Even as Americans turn to the world of English nannies for help at home, the English are turning to a Californian for help at school--Monty Roberts, the original horse whisperer, and children.
In his autobigraphy Roberts talks about his father--a horse trainer who brutalized horses and his son. Especially when his son suggested a gentler way of taming horses. This method of non verbal communication is what Roberts uses to train horses.
From the Observer--
"The Monty Roberts approach helps bring out children's potential by encouraging them to take responsibility for their actions, free from the threat of violence, punish ment or even raised voices,' she said. 'This is not a soft option. Monty is very kind, but extremely firm about children understanding the consequences of their actions. The most effective discipline is when the children have discussed it and agreed to it."
It all sounds promising but I am not sure how I feel about this--"I have taken Monty's advice on avoiding direct eye contact with children and not facing them square on,' said Julie Lawford, a teacher at Brabyns for 20 years. 'I have realised that just as that sort of interaction is intimidating for horses, so it is for children."
Anirvan and I have been watching Super Nanny on and off and are quite entertained by it. Jo Frost's personality and presence cannot be matched by the other show on the same subject.
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