Author shares parenting advice

By Mary Kaye Ritz
Advertiser Staff Writer

LeVINE

The father of three and grandfather of five answers some questions:

Q. You've just started a new talk show with Beth-Ann Kozlovich based on the principles of your book. Explain.

A. "There are over 23,000 books on parenting on Amazon.com today. Almost all of them deal with the tactics of parenting. As in business, these are things you do right there and then to deal with what's going on. This is about the strategies, the long-term approach, doing things in the long run."

Q. Can you describe your philosophy on parenting?

A. "Parenting is a privilege; that's the central philosophy, rather than an obligation. It's a grand opportunity to do something you feel so fortunate to do."

Q. You've had four shows so far, with topics ranging from birth order to the importance of play. How do you pick your subjects?

A. "It has to be some kind of strategic issue. It has to be current, on people's minds. It has to be something that is a classic dilemma. What we're trying to do is help people cut through the chaff, down to the simple kernels that might make parenting easier."

Q. Such as?

A. "You can't delegate everything; some things you have to do it yourself. TV is a substitute parent. A computer game is a substitute parent. There are three things you must do yourself: Love you child. Understand and get to know your child. Finally, help program your child's activities, help them decide what's right for them."

Q. OK: Final question. Nature or nurture? Please keep your answer to less than 25 words.

A. "This is like a Cosmo quiz! It's both, obviously. The pendulum swing is now to nature. You have to really get to know your children, to see what their nature is."