Award-winning author, national speaker and media personality Dr. Mary Manz Simon will present a parenting seminar at 1 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 26 in the sanctuary of Galilee Lutheran Church.

Patch caught up with Simon to ask her a few questions about her career, the seminar and her parenting advice.

Pasadena Patch: Can you tell us a little bit about your background?
Dr. Mary Manz Simon: My doctorate is in early childhood education. My books have sold more than three million copies in English. I have a short format radio show that airs on 180 stations every day. I also have many, many websites, especially among churches. My Bachelor’s Degree is from Illinois State University. My Master’s Degree is from Loyola in Chicago and my Doctorate is from St. Louis University.

Pasadena Patch: What specifically got you interested in education and parenting?
Simon:  I had three children in three-and-a-half years and discipline is always on the front of a parent’s mind. Discipline is something parents are dealing with every moment of the day and sometimes at night. I was very interested in that.

Pasadena Patch: You have a seminar at Galilee Lutheran Church on Sunday, is that something you do often and what do you talk about?
Simon: Yes I speak at churches often. This Sunday I will be talking specifically about discipline for young children. Next week I will be speaking at a church in the St. Louis area on trends that impact families with young children. Last week I was in New York City for a toy fair. I do a variety of activities in the family and child arena.

Pasadena Patch: If you could give one piece of parenting advice to someone what would you choose?
Simon: Set limits. There is a feeling today among parents that setting boundaries will make you less popular as a parent, but limits are essential for all of us. A child needs to know his or her limits – when he can stop and when he can go and how far.

Pasadena Patch: What has been your favorite part of your career so far?
Simon: I like seeing how God has used me to make a difference in people’s lives. Almost every trip I make, and I have up to 70 flights a year, someone will come up to me and say, "My child learned to read with your books." So whether it is as an author, or as a speaker, or as a media personality knowing that I have made a difference is the best part.