Dear Julie,

I feel compelled to contact you in order to respond to the negative feedback left by:
Art Wallen, M.S.
Associate Director
University of Florida

I find myself very offended by his comments and I doubt I am alone. I am specifically disgusted with the following statement made by Mr. Wallen:

"That you recommend this to single mothers, foster parents, parents of children receiving assistance, grandparents raising grandchildren is horrendous. As if these poorly prepared and/or supported parents don't already use and misuse punishment in the control of their children. It is the first thing untrained, unsophisticated individuals do, often abusive."

I was a single teenage mother 30 years ago. I now have 3 children and I have been a foster mom for the past 10 years. I am also a grandmother and have helped raise my 8 yr. old granddaughter. I am very insulted that Mr. Wallen would make such a generalized statement referring to all as being "poorly prepared" and assume that we use and misuse punishment in the "control" of our children.

I do not consider myself untrained or unsophisticated in any of my parenting roles. I also do not try to "control" my children. Although Mr. Wallen may be experienced and knowledgeable when it comes to Autistic children, it's very obvious to me that his knowledge in other areas of parenting is very limited and very narrow minded.

I was a great single mom,although not perfect. I am a wonderful mom and foster mom, and I am proud of my skills as a grandma helping to raise my granddaughter. I do not think I am a unique case. I know there are many other parents in this country that can honestly make the same claims as I do.

I also realize that there are those that are sadly lacking in parenting skills. It is also obvious to me that some "Associate Directors" are sadly lacking in professional skills as evidenced by Mr. Wallen calling you a fool. I wonder if he has any children of his own. If so, I would respectfully suggest that he take a look at his own parenting skills.

Calling someone a fool just because he disagrees with their strategies, suggests a very closed minded individual and one not up to the challenge of raising children properly. I feel Mr. Wallen's comments stem from his own unsophisticated and untrained persona and would suggest he expand his knowledge in all areas.

Please feel free to post my letter on your site, and/or forward it to Mr. Wallen.

Sincerely,

Sandra Eckerstorfer
Mother of 3 sons and 3 foster sons
Grandmother of 1
Licensed Treatment Foster Parent

PS This very experienced mom, foster mom and grandmother will be ordering the Better Behavior Wheel.
Thanks!