SKIP Whanganui: New app puts good advice in parents' reach

THE SKIP New Zealand team has launched a new SKIP Tips app to help parents through the tricky bits of parenting.

SKIP Tips was co-created with a group of young parents who wanted to access simple, personalised tips on their mobile phones for stressful stuff such as tantrums and toileting.

This free app suggests a range of age-appropriate strategies to try for each problem. It also prompts parents and caregivers to check in on their own state of mind and how it might be affecting their child's behaviour.

Parents can save and organise their favourite tips, and also set mini-challenges to improve their relationship with their child.

SKIP has been testing and refining the app with parents over the last few months and got great feedback so far - here are some typical comments:

"All the things I sometimes struggle with are captured, which is awesome."

"The best part is the 7-day challenge - I worked on staying calm with the kids - it was great to see myself getting better over time."

The app has simple tips for calmer, happier whnau with under fives, these include topics such as:-Tantrums-Running away-Toilet accidents-Throwing things-Biting-Refusing the car seat-Fighting with siblings-Not sleeping-Terrible when travelling -and much more.

Here's a tip from Terrible when travelling:

If your kids are likely to squabble and if there's more than one adult, you could take turns driving and sitting in the back with them for some part of the trip. If adults only ever sit in the front and kids in the back it can be a novelty for them to have a big person sitting alongside them for a change. A pillow in between each child can also provide a useful barrier and provide a bit of comfort for a nap.

And a tip from Lying:

Under-fives often don't know the difference between truth and fantasy. They have no idea of any consequences that may result from their "stories". It doesn't make sense to punish toddlers for bending the truth since they often don't get that what they're doing is wrong.

The app also has an "and what about you?" section for parents, a good chance to check in and get some perspective on how you are doing. Alongside is a reminder to check that you are not expecting too much of yourself or your child with a look at the ages and stages for development as well.

You can download the app from the App Store of Google Play Store for free or check out the tips on the SKIP website www.skip.org.nz

We'd love to hear what you think about the new app. Text or email us 027 626 1404, skipwhanganui@xtra.co.nz or comment on our facebook page www.facebook.com/SKIPAlongMum