Vanita Meyer
Parenting Seminar April 12, 2014

I am starting a new Blog Category: Parents Sharing their Stories! Whenever I receive a testimonial from a parent who is trying Love and Logic and seeing it work miracles in their families, I will post them for all to see. We hope to expand this by sharing parents’ ideas with others on how to make simple changes that will impact the family in a positive way.

My first testimonial was received today (Wednesday the 16th) from Vanita Meyers following our Parenting Seminar on Saturday April 12th. About 43 people attended, including pastors, school teachers and Sunday School teachers, and even three Social Workers from Cape Town, and everyone seemed to enjoy their day and walked away excited about trying some new ideas and techniques in their homes. We introduced the parenting philosophy called, “Love and Logic”, which is an approach to raising kids that provides loving support from parents while at the same time expecting kids to be respectful and responsible, a philosophy founded by Jim Fay and Foster W. Cline, M.D. You can go on-line and learn more about it at http://www.loveandlogic.com

Here is Vanita’s story in her own words:

Hi Judy,

A good time was had by all on Saturday!

I am a recent stay-at-home mom to 12yr old Zoey and 5yr old Adam. It’s been 3 months at home and I still haven’t figured out how to get things running smoothly. I class myself as the militant mom, barking out orders and expecting perfection, shouting and stressed out!

We had our first family meeting on Monday night and decided what would be the reasonable expectations for chores. I was very surprised at what I heard! I typed it all out and said I would let them have a copy when they got home the next afternoon.

The next morning we struggled a bit because we weren’t prepared but at least their beds were made up and they got to school on time!

To my utter surprise when they arrived home from school while I was still talking to a neighbour Adam rushed in (without greeting – but with a sheepish grin). When I went indoors to see what’s going on he was rushing towards me with a broom and started sweeping the stoep! He has 2 daily chores, one of which is to sweep the stoep! Zoey, without even undressing started picking papers up on the garden (weekly chore). Needless to say at 5pm when I called Adam to come bath he DIDN’T protest but tells me “Good!” And when I finished with him Zoey went to shower WITHOUT me telling her to.

We were all in bed at 8.15pm last night and when my hubby came home at 9pm he thought something was wrong because the house was so quiet!

And that was just Day No 1!

I think involving them in planning their schedules made a HUGE difference other than me just telling them what’s going on the schedule. I tried a schedule before when Zoey was about 8, I think! And also they know what is expected of them especially Adam loves telling me what we are supposed to be doing now!

I’m looking forward to the rest of my life!

Thank you so much to you all!
Vanita Meyer