Some Interesting Advice On Parenting

1. Banish snobbery.

There's no place for it when raising children. Whatever your pet hate - be it Barbie, pink plastic ponies, trading cards, combat trousers, huge trainers or spiky haircut - they're not worth getting steamed up about. Having happy, healthy kids is all that really matters. 

2. Use avoidance tactics.

If you are frayed, frazzled or just not coping well, hold back from losing control! Pause - even if for only a few seconds - and think about what you can do best to avoid meltdown. Phone a friend for a chat, put the children in front of a favourite video or give them a treat to lighten everyone's mood. If you feel you are at breaking point, don't be afraid to drop your standards for a moment rather than do or say something you'll regret. 

3. Let them grow.

If your child feels ready to take a new step, don't automatically stop them out of fear or habit. Look at it from their point of view. Is it important to them? Is there any real harm in it? Why shouldn't they? If you still thinks that it's too early for them or that they aren't yet ready, at least you'll have thought through the issues and won't be making arbitrary decisions. 

4. Enjoy their growing up years.

If you focus on, living rather than just achieving you'll never have the chilling realization that you've missed enjoying your kids grow up. Children are only young once.

5. Be mischievous.

Why shouldn't you be a bit eccentric sometimes, even if you embarrass your children in the process? It's better to be nutty parent than a stressed one! 

6. Wear bright clothes.

For days spent with your kids, ditch the adult uniform of greys, browns, and blacks. Cheer up your wardrobe with some casual clothes in a palette of your children's favourite colours. 

7. Debunk the things that frighten your kids.

"That spider couldn't even eat a flea!" "The baddy's fangs are plastic pretend ones," Or, if you are absolutely sure your child won't quote you. "If the angry teacher scares you, imagine him wearing a red plastic nose!" 

8. Let it pass.

Allow the grudges and frustrations of family life to run through your fingers like sand. If you argued with your family in the morning, don't nurse your wrath all day so that the disagreement is resumed as soon as everyone comes home. Just let the anger drain away so that you can start afresh when you regroup.