Mother of five publishes children's book

By JoAn Bjarko
North Forty News

The Villnerve household in LaPorte witnessed two births in May--one for a baby boy and one for a book.

Children's book author Janice Villnerve saw her first title in print not long after giving birth to her fifth child. Both events go hand in hand because Villnerve has put her child-rearing experiences into a colorful storybook with lessons for children and their parents.

This first book addresses one of the biggest complaints of parenting - whining. Every parent can recognize the problem, the author observed, but not all can find a solution for changing the habit.

"For our generation especially, kids are running all over their parents," said the 29-year-old mother. With children ages 5, 4, 2, 1 and almost two months, Villnerve speaks with authority.

She explained that while she wanted to pass on what she is learning about child training, she also wanted a good story with colorful illustrations. With the help of illustrator Joyce Turley of Dixon Cove Design, the book "Mama Cat's Adventures in Child Training Presents: No Whining!" lays out a simple training plan that young children can quickly understand.

In this first of a series of parenting tips, Mama Cat, with three youngsters in tow, walks about town looking for fun things to do. On the journey, one of the kittens has to learn that whining gets him nothing.

"Kids can learn the lesson, and it also sparks parents to pick up some of the ideas," Villnerve said. "Mama cat is calm. She doesn't get mad. She says 'no' with a smile on her face."

The first-time author also wanted her book to be educational. Through the story and design, the book teaches numbers, colors and word association. "It's not just a picture book," Villnerve said.

Villnerve wrote the story to provide practical advice parents can put into action. "Kids feel more secure when they know their parents' word is their parents' word," she said. "They have to learn that when Mom says 'no,' she means no."

The mother and writer also credits her husband, Paul, for playing the role of critic and editor. She noted that both parents must be committed to their child-rearing plan, and that teaching the rules starts at home. "It's all about consistency," she said. "Some kids might test you a few times, but don't falter--they will learn this is the way it's going to be."

Both parents have degrees in engineering. Villnerve plans to homeschool their children--the three oldest are already learning Spanish. The young family also does everything together--an important aspect of child training, Villnerve noted.

Published by Paradigm Publishing, the full-color, 32-page hardcover book is available at the web site www.ParadigmPublish.com or by calling 970-472-1348. The cost is $14.95. The web site also allows people to submit their ideas about child rearing and to ask questions.

While Villnerve herself is a serious student of child training techniques, she also offered this advice: "If all else fails, just concentrate on enjoying your kids."