World-renowned author Monty Roberts focused his message of non-violence toward the challenges of parenting during a recent appearance at Oak Hill Middle School. “Be as aware of the community as you are of the school,” he said to Oak Hill educators. “Because your students are part of the community and if you can”t fix the community, you can”t fix the school.”
Roberts spent three days this month visiting with Konocti educators. Earlier this summer, he also hosted a group of local teachers on his ranch in Solvang.
When making his presentations, Roberts stresses the importance of non-violent communication. “No one has the right to say ?You must or I”ll hurt you,” to any other creature.” Konocti has contracted with Roberts as a consultant for implementing his concept of “Join~Up”? ? non-violent communication between handler and horse ? in the classroom setting.
Roberts” attention this visit also focused upon local parents, who contribute to the environment that shapes Konocti students.
Describing his work with horses to overcomes their fear with trust, “Children are flight animals too,” Roberts told the small crowd in the Oak Hill gymnasium. “Flight animals do not want any violence in their lives. They have survived for millions of years by getting out of the way.”
Roberts” advice to Oak Hill parents was to negotiate contracts specifying positive and negative consequences if an obligation is or is not met. “Your children will be harder on themselves than you will,” he said, advising that children should have input on the consequences.
Roberts drew upon his own experiences and those of his wife Pat in raising three biological children and fostering 47 more. As many as six children at a time were under the couple”s roof during a 30-year period and some of the children had troubled histories that included drug use and other criminal behavior.
Despite these histories, the couple”s daughter Debbie Loucks said that she could not remember any violent conflicts. She did remember, however, some of the unique contracts negotiated between Roberts and the children. “We had to fill a bucket with rocks from the race track,” she said, “and there were no rocks on the race track.”
The school board approved a contract with Roberts for the coming year at its Wednesday, Sept. 5 regular meeting.
Roberts is waiving his speaking fees and will give presentations on-site as well as be available through videoconferencing.
For more information about Monty Roberts and his work, visit his Web site, www.montyroberts.com.
Contact Cynthia Parkhill at cparkhill@clearlakeobserver.com.
