Shanna Moakler's "Persuader" Parenting Style

I am a life-loving person. I think that's one of the traits that I like best about myself. I'm always up for anything and I love getting people to do things out of their comfort zone. Sometimes they resist me at first, but I usually can persuade them into taking a risk and doing something new and different.

As a parent, I persuade my kids to try new activities all the time. I encourage them to get involved in social groups, sing, dance, be in plays, do art, do whatever they want that's productive and creative, because I want them to have a variety of different things in their life. My husband, Travis Barker of the band Blink-182, is more of the laid-back type. He'd probably be an Adaptor because he lets them do whatever they want. He's definitely very supportive of them and their talents, but we're really different with our parenting skills.

I think one of the reasons that my kids (and my friends) let me persuade them into things is because I'm always honest about why I want them to do it. Honesty is key if you want people to listen to you and believe that you're looking out for their best interests. You can't be a good persuader if you're not honest.

It's like that with getting my kids to try new foods. I'm always really open with them about what it is, what it tastes like and why it's good for you (even if it looks gross). I'm always like, "It may look ugly and disgusting, but it tastes really good and it's good for you." That's how I got my son hooked on yellowtail sushi! He was grossed out by it (and so were my other kids), but I was like, "Try it. Have I ever lied to you? Have I ever told you to try something gross? NO!" And you know what? He tried it and he LOVED it! Now he wants sushi all the time—but we don't get it that often because my other two kids won't eat it ... yet! (Hey, I'm a Persuader! Just give me some time!)

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