Chris Dougherty, as district coordinator for Streator Elementary School, heard plenty of requests from parents and teachers to help them find better ways to improve student behavior.

She found the answer in Love and Logic.

The program focuses on techniques to teach children to behave well, develop positive habits and treat those in authority with respect. At the same time, it helps parents better model the behavior they want their children to emulate.

Things the program strives to accomplish at home include teaching children to do chores without reminders, helping parents handle back talk, getting both parents on the same page with discipline practices, downplaying sibling rivalry, motivating children to do well in school, improving behavior in public, teaching children to listen and ending whining.

For teachers, it takes some of these same lessons and helps them better manage the discipline in the classroom while encouraging students to do their best.

Dougherty, as an example, cites a child who wrecks his tricycle. The parent needs to show compassion and connect with the child to be sure he is unhurt and acknowledge he is upset. However, the tricycle is still broken and there are natural consequences to his recklessness.

If parents don't deal with problems when children are young, "then at 16 years old he is wrecking the car and the consequences are more severe,"said Dougherty.

The program also helps parents and teachers learn to control their tempers, rather than allowing a child to push their buttons. The outcome is a more peaceful environment for children and adults.

Dougherty said the program began last year and results have been positive from both teachers and parents.

"It's changed their outlook," she said. "All parents and all teachers love their children, but sometimes behavior gets in the way."

The program is being paid for through federal stimulus dollars and is free for all Streator families, including ones with students at St. Anthony School, Streator Township High School, Hammitt School and all five SES buildings, as well as preschool students.

Founder Charles Fay will present a Love and Logic parenting seminar on Wednesday, Sept. 23, at Northlawn Junior High School. A spaghetti dinner will be served at 5:30 p.m. and class time will be 6 to 7:30 p.m.

This is the first of three sessions to be offered to parents, and staff will receive training with the program once a month through the school year.

The event is free. Registration forms are available at all Streator schools. For more information, contact Chris Dougherty at 815-672-2926, ext. 254, or visit the Love and Logic Web site at loveandlogic.com.