This post will kick-off the review series of Positive Parenting Solutions Online. Why a series? I want to review the product as I use it and implement it. When I was investigating this program I was frustrated by some of the online reviews I came across. I mean no criticism to the writers themselves, but after reading the 1-2 paragraph reviews, I kept wondering, “Will this program help us?” I decided the best way to find out was to give it a try, but I’m choosing to try it out publicly so that you will be able to decide if this is something that might be helpful to you.
First, some background
Most of you know that my husband and I have twin daughters. They are currently 4 years old and will turn 5 in two months. They will begin kindergarten this fall.
Until the beginning of this summer they were in a private preschool program that we were happy with. The sudden shift from daily structured activity to summer at home with some, but far less, structure and “entertainment” than they were used to has been a bit difficult for all of us. We’re adjusting, but it occurred to me that I could use some help.
I’m a studier at heart and I’ve read more parenting books than I’d like to count. I’ve also looked into some parenting courses, but haven’t been able to find enough information on any of them to see if they would be useful for us. Recently, I read the book, Courageous Parents, Confident Kids: Letting Go So You Both Can Grow
Ultimately, I decided to give it a try. Before I made the purchase, I emailed Amy McCready to let her know that I planned to buy the program and conduct a review-as-I-go series on Smart Family Tips. I wanted her to be aware and also to assure her that I would write honestly about our experience with the program without giving the entire program away. She responded in under a half an hour and answered a few of the questions I had about the course. In the interest of full disclosure, I will tell you that she offered 3 months of access to the program at no charge so that I might be able to implement and review it properly. I accepted this offer and assured her that if it worked for us, we would be purchasing the online course at the end of the 3 month period.
So, why do I want to work through an online parenting course? Are my kids out of control? Am I losing my mind? Not yet. 
Partly, I’m doing this because I am an information gatherer. I like to learn and I like to have options. And, we are having some issues lately with tantrums and back-talk and “convenient” helplessness. I want to see if an online program can really help. I think others might want to know if it can, too.
We’ll begin the program this week and I’ll provide weekly updates of our progress and my assessment of the program here on the blog.
Please let me know if you have any questions and I’ll do my best to answer them. I hope you enjoy this journey with me and my family and I hope your find it helpful.
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{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Beth:
I’m very interested in how your online course goes and specifically if they have any special insights into twins. I’m not a twin, but I have six year old twins (boy-girl) and I can relate to the whole school’s-out, no-routine craziness. Partly because I’m a bit of a control freak and partly because I had twins (which came first, do you think?:), I find it’s extremely helpful to make out a written plan for the day that the kids can help make. Also, not sure if you’ve read it, but Just Tell Me What to Say by Betsy Brown Braun has literally been a lifesaver for me and several of my friends. Have you read it?
Hi Trish,
Thanks for your interest in this series. I’m eager to learn if they have any information specific to twins as well. It certainly is a unique challenge.
I’ve not read Just Tell Me What to Say, but based on your recommendation, have just reserved it at the library. Thank you for the suggestion.