Alyson Schafer - Parent Expert

Extending The Early Bird Special For Alyson's Bootcamp

I have about 5 spaces left in this weekends Parenting Bootcamp.  I've extended the early bird rates and if you are a Facebook friend or follow me on twitter, let me know so I can send you an additional 10% discount code when you register.  Just come join us. Why wait any longer to start the benefits of parenting with new tools and techniques that are sure to be effective, and promise to develop a caring and co-opertive child.  Yes, its the slap chop, sham-wow of parent education or your money refunded! Okay, I gotta stop doing my own marketing.

Sue Johanson's Recommendation For Sex Ed Books

How great to have Sue Johanson, Canada's sex guru on The Parenting Show today!  Yes, she has as much energy and enthusiasm off camera as she does on. Hard to believe this Order Of Canada recipient is 80 yrs old! (I think I am allowed to tell people that.)

During our discussion about how parents should talk to their kids about sex, she mentioned two great books:  

Peter Mayle's Where Did I Come From?

and 

Peter Mayle's What's Happening To Me?

Sue has more resources on her website too.  I also mentioned two great bookstores for parents for any / all topics: ParentBooks and Caversham book store if you're looking for books on more psychological-type issues.  

Happy reading! 

 

The Spanking Debate Continues....

Last week, The National Post ran the front page store "A Spanked Child May Be A Better Adult: Study".   The article mentions that the research is from Calvin College in Grand Rapids Michigan, but downplays the fact that this is a Christian Fundamentalist educational institution.  Its important to know that in their faith,  proverbs such as "spare the rod, spoil the child" are interpreted literally, providing justification that the scriptures instructs them to spank their children. 

Well, if we're being "literal", I would argue that sheep herders do utilize a staff or rod, but do they ever strike their livestock to inflict pain? NO!  The rod is used to tap the back of the sheep; to guide them; to keep then moving in the proper direction. That is why I prefer the word "child guidance" over the word "discipline" because it is less apt to be confused with punishment.  

Sadly, it is still legal to spank in this country, although most every institution dedicated to children and the mental health professionals agree its bad.  The Repeal 43 Committee is working hard to change section 43 of the criminal code.  I hope you take a moment to read their articles and research. I have shared my own thoughts on the"use of appropriate force" too.  

Having said all that, I should also share that I read Po Bronson and Ashley Merryman's NutureShock (a great book by the way) and they also shares their dismay at finding some weird spanking research that they didn't want to believe. It seems the spanking research is back in the limelight again.  I caution you to read the findings and reporting very carefully. 

Alas, I stand firm on my position: its NEVER okay to spank a child. Period. We have other ways of correcting behaviour that are effective with no potential risk and add an element of learning that can be absent from punitive measures.  

Why bother with anything else? Can't we find a better use for our research dollars? Oiy.

Registration is Open for Alyson's Winter and Spring Parenting Bootcamps

Yes! Registration is now open for the winter and spring sessions of my popular Parenting Bootcamp. These are the last offerings in Toronto until October and each class is limited to 25 people, so sign up soon!

Bootcamp Weekend of January 30 - 31

Bootcamp Weekend of February 20 - 21

Bootcamp Weekend of March 27 - 28

Bootcamp Weekend of April 17 - 18

This is the best investment you can make in  your family life.  But why listen to me? Here is an except from an email I received from a past attendee: 

"I attended your bootcamp this past weekend.  I just thought you should know that I cried all the way home after your class ended on Sunday.  Not because I was sad or mad but they were tears of joy because I finally have hope."  

If you have a moment, I encourage you to watch this video testimonial about the value of this workshop from another class grad couple. 

Here are the details if you haven't hear of my Bootcamp before:  

Alyson's Parenting Bootcamp is a one weekend intensive parenting seminar designed for parents of children ages 0 - 10years.  This is the essential parenting primer and toolkit every parent should have to be effective at raising children who are caring, co-operative and responsible.

Alyson packs a huge amount of both theory and technique in a humorous and engaging way that has excites parents about the wonderful foot up they'll have to raising great kids!

You'll leave feeling confident about your parenting and knowing:

• Your parenting style
• What to do when your style differs from your spouse
• The trouble with using a punishment and reward system of discipline
• The difference between obedience and co-operation in children
• The basics of your child's personality development and a model for human growth
• Understanding WHY children misbehave
• Tools to respond and prevent misbehaviour
• Positive discipline techniques to replace external control methods
• How to be both firm and friendly in establishing routines and boundaries
• The benefits and how-to's of holding family meetings

Alyson will show you how to deal with:

• Dawdling
• Tantrums
• Sibling fighting
• Nap and bedtimes that stick
• Mealtime behaviours including picky eaters, staying at the table, manners
• Giving a child responsibility for chores and school work
• Many opportunities to ask about your specific issues! 

This truly is the best time and money you will every spend on your family. 

Included in the price is class notes, buffet lunch, coffee and snacks both days.  Why not join us.