POULSBO — Always let them know that you love them.

That will be consistent underlying theme at upcoming “Love and Logic” parenting workshops to be held at Poulsbo and Breidablik elementary schools, starting Jan. 11 and Feb. 7, respectively.

The course’s aim is to provide parents, who have children from ages 2 to 18, with tips on how to raise responsible human beings by sharing control.

“Whatever age they are, share as much control as you can,” said Dan Moore, a veteran kindergarten teacher from the Quilcene School District.

Moore, who will be facilitating the workshops, added that the Love and Logic theory says, “If they don’t get some control then they will take it.”

The Love and Logic Institute was founded in 1977 by former school principal Jim Fay and Dr. Foster Cline with the idea that children learn the best lessons if they are given a task and allowed to make their own choices when the cost of failure is still small. If children succeed they should then develop pride, however, if they fail, those failures must be coupled with love and empathy from parents, the Institute’s Web site states.

“One of the hardest things is letting the empathy show when you are talking about something you want to yell and scream about,” Moore said. “But, if you are out of control then that is what the kids feed on.”

Moore — who has been leading the workshops in the Quilcene area for four years — will be presenting Love and Logic videos, stories, facts and information during the multi-week course, while involving the class in role-playing opportunities and discussions about the many different aspects that pertain to raising kids.

Whether one has a 17-year-old or a 3-year-old, lessons learned at the workshop should be beneficial. Moore added that it is never too late — it just may be more difficult to change when children are set in their ways.

“The main thing parents can get out of the class is that there are a lot parenting courses, classes and books, but no matter which ones you take, you can always get something out of any of them,” Moore said.

In fact, one should be able to take something from the first session — starting at 6 p.m. Jan. 11 at Poulsbo Elementary and 6 p.m. Feb. 7 at Breidablik Elementary — implement it instantly and see results, Moore said. Cost for the course is $15 and includes all seven sessions and a workbook — if couples would like to share a workbook, cost will be $15 per couple.

Enrollment is limited to 30 participants for the one-day-a-week, five-week course. For information on availability, call Susan James at Poulsbo Elementary, (360) 598-1081.

The seven-week course at Breidablik is scheduled for Tuesday evenings Feb. 7-March 21. Registration and payment is due by Jan. 27. For more information or to register, contact Breidablik school counselor Rick Goudzwaard at (360) 394-6849.

Attendance is suggested at all sessions of the course for maximum benefit but is not mandatory.