Lisa Whelchel: Persuader Parenting Style
Submitted by Lisa Whelchel
I think by nature I am definitely a Persuader. That's just my personality. I am very optimistic. Three days ago someone said to me, "Lisa, you see more silver linings in more thunder clouds than anyone that I've ever met." For me, the glass is not just half-full, it's overflow from another glass that's totally full; it's a whole, extra second glass of special stuff.
Being a Persuader has really worked for the benefit of my kids. For one thing, I had them so close together that I couldn't possibly control things. I needed to get everyone on the same page and excited to work together towards a common goal. It's also really helped me with my son Tucker, who has ADHD. If I tried to control him or restrain him, it would have been a mess. I needed to work with him rather than just confronting discipline head on. It takes some extra work on my part, but it's totally worth it.
I find that it's so much easier and more productive to get your kids to do things internally rather than externally. I like to persuade my kids by inspiring them to be all they were created to be. Sometimes too much reasoning and logic doesn't get you anywhere—you need to get to the heart of the issue ... and that's where being a Persuader really helps!
Besides being a mom, Lisa Welchel is best known for her role as Blair on the TV show The Facts of Life. She is also the author of Creative Correction.
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