Читать книгу Raising Able - Susan Tordella - Страница 32

Being a good parent is like training a dog. A dog owner must be slightly smarter than the dog, and deliver a simple and consistent message. Dogs read non-verbal cues and respond to expectations. You cannot change the dog’s behavior. You can only motivate the dog to make different choices by changing your behavior and using positive reinforcement.

Without boundaries, dogs can be dangerous wild beasts that can destroy your home and attack humans. When treated harshly, dogs can also become mean. Dogs do not have the capacity to lead the family as Alpha.

The same can be said of children. When treated harshly, children can become mean bullies and emotionally scarred. Children do not have the capacity to lead the pack. They need boundaries and a leash. Children can be trained using the same tactics as dogs: by using encouragement, clearly defining Alpha, and setting safe boundaries. Good behavior earns them a longer leash.

The big difference between dogs and children is that dogs never leave home, but we want young adults to leave home. By age 12, young people can hold their own leash and must be ready to make good independent decisions.