Children are great.

Most parents agree on one thing, their child or children is/are the best, its only natural, after all from birth, we feed clothe and nurture our child, spend all our time with them yet no matter how much we love our children there are always times that they can push the best of parents to screaming point. This in no way makes us bad parents, it means we are human. The essential role of any parent or carer is to recognise that this point is being reached and to deal with it safely and effectively. The sun shines, grass is green, the seas wet and children misbehave, its nature; realistically children are testing the boundaries, how far can they push their luck with mummy and daddy? and its important they know. Depending on the age of the child it is often enough to walk away for a minute, calm down and return to the situation with a clear mind. Of course this first means ensuring the child is not in a dangerous situation prior to leaving the room to calm down. The best way to prevent reaching breaking point is to prevent the situation that caused the issue in the first place. There are many typical traits of children that can be approached calmly and respectfully which will hopefully reduce the negative behaviour of child and increase the positive behaviour which will in turn benefit both the child and the parent. Once boundaries are set, its important to remember them, after all what we find amusing, comical child like behaviour in the home may not be as amusing in say a shopping centre, but to the child, they are simply repeating something they did previously, if the reaction from the parent is different then this will simply cause confusion.

Telling off a child for bad behaviour is an essential part of parenting. It is however important to remember that children are often seeking attention. If the only way they seem to get attention is through bad behaviour then this will continue. Praise your child for good behaviour regardless of whether you asked for them to do it or not. For example, well done, you ate all your dinner - aren't you a clever boy, How amazing are you - you cleared your toys away without me asking etc. Reward with cuddles and quality time as opposed to bribery with sweets!

Younger or older siblings can often be the source of rivalry and jealousy. Do all the children feel equally loved and have an equal share of your attention? A new baby can make things especially difficult with the constant demands of a new born but the older child may become extremely jealous. Get the older child involved with the younger child so they feel grown up and important. More important is making sure the older child gets quality time with the parent whether it be a trip to the park or cuddles and a story.

Anyone with children will be aware of the tantrum. Whether it be in the home or in the middle of a busy shopping centre the way in which the situation is dealt with must be consistent. A tantrum is often the way a child vents frustration or anger over a situation they feel they have no control over or the outcome is not what they wanted. Talking to the child as opposed to shouting is most important - why should they stop screaming and shouting if that's what they see their parent doing the same? Talking to the child patiently and explaining their behaviour is not going to help the problem, is a good start. Actively helping the child to work through the issue will help them see that the tantrum did nothing but cause upset. For example a child throwing a tantrum because they spoilt their picture can be calmed by the parent getting involved and helping them start again or altering the original. A tantrum in the shopping centre can often be caused by boredom for the child which can be prevented by involving the child - you hold my shopping list, can you find the shampoo etc. Tantrums do cease but the quicker they cease the better! Distraction is often the key and of course the embarrassed smile on your face while other parents judge you and your child as though their child is a complete angel.