Bringing up kids is hard work and no one ever did it perfectly. No one can be a super-parent or a super-grandparent, super-aunty or super-uncle. But we all need to work on being good enough.
There's a lot going on in the first few years of a child's life. Achild's brain develops very rapidly and neglect or abuse can have severe long-term effects.
We are more likely to nurture happy and healthy children if we follow these tips. They'll make life easier for parents and kids.
Be positive. Praising kids for good behaviour will be more effective than criticising or punishing them for things they do wrong.
Give them a hug when they're good. And remember: no child is well-behaved all the time.
Don't worry about the little things. Step in only when a child is behaving really badly or is in danger. Kids tune out when they are constantly nagged and they feel they can never get anything right.
Tell them what's good. Explain what you expect your kids to do rather than what they shouldn't do.
Be clear. Kids can't obey what they don't understand. Be brief and specific, and check that they understand what you have said.
