The Kingwood Observer
Forest Cove resident and mother of
six writes parenting
how-to book.
- by Lelie Fazio, Contributing writer
Your three year-old starts whining for candy
in Sears, with his seemingly unanswered plea turning into a sullen pout
extending all the way into Wal-Mart. The "Power Game" has begun. As
mom, your demeanor totally changes into a fire-breathing dragon sprouting long,
green teeth as your emotional response hits a downward, negative spiral.
Check the "fun" gauge. It's on empty.
First time author but six-time mom, Nicole
MacKenzie explains that there is a way to avoid emotional entanglements in her
book, "Parenting Rule #1, Mom Has Fun!".
How can a mother of six children - Mia 13,
Micah 12, Ian 10, Naomi 9, Ami 6, and baby Lydia 1- homeschool, write a book,
and remain sane at the same time? By modeling behavior of emotional intelligence,
a sense of continuous curiosity, and fun. She and her husband
Mick have trained her children to have fun in life.
Thus, the book focuses on "Responsive
Parenting" (as opposed to "reactive") to children's needs. In kind, the
children are nurtured to their unique potential in a fun, secure environment,
but with accountability for choices built in.
Chapter titles such as "Every Child is Born a Genius", "Kids
Need Boundaries", "Accountability and Discipline",
and "Emotional Entanglement Leads to Punishment", offers
the parent freedom from emotional uproar.
The book is a 10-year culmination of her own
self-actualization (from famed psychologist Abraham Maslow) and discovery of her
own full potential. MacKenzie saw the tremendous impact the Maslow
system had on adults, and began wondering how applying those tools would affect
children.
"Parents need to be curious about themselves,
and their potential. It then becomes a reflection on their children.",
said MacKenzie.
She devised her parenting tools using her
business background with a study of parenting methods.
Her joy in writing the book is evident in
stories and pictures of her children throughout the book.
"Through and emotionally brilliant and fun
environment, children will strive to reach their potential", said MacKenzie.
"With emotional entanglements, trust is lost and the child wins the game.
But, if the parent effectively identifies 'the game', then the entanglement
doesn't happen. The child is taught to be responsible for his behavior.
Boundaries are set before hand to release both parent and child
from a harsh reaction. Discipline from their choices is then non-judgmental."
In this day and age of rage and lack of
self-control, MacKenzie offers an answer that will leave both child and parent
satisfied with their lives, but with the knowledge of the continuous potential
for growth. Life will be fun and a team effort.
"It's fun to be around my kids", said
MacKenzie.
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