1

Catch Your Kid Doing Something Right
Praise goes further than preaching. Encourage your child when they behave well. Show your approval with hugs, kisses and smiles.

2

Share Your Time
Children grow up fast. Take time while you have it- the dishes will always wait. Share your time with your children. Breastfeed your baby, play games, read a book together or help with their homework. Make every moment count.

3

Create A Memory
Turn off the screens and take turns teaching each other games. Even simple activities show your child that an active lifestyle is fun and important.

4

Count to Ten
If your child does something you don't like, try not to respond with anger. Take a deep breath and talk about your feelings after you've calmed down. Tell your child you love her, it's her behaviour you don't like.

5

Cook Together
Prepare meals and snacks together. Children are more likely to try a new food if they have helped to make it. It's a great chance to talk about your day.

6

Create Rules and Stick To Them
Start young - rules are the boundaries that every child needs. Say "Yes" when you can, but make "No" stick. Setting rules you don't enforce will only confuse your child.

7

It's not pestering, it's parenting.
Knowing where your child is makes you feel more secure and shows them that you care. Know the places they hang out, meet their friends and their friends' parents.

8

Offer Choices
Choices help children learn how to make decisions. Offer simple choices, but do not threaten. For example, "You can have broccoli or carrots. You decide".

9

Don't Sweat the Small Stuff
Ignore minor incidents. Learn to accept the noise, clutter and need for attention that comes with children. It won't be long before they are all grown up and you miss all that energy!