Heather and Andrea,

At the beginning I was skeptical about the Beyond Consequences method.

I believe there is no “magic wand” that you can wave, and everything is roses (with no thorns).

However, the more I learn the practical side of applying this model, and the thoughts and heart processes behind it, the more I find that it DOES work in every situation of life. I have found very few “helps” out there that show you in a practical way how to love through the difficulties. You have helped me to get over “myself”, but not in a “poor old me” or “walk all over me” kind of way. I’m beginning to understand how our brains and bodies are affected by stress, trauma and certain copying mechanisms we embrace.

You have helped me to face myself, embrace who I am, and then move forward with loving others where they are. This has not only revolutionized how I relate with my “challenging” child, but also with my “no problems” child, my husband, and even my coworkers. You say this method works for raising children who have experienced trauma, and also for what some would call the “good” child.

I believe the message you are bringing goes beyond parenting, and can heal relationships between spouses, with parents, friends… Love never fails…

This is a message for all people, in all walks of life, and in all cultures.

Having a training that is consistent week after week has helped me to make a “habit” out of approaching life through relational eyes, instead of just “logical” thinking. Thanks for making a difference!

June

Online Parenting Class Testimonial from Karen Adams, Beyond Consequences Instructor

- Tell us a little about yourself

I am a bio mom of adult kids, a former special needs and therapeutic foster parent, and a new adoptive mom. I am choosing to adopt children from US foster care that are already “labeled” with diagnoses including RAD, PTSD, ADHD, FAS, Mental Retardation, Adjustment Disorder of Childhood.

- Why were you initially interested or intrigued by our parenting classes?

I was interested because I know that the more I immerse myself in this parenting paradigm, the better my life is.

- What caused you to take “a leap of faith,” so to speak, and try our class?

I’m actually a Beyond Consequences certified instructor myself! And I know that making a weekly “date” with myself to be encouraged, inspired, and educated is one of the best things I can do for myself and my kids.

- Are we meeting your expectations or exceeding them? How so?

The class is great. I like that the DVDs are watched outside of our meeting time, and we get to hear Heather speak personally on each topic, as well as getting the reinforcement of the pre-recorded materials. I had no idea that an online class could be this interactive, with streaming video and slide shows, etc. And I have taken other Beyond Consequences-based classes by telephone, and I have even taught college classes online. But none were as interactive as this one is.

- How would you describe the support you’ve gotten from us?

The support is genuine and very available. When I needed a “certificate” to show I was enrolled for my adoption agency file, Andrea produced it right away, and it is very professional looking.

- Overall why would you recommend our parenting class to others?

The information is crucial. The course will help you learn this parenting paradigm, whether you are brand new to it or coming for a refresher of something you have been for awhile now. The support and camaraderie will encourage and sustain you through the challenges in your parenting journey.

This is some of the best training you can invest in. It is not just about our kids–it is about us, as moms, as dads, as kinship carers, as foster parents, as child welfare workers, as *human beings*, embracing love in our lives and overcoming fears.

~ Karen Adams, BCI Certified Instructor

Image by tapperboy via Flickr

“My husband Reed and I are parents of Courtney, age 10, adopted from Belarus at age 12 months. I’ve been familiar with the Beyond Consequences Institute parenting paradigm for about a year, but it didn’t really click until I attended a BCI Live presentation last spring. There’s nothing like seeing this method in action and actually being able to role play scenarios that might happen with your child.

The on-line parenting classes provide this same opportunity — on a weekly basis! I was very anxious and dysregulated about the new school year, so I decided to enroll in the on-line class right before school started.

That decision is one of the best I’ve ever made.

For the first time, I went to the school armed with techniques for use by both the classroom teacher and special school district teachers.

I finally felt like the expert on my own child!

These extremely cost-effective parenting classes are worth every penny and moment of your time.”

Brenda Murphy-Niederkorn