Imagine a parenting book that doesn't
tell parents what to do, but teaches the art of self-discovery using the same methods parents can use to encourage their children's
growth and learning. As an experienced language teacher, trial attorney, and parent, I am writing a book inspired by Socrates,
Plato's teacher.
I am a child expert. I don't claim to be an expert on all
children, mind you. I'm an expert on a child. One child. Mine. If you are reading this you are probably
a child expert, too, or hoping to become one. When seeking advice from self-proclaimed child experts, remember to trust
your instincts. There are exceptions to every rule, and no one knows your child better than you do.
I have read everything ever written by Socrates. This fact alone does not make me an expert
on the subject, mostly because Socrates was too busy asking questions and engaging in probing dialogues to take time to write
anything down. He did have an equally famous and philosophical student, Plato, who took the time to write about his
teacher's habit of always answering a question with a question. Another of Socrates' students, Xenophon was less of
a philosopher, but also wrote about Socrates.
Most parents aren't going to read
The Complete Works of Plato or Xenophon's Memorabilia, Oeconomicus, Symposium, and Apology
either. Most parents would be in a much better position to discipline consistently, however, if we spent more time on determining
and following our own personal philosophies than on reading how-to books and looking for quick convenient fixes.
My mission is to make the philosophy of Socrates accessible to parents in a format that's enjoyable
to read. Socratic Parenting focuses parents on the need to examine
their own values and goals in order to select wisely from the overwhelming assortment of parenting tools available in this
information age. Parents must know themselves and be themselves to raise their children with confidence and consistency.
Check out what's here now,
and come back again soon! Please send feedback and questions to:Laurie@SocraticParenting.com
For more information on the book click on the "Play w/Plato" section of this website. If you're
interested in reading actual chapters AND providing feedback to me, please e-mail me using the link above.
Click on "Summer Sanctuary" for information on my middle grade novel (Luminis
Books/May 2010).
Click on "Meet the Author" above for updates on my other writing projects.
Click on "Socratic Solutions" for information on speaking
engagements and private consulting.
Click on "Journey
2006" to read an autobiographical article on my career journey.
Click
on "Recommendations" for a list of books I frequently recommend to parents.
