Rosemond Interviewed in The State

Parenting expert to visit Midlands

Q&A with John Rosemond

Parenting guru John Rosemond will be the featured speaker Saturday at the Fourth Annual Early Child Care & Educational Conference, sponsored by First Steps of Lexington and Saluda counties. Here, Rosemond talks about his philosophies:
QUESTION:
How did you become a parenting expert and do you feel comfortable with that role?
ANSWER:
If “expert” means I think I know what I’m talking about, and that what I’m saying is valid, truthful and helpful, then I’m comfortable with the role. I arrived at this point — and believe me, I’m a work in progress, the Lord’s not finished with me yet — by accepting my assignment, hard work, lots of experience and lots of mistakes.
QUESTION:
What are the three most common questions you get asked?
ANSWER:
Each question is different, in its own way, but the three most common categories of questions pertain to (1) discipline problems, (2) school performance problems, (3) sleeping, eating and toilet training problems.
QUESTION:
What do you think is the biggest challenge facing parents today
ANSWER:
The challenge of figuring out, from the cacophony of competing voices in my field, who to listen to.
QUESTION:
If you could give a new parent one piece of advice, what would it be?
ANSWER:
Be a husband or a wife first, a parent second.
QUESTION:
What do you enjoy most about your job?
ANSWER:
Public speaking. It’s my sandbox, and I’m a natural ham. It’s also where I get to see, first hand, that my work is changing lives.

IF YOU’RE GOING: Rosemond’s talk at the educators’ conference at Batesburg-Leesville High School will begin at 3:20 p.m. Parents and educators who would like to attend can register by calling (803) 532-6861. Admission is $15.
— By Lezlie Patterson