The past week has been a busy one. Fall Extension programs are in full swing. In between those busy days I have found some time to get acquainted with the newest member of the family. Camdyn Mae Baker, was born Thursday, Oct. 20, and weighed a healthy 8 lbs. 9 oz. Her parents, Art and Kristen, plus all of her aunts, uncles, grandparents and great grandma have gotten to bond with her. Big sister, Calyn, is totally excited about her new role, and at 3 ½, can really be a big helper.
Earlier this month I taught a parenting class with twenty-two students from Barton County Academy. The “Responsive Discipline” curriculum I used is one of my favorites. It focuses on taking a closer look at “why” children misbehave, and then utilizes prevention tools to manage that misbehavior. Too often people want to know what they can do to there kids to make them behave. Rather than resorting to harsh words or spanking, “Responsive Discipline “ gives parents forty-seven prevention, guidance and consequence tools that are thoughtful and effective.
It’s too bad that the most important job we have, (being parents) does not come with a lot of instruction. A book I found a few years ago that is full of great strategies is titled, “Becoming the Parent You Want to Be.” The book, by Laura Davis and Janis Keyser, has received the seal of approval from The National Parenting Center. The introduction to the book is titled, “The Parenting Journey.”  That title is definitely true. After reading the first three chapters I quickly ordered another copy to give as a gift.
The book is divided into six parts. First is a framework for the parenting journey. Part two deals with children’s feelings and part three, children’s bodies. Parts four through six focuses on: dealing with difficult behavior, social learning and play and family relationships. Stories about real life situations are scattered throughout the book that make it even more helpful to young families.
If I have encouraged you in any way to look at some of the resources available to parents please give me a call. Many of our parenting materials are free of charge.
Donna Krug, is the Family and Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Barton County. You may reach her at (620)793-1910 or dkrug@ksu.edu.