with several tips and reminders for me as I discipline my challenge – Little Man.  She also suggested that I read the Early Childhood Love and Logic  book.  Eager for any help, I ordered it.  I am very thankful that I did!  I was able to glean several ideas (success in my mind).

Because I am adding this book to my list of 5 Star Discipline books, I first want to cover three things that I would argue against.  The book states that the crying-it-out method is not meeting a child’s need.  Secondly, the book lead me to believe that Little Man’s behavior occurs because his needs weren’t met as a baby.  I absolutely, totally disagree with this.  Little Man behaves the way he does because God gave him a personality that is strong-willed, curious, and argumentative.  These are traits that will glorify God when channeled correctly but right now are causing him some unpleasant experiences.  Several references are made to the 1-2-3 disicipline practice.  While I understand the point made, I believe this discipline practice can be very successful when followed through.  For more on this idea, you can read 1-2-3 Magic: Effective Discipline for Children 2-12. 

Other than that, I feel the basis for the Love and Logic discipline can be very effective.  I have seen it work amazingly well with toddlers, middle schoolers, and even adults.  What I like most about this method is that it helps me stay calm and throws the offense into the child’s lap instead of it being the parent’s problem. 

This week, I will be covering some topics from this book. Those you familiar with Love and Logic maybe noticed it in my Keeping Shoes and Socks on in the Car blog.

Heidi’s 5 Star Discipline Books:
    Love and Logic Magic for Early Childhood: Practical Parenting from Birth to Six Years

  Have a New Kid by Friday: How to Change Your Child’s Attitude, Behavior & Character in 5 Days

   Creative Correction

Please understand that with any of the these books there are good and bad.  Read through them with a fine-tooth comb.  Check scripture references and make sure that nothing it out of context.  Finally, understand that no discipline will be successful unless words are followed up with action.  If you are unwilling to do the “action” part, don’t waste your time reading any of these books.