In a struggle for the hearts and minds of suggestible parents, she is firmly entrenched at the head of the pack. Her franchise has since expanded to include five books that address parents around the world in 29 languages. But faith notwithstanding, the Ezzos are counting on more tangible support in the face-off with Leach and her backers. The couple's trip to Britain has been organized by Christian Education Europe Ltd., a group that supplies biblical teaching materials, including some designed by the Ezzos, to evangelical and home education projects. This is not the first time that experts have battled over nurturing styles, particularly disciplinary techniques.
Leach believes children thrive with unlimited affection.
The Ezzos say excessive cuddling creates spoiled children. In fact, the Ezzos, parents of two grown children and grandparents of six, recommend swatting babies on the hand or thigh for misbehavior that includes such minor wrongdoing as putting fingers in food. Beyond that age, more swats are allowed. Smacking children legitimizes the use of violence in society, says Leach. Such is Leach's influence in the world of parenting and child welfare that her outcry over the Ezzos' impending visit has caused the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children in Britain to initiate an investigation of the pair.