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Parenting coach Sandra Blackard teaches parents how to say what you see. Photo by Martha Wood
LOL is no longer just an Internet acronym meaning, laugh out loud.
Language of Listening or LOL, is a parenting device developed by Austin parenting coach, Sandra Blackard.
Using the Language of Listening, all you have to do is, “Say what you see.”
Blackard, who lives in Round Rock, presents a simplified version of an idea already present in attachment parenting literature. She is not a doctor, or a psychologist, just a parent who learned about the philosophies of parenting expert, Haim Ginott during her daughter's play therapy 18 years ago.
Since then, Blackard has been perfecting the art of communication with children.
Back when this all started, Blackard learned a powerful lesson.
She discovered that communicating with children is simpler than parents make it.
“I said, I'm going to fix her,” Blackard said.
But her daughter, Colleen, was not the problem, she was.
Children live in a physical world. Conceptualizing abstract notions is not in their vocabulary, so parents must learn to speak on their level.
“All you have to do is say what you see,” Blackard said. “Kids always come up with their own solutions.”
Blackard holds workshops and one-on-one sessions teaching SWYS to parents, teachers and social workers.
The sessions range from $65 - $225. However, Blackard offers a free booklet on her website. One can also find Blackard offering up advice on YouTube, where she holds mini enlightenment sessions.
Blackard doesn't profess her parenting technique as the only one, but sees it as one that complement's other parenting methods.
“Say what you see makes all other parent training more accessible,” Blackard said. “Say what you see leaves kids feeling understood and keeps them in touch with their inner greatness.”
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