Having children can be the hardest yet most rewarding thing you will ever do in your lifetime!

We have put together a collection of simple rules that we believe are good to live by when working and playing with your kids.

1. Don’t be afraid to be the Parent!
   Children need clear boundaries and limits. Don’t be afraid to say no, and ALWAYS enforce the promises you make. Remember – who is running this show? You or your Toddler?
2. Make sure you catch children being good too.
   Parents often make the mistake of only pointing out children’s negative behaviour. When your child is doing the right thing, praise them for it and thank them. You might see more of it!
3. Routines should be predictable.
   Have a loose family routine and try to stick to it. Children respond well with clear and easily anticipated guidelines.
4. When you have to discipline your child, make it quick.
   Explain clearly to your child why they are in trouble. Tell them honestly how you feel and how their behaviour makes others feel. Administer a penalty (for example, 4 minutes in their room) and once complete, encourage your child to say sorry, then let it go. No one likes to continually have to revisit something they did wrong and neither does your child. No lectures please.
5. Show sympathy when you discipline.
   Don't give in, but let your child know that you understand how disappointed they must be having to miss out on going to their friends house, or staying up to watch their favourite TV show as a result of their punishment. You don’t need to be over the top about it, but a little sympathy is OK. it helps to show you really are human!
6. Be all eyes and ears.
   If your child gets up to mischief because you were too busy to check on them, you really need to take some responsibility for their failing to meet your expectations. Children still need guidance and an occasional reminder to play well.
7. Children are capable of helping.
   Children learn responsibility from home. It is a great idea to start teaching your children responsibility from a young age. It may be feeding the dog, taking out the recycling, or helping fold washing. Whatever you choose, make it your child’s regular job. Children learn to appreciate the work others do, and you don’t end up being everybody’s maid!
8. Model the behaviour you wish your child to show.
   You are the best person to show your child how to behave properly. If you use your words to settle a disagreement, so will they. This also applies to littering, road rage, sexism and racism.
9. Breathe.
   Before disciplining your child, ALWAYS take 3 deep breaths first. You will react more calmly and will be less likely to shout or over-discipline your child as a result of your initial personal feelings.
10. You can’t be a Super-parent.
    Everyone has bad days and you are only human after all! If you need a break from your child, take one. Ask a friend, family member or partner to look after your child for a period of time so that you can get a coffee, do some shopping or just have 5 minutes to yourself. You were a person before you became a Parent, and everyone needs personal space. You will come back refreshed, relaxed and more patient. It is also nice to have the opportunity to miss your child now and again.

Adapted from 'Ten Guidelines for Living With Children', National Academy for State Health Policy Carolina, 2006