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the
all new America's Dad
 Born
and raised in Arkansas, Daron Barker grew up the eldest
of five in a single-parent household. In this family
structure, Barker became something of a pioneer. He
was the first to attend college, the first to join
the military, the first to leave Arkansas to go overseas.
His excellence as a leader and people motivator awarded
him many accolades on his life journey, from Platoon
Guide in Basic Training to, years later, Top Salesman
back home at Little Rock Dodge.
Fifteen years
after college, Barker’s contributions to his fraternity
are still talked about. Almost a decade after Little
Rock Dodge, they call his accomplishments legendary,
because in his short tenure he broke records that had
been in place for 27 years. Barker has a host of like
experiences over the years. But, like most pioneers,
Barker spends his time looking forward, rather than
back. A studious and spiritual man, he has always been
a watcher of human behavior and the mindset behind ever-evolving
social conditions. Not only does he watch human behavior,
he looks for ways to influence it in a positive way.
It is this aspect of his character that has made him
a great salesman. This aspect also makes him a great
father, teacher and motivational speaker.
In 1999 Barker,
who is very active in his children’s development,
started looking for ways to motivate his sons in different
areas. He started with a simple idea: reward the children
for positive behavior and address the problem immediately
when they veer off. With this idea, children could earn
and enjoy privileges for their efforts at positive behavior.
He tried it with his sons, and they quickly caught on.
Barker realized that, once he became consistent in his
own behavior, his relationship with his sons was greatly
improved. A few months later, and with some trial and
error, he developed the POINTS Method, a simple system
of reward, accountability and discipline.
“Many parents
are frustrated with the effects of working, raising
children, planning for a future, dealing with changing
technology and a host of other variables that impact
the family in today’s society,” says Barker.
“Parents have forgotten the basics, or they have
simply been convinced they are inadequate and incapable
of getting the job done. Hence, the responsibility of
training and guiding the child becomes everybody else’s
responsibility. That is why schools are suffering. Instead
of teaching academics, they have to teach what used
to be taught at home.”
With the POINTS
Method, Barker offers ways to help improve the relationship
between parent and child, which feeds into a child’s
self-esteem and how that child relates to others. “I
never thought this would get so big so fast,”
says Barker. “But honestly, it’s time. We’re
doing workshops and seminars. People are using the system
and getting results. When I look at the change in the
families I’ve seen use POINTS, I’m humbled
and inspired. I think we have a shot at this. We can
heal the world, one family at a time.”
Parentpoints
Incorporated, established in February of 2005, participates
in activities such as National Adoption Day and parenting
initiatives. The POINTS Radio Show, which made its debut
February 18, 2005 on WTJH 1260AM, encourages comments
in and around the Parentpoints community.
“I reflect
back often on my experiences,” says Barker. “It’s
apparent my life is not my own. The Heavenly Father
has guided the course of my life and groomed me for
this. I accept the responsibility to pass on to humanity
what has been given to me. When I’m gone, the
works God channeled through me will live on from generation
to generation. That in itself is inspiring. That gives
me a measure of peace.”
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