Positive Parenting: ‘Peaceful Parent’ Book Enlightens Local Mom
Ellen Fairbanks of Lexington is the mother of 3½- and 2-year-old boys and is expecting her third child in November. She participated in a book club this summer and says the experience was life-changing for her and her young family.
The book she read was “Peaceful Parent, Happy Kids,” by Dr. Laura Markham.
(You can visit Dr. Laura’s website www.ahaparenting.com and subscribe to her timely, practical newsletter.)
“I could have read the book on my own and gathered a great deal of info,” Ellen said, “but being in the book club was more life-changing for me.
“Hearing other moms talk about their situations, and having a mentor to guide us was amazing.”
Ellen benefited from listening to the views of a variety of moms – stay-at-home moms, working moms, and a grandmother.
What was the most important thing she learned? “Breathing. And mindfulness,” she said.
“I felt like before when something was escalating, like while I’m trying to cook dinner or do a project or something, I was more likely to send the children to their room because I couldn’t handle them.
“Now I breathe and am more mindful. If dinner’s not made in time, or things don’t always get done, it’s ok.
“The social and emotional needs of my children are the most important ones.”
Emphasizing the importance of time spent with her sons is a top priority.
“The boys are learning how to interact with one another, and their relationship is growing,” Ellen said.
“I use words from the book such as ‘problem-solving.’ ‘How can we handle this problem?’
“I’ve heard my 3½-year-old say, ‘We need to solve this problem’ to his younger brother.”
When asked why a parent should read this particular book, she joked, “For their sanity!”
“You are teaching social and emotional development, how to be respectful… things that are applicable throughout all their lives and careers.
“It isn’t just a way to stop one or two behaviors that are driving you crazy.
“That’s what I like the most: It is something for the long haul, not just for the short term.”
Ellen has encouraging words of her own to share.
“As parents it’s so hard. There are never enough hours in the day,” she said.
“It’s hard to do something for yourself sometimes. Joining a book club seems like it would be selfish and just for you, but a book club like this can benefit your whole family.”
Dr. Lesley Iwinski is the mother of three grown children, a family physician and Executive Director of The Parent and Family Enrichment Center, Inc. and Growing Peaceful Families.
She offers classes, workshops and seminars. Info: (859) 333-3053 or www.GrowingPeacefulFamilies.com.
Dr. Lesley Iwinski is the mother of three grown children, a family physician and Executive Director of The Parent and Family Enrichment Center, Inc. and Growing Peaceful Families.
She offers classes, workshops and seminars. Info: (859) 333-3053 or www.GrowingPeacefulFamilies.com.
Dr. Lesley Iwinski is the mother of three grown children, a family physician and Executive Director of The Parent and Family Enrichment Center, Inc. and Growing Peaceful Families. She offers classes, workshops and seminars. Info: (859) 333-3053 or www.GrowingPeacefulFamilies.com.