The Secret Spice to Great Parenting: KFC

On a chilly and damp evening, Saint Kentigern Preschool welcomed parents to a presentation that left attendees inspired and armed with practical strategies for transformative parenting. The event featured the charismatic and down-to-earth Sheridan Eketone, who captivated the audience comprised of parents and staff from the Preschool, Boys’ School and Girls’ School.

Aptly titled ‘Kind.Firm.Calm’ (KFC), the presentation did not reveal the eleven secret herbs and spices of the Colonel’s fried chicken. However, the audience did receive a simple yet powerful approach to keep at the forefront of their minds when navigating the ever-changing waters of parenting.

To kick off the evening, Sheridan engaged the audience with an intriguing slide listing various parenting styles. Attendees were prompted to identify their type, be it the ‘Sergeantmajor’ (strict and authoritative), the ‘jellyfish’ (warm and loving but inconsistent), ‘unplugged’ (constantly distracted by devices), the ‘lawnmower’ (overly involved in clearing obstacles for their child), or the ‘backbone parent coach’ (providing guidance and support).

After identifying their strengths and weaknesses depending on the parents’ style, Sheridan emphasised that the secret to great parenting lies in the KFC principle: kindness, firmness, and calmness. Kindness involves understanding our children, encompassing how we look at them, sound, and choose our words. She highlighted her own quote, “It is better to be kind than it is to be right”. Firmness entails setting clear boundaries, following through on commitments, and maintaining consistency. Children are known to experience intense emotions, and parents must strike a balance between empathy and maintaining their own coping mechanisms.

Calmness, though not always easy to achieve, fosters safety and security. Sheridan encouraged parents to remain composed even in challenging situations, likening it to paddling calmly despite navigating rough waters. The ripple effect of calmness can permeate the entire family environment.

The evening was a delightful blend of wisdom and humour, thanks to Sheridan’s approachable and relatable style. Attendees left with newfound confidence and fresh insights to enrich their parenting journeys. With Sheridan’s guidance, parents were empowered to embrace the KFC approach and become the parents they aspire to be – kind, firm, and calm.