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 Behaviour and Development

• If your child bursts into tears when told they're not well enough for school - they really aren't! (stealthsquiggle)
• Be sure to pop to the loo BEFORE giving your child the colouring pens... (NormaSknockers)
• Delay teaching your child to tell the time for as long as possible. That way, they're still oblivious to the fact that you put them to bed at 5.20pm on a regular basis. (LeQueen)
• Never ask a child IF they need the loo... (moodlum)
• When you find a red plastic shovel and two Barbies in the cat litter tray, it's time to put a child gate across the doorway. (Mmmcoffee)
• Good way to stop a toddler tantrum? Blow gently on their face. The shock makes them stop and, if you giggle and blow again, they (generally) giggle back. (tonesishere)
• Write down the names of children you know in the back of your diary/address book. When you're writing birthday cards and can't remember whether this particular Isabelle is really an Isobel or an Izabel, you'll be grateful. (frightstick)
• No matter how frustrated you get, and no matter what heinous crimes they are being blamed for, do not shout at your child's imaginary friends in public. (justaboutautumn)
• Allow your baby or toddler a treat once a week and give it on food shop day when they become unsettled in the trolley. (Knickers0nmaChoppedOffhead)
• If your child keeps putting their shoes on the wrong feet, tell them not to put the Velcro tabs next to each other or they will fight. Then demonstrate 'fighting Velcro'. You may look mad if another adult walks in but it works. (greenwoodpecker)
• Let your children play with their Lego on the floor on a blanket. When it's time to tidy up you just pick up the blanket and pour it all back into its container. (purplemonkeydishwasher)
• If you're going to be all smug about how organised you are to have dinner prepared and in the slowcooker by 9am, do check that the slowcooker is turned on at the plug... (claireybee)
• Remember: you are in charge; not your children. It's so easy to forget sometimes... (FrazzledFairyFay)
• Sometimes it is easier just to believe that the cat DID draw on the wall... (Flamesparrow)
• If your baby does a bright green poo and has a slightly snotty nose, they are probably brewing a cold. If your child does a bright green poo, has no snotty nose and the green crayon is missing, they have probably eaten it. (Indith)
• Screechy toddler? Lower your voice to a whisper and you'll find they shut up to listen to what you're saying. This works especially well if your words include chocolate and buttons. (whomovedmychocolate)
• A toy watering can makes an excellent hair rinsing aid when bathing toddlers. (PussinJimmyChoos)
• If you have a fussy eater, make a list of the healthy foods your child will eat and rotate them. (Karathraceandherspecialdestiny)
• Need an all-embracing toy for your toddler of 18 months upwards? Go for a set of good quality skittles. Toddlers will develop good hand-eye coordination and hopefully a lot of patience! (stcuthbert)
• An old-fashioned telephone with a dial front keeps my toddler daughter amused for hours. Considerably cheaper than a mobile! (freudianslips)
• When your small baby gets into a too-tired-to-feed-too-hungry-to-sleep tizz there's nothing like a blast of serious white noise. Use the sound of your hairdryer or vacuum cleaner and watch baby calm at the flick of a switch - literally. (phlossie)
• On rainy days, never underestimate how much fun a tent made from bed sheets and a few chairs can be. (NormaSknockers)
• Keep a couple of spare shoeboxes in your wardrobe. On the day your child announces at 8.32am, Mrs A says we MUST bring in a box for junk modelling today, you will be glad of them. (snice)
• We told our 3 year old, who wouldn't drink milk, that her little sister would grow bigger than her if she didn't drink it. It has worked a treat. I'm not sure what time frame she thought we were working on... (ohIdoliketobebesidethe)
• If your kids aren't sleeping in this heat, send them to bed with a frozen ice pack wrapped in a tea towel. It's sort of the reverse of going to bed with a hot water bottle in the winter! (Earlybird)
• Children whinging? Wail and moan with them. My two stop immediately, stare at me, then burst out laughing. The novelty will no doubt wear off soon but it's been a very useful tactic so far! (neutralshade)
• Buy a cheap diary (academic ones are about now) and whenever your kids do or say something memorable (good or bad!), write it down. You'll all love reading it when they're older. (doodleboo)
• To ensure peace when sorting laundry, get your little one involved by asking them to pair socks! (addictedtovicounts)
• Take a cool box on long travels filled with ice and lots of drinks. It's handy if you want to take a break and a lot cheaper than buying at a motor way stop. (luckymike)
• Draw a large apple or other fruit on a piece of paper. Get kids to collect stickers off fruit and veg and see who can make the biggest collage with them. It helps them to get through their five a day and be more experimental. (Mousie)
• Got hard/laminate floors and a toddler? Get your toddler to lie down on a blanket and drag them round the house for 5 minutes. It's a hoot! (treacletart)
• Whenever my house looks like a bomb's hit it (which is often), I think of my grandmother's saying: Cleaning your house while your kids are still growing is like shovelling snow while it's still snowing. This has kept my blood pressure low for many a year. (katrinao)
• Take your energetic toddler with you when visiting car showrooms - you get a salesperson's attention and assistance VERY quickly! (mistlethrush)
• Never underestimate teething! (singalongamumum)
• To help young children get their pumps on the right feet for PE, draw half a smiley face at the bottom of each pump on the inside. They can then put the two together to make a whole face and the pumps will be in the right places for putting on. (lilibet)
• Always buy two sunhats and keep one in the car. That way, you'll always one to hand if the weather suddenly turns sunny. (monno2)
• I never remembered to do my pelvic floor exercises, so I decided I'd do them each time I sent a text/SMS. Great way of making sure you do them several times a day. (ilovesoup)
• Always keep a carrier bag with a kitchen roll and some wipes in the boot of your car. One (vomity/dog-poo-shoe/fruit-juice-spill) day, you will be very grateful you did! (snice)
• ALWAYS check the pockets of your child's uniform before putting it in the wash. So far this term, we have found a rock, collectors cards and several small toys... (sockmonkey)
• Keep a wicker box by the front door. Hats/suncream/gloves/scarves (delete as appropriate, depending on the season) go straight in there when you come in, and then are ready for when you want to go out. Saves hours of hunting. (snickersnack)
• Want your children to eat more fruit? Give them just one bowl to share. They'll be so worried about the others getting more than them, they'll scoff it down, no matter what it is! (KarenPR)
• If you intend to breastfeed, put helpline numbers for breastfeeding support networks in your mobile phone. (MamaG)
• If, like me, you have tried everything and still can't chop an onion without crying, try chopping one with a teaspoon in your mouth. Bizzarely enough, it actually works!! (thegirlwiththecurl)
• Use old chocolate box trays to make ice cubes. Kids will love the different shapes. (grumpalumpa)
• Don't throw away the plastic tops from aerosol cans. Wash them thoroughly as they make ideal stacking beakers for children to play with in the bath or sand pit. (grumpalumpa)
• Never watch Big Cook Little Cook, if you are suffering from morning sickness. It could make you feel a lot worse!! (cherrylip)
• If you're finding meat expensive, make lots of stews and casseroles that can be bulked out with vegetables, and use less meat. (CatchaStar)
• My daughter never had a nappy rash whilst she was wearing a nappy. I always washed her bottom with baby soap and water and applied vaseline - nappy rash free and a super soft bum. (Moonlit)
• Chuck a can of lentils in to your spag bol to make it go further while adding loads of important nutrients. No-one will taste them or know that they're there! (Thankyouandgoodnight)
• Don't make chocolate rice crispy cakes with the kids when you're on a diet. (lillypie)
• If you want to make left overs go a bit further, blitz them up and then add stock to make a yummy soup. (Thankyouandgoodnight)
• Smile more. Say please and thank you more. Hold the door more. Be generous. Be giving. Be kind. Too many people are inhibited and it comes across as rude. LETS CHANGE THE WORLD! (frumpyThegrumpyReindeer)
• No matter how well you think you've hidden your children's Christmas presents, always, always, ALWAYS cover them in a bin liner so they cannot be glimpsed (sob). (estarofwonder)
• If you or your kids have a nasty coughing attack, a drink of fizzy water really helps to break the cycle and stop it. (SpankyouHardOnChristmasNight)
• Make easy christmas cards with your baby. Cut out a christmas tree shape on green card and use finger paints on their fingers to decorate the tree - simple! (AttillaTheSaHanTa)
• Take toys out of the boxes, take the plastic cable ties off and assemble them or put batteries in, before you wrap them, to avoid tears and frustration on Christmas day. (FrazzledFairyFay)
• If poorly toddlers and young children are not hungry offer puree'd fruit baby food, it tastes nice and is easy to swallow and digest and you will know they have had something in their tummies. (Lowfat)
• Instead of taking your children on expensive days out, go on a woodland hunt or a bike race round the park. Even take them to see the Christmas lights in town. It's a FREE day out and much better for children to be out in the fresh air. (CatchaStar)
• Save prizes from cereal and fast food kid's meals and then use them for potty training or reward chart treats. It solves the problem of the toys distracting from eating too. (TheButterflyEffect)
• I always have a book on hand to read to my toddler while breastfeeding my new baby. It keeps her out of trouble and feeling loved. (Simasmum)
• When feeding a newborn baby in the night try to find an alarm clock/light with a dimmer switch so you don't have to get out of bed. (oysterpots)
• Type out address labels for your Christmas cards, will not take much longer than writing and will be ready for next year. (MarmadukeScarletbloodstains)
• Trust your instincts! You have them for a reason. No other baby is like yours, no other mum is like you. (momai)
• If you find yourselves deluged by your children's finished school books, scan you favourite pages onto the computer so you have a long lasting and space saving record of their achievements. (thegirlwiththecurl)
• Use reverse psychology. My two year old will quickly do something if I say I bet he can't do it! (monty)
• If your children are saying they're getting bored and have nothing to play with, try sorting out their toys to give away to charity. They'll want to play with everything again! (hugeheadofhair)
• Don't waste your money buying big highchairs. The cheap booster seats that fit onto normal chairs work just as well and your baby can sit at the table with you as they get older. (Nbg)
• Don't be seduced by the shops' autumn chunky knits and coats until you have audited your existing autumn wardrobe. You'll have forgotten what you wore this time last year and could save loads of money! (LouBolla)
• A sticker from their favourite magazine on top of a normal plaster makes a great substitute for kiddies Mr Bump plasters. (slipperthief)
• When you're going to be out in a busy place, like the zoo or a festival, dress your kids in the same colour. It makes it easier to keeps tabs on them at a glance. (estar)
• If you're going somewhere like a wedding or other celebration to stop the kids getting too bored pack a goody bag with some new magazines or toy, cheap pens, paper & stickers and a small snack. (tma)
• Keep a record of every penny you spend for a whole month, it will make it easier to see where you could make savings. (kslatts)
• Later in pregnancy put a carrier bag on your seat in the car. It makes it easier to swing yourself out of the car, especially if you're suffering from something like SPD. (Girlypie)
• To help your newborn settle in the bath, place a warm, wet flannel on their tummy. Also ensure that they can touch the end of the bath with their feet. (AttillaTheHan)
• Take the free magazines that supermarkets give away for your kids to cut up and make collages - a nice cheap rainy day activity! (Miaou)
• For reusable nappies, soak in water, milton and white vinegar to get them looking as good as new and as soft as ever. (KnickersOnMaHead)
• When taking children round the supermarket, give them the list & get them to tick off what you buy. It keeps them busy & gives you a hand! (Whizzz)
• If you are pregnant, when people ask "are you having a girl or a boy", and you don't want to get into it, just say "I hope so". (Spink)
• To stop baby socks getting lost in the wash put them all together in a 'washing tablet' net bag. (Lizzzombie)
• To save money on washing powder, use only one washing tablet in each load and add a spoonful of soda crystals. (pinkmunkee)
• When your babies have finished with the countless muslins that every mother has, recycle them as cleaning cloths. (FrazzledFairyFay)
• Upload your photos to an online resource like picasa web, that way if anything goes wrong with your computer you don't lose all your photos. (Frizbe)
• When cooking, keep tupperware and plastic bowls in the bottom cupboards so your baby can 'cook' with you (Rosiemw)
• Arrange a night out and wear stillettos. Then drink wine. (Dozer)
• If your little ones object to having sun lotion on, buy coloured sun block and paint their faces! (psychicsheep)
• If you have any magazines or comics that are going to be thrown, cut out pictures and adverts from them first. Little ones will have great fun sticking them onto paper and making a collage. (rosmerta)
• If your baby squirms when you are trying to change her, try wearing a pair of mirrored sunglasses. My eight month old stares at herself in them just long enough to allow me to get the clean nappy on. (witchypoo)
• If you are expecting a baby add at least 2 weeks on to your due date to avoid all those people saying haven't you had that baby yet? after about 38 weeks! (CaptFabioHiltsCatInTheCooler)
• A couple of drops of essential oil (I use lavender) in the toilet bowl, after flushing, gets rid of nasty smells without the need for spraying air fresheners (FrazzledFairyFay)
• When going on a self-catering holiday, bring a packet of Pronto Risotto in your bag. It means if the shops are shut you have something for your first meal. (blueskythinker)
• When you are trying to change the nappy of a toddler, use the poppers on the vest and secure it over the shoulder to keep clothes out of the way. (Lupins71)
• For a stain-free ice lolly on hot days, use flavoured water to make them instead of cordial or shop bought ones. (tiredandnowty)
• Porridge is great for toddlers who are insisting on feeding themselves. It sticks to the spoon! (lillypie)
• If your baby's room smells but you don't want to spray with air freshener, pour a box of bicarb into a shallow dish and leave in there overnight. (pooches)
• Baby store catalogues are fantastic for babies and toddlers - they love all the pictures of other children! (moonpigdotcom)
• Do not cycle open-mouthed under trees from which caterpillars may be dangling. (DidMcD)
• For children too young to handle pocket money, start your own 'shop' at home - they can earn points for good behaviour and exchange them for sweets or little treats. (estar)
• If you have a grizzly toddler, play chase around the garden or just around the table. She'll forget her woes and enjoy the attention. (jessi)
• If your child is quiet, investigate! Kids often play quietly when they're doing something wrong, like - as in my daughters case - eating margarine from the fridge. (Elf1981)
• Remember, a brat is just someone else's kid doing the same kind of things your kid does. (Twiglett)
• If your children are reluctant to share or take turns, invest in a sand timer. Their go is until the sand runs out. In my experience, they often stop arguing and just stand and watch the sand! (Mowlsey)
• Kids not taking turns? Invest in a sand-timer so they can time their turns. They often stop arguing and just stand and watch the sand! (Mowlsey)
• If making a starchart, do one for everyone in the family. Let the kids choose at least one thing for parents too. This makes them feel as though they're part of something, rather than having certain behaviours imposed on them and it stopped me swearing! (helsy)
• Children do the last thing they hear, so instead of saying don't walk on the road, say walk on the pavement. (porgia)
• Instead of a sticker chart, use a pasta jar. Each week, put five pieces of dry pasta in a jar let your children earn extra pieces or lose them. At the end of the week, count out the pieces of pasta and then swap each piece for 10p pocket money. (SoupDragon)
• As much as possible, avoid saying No - try to tell your child what you want them to do, rather than what you don't. (PrettyCandles)
• Make up a solution of soapy water in an empty liquid soap bottle for one handed hand washing for those moments when you cannot put your screaming baby down after changing. (Californifrau)
• To help teach your child to catch, start with a balloon. It travels much more slowly than a ball. (shazronnie)
• To get your toddler to behave in the supermarket make a picture list and get them to help you find the items on it. It's fun and keeps them occupied. (schneebly)
• Get kids to have their own household tasks as early as possible. My three year old has just started putting his pyjamas under his pillow each morning. Not much, but a welcome start... (mousie)
• If your child hates getting out of the bath, take the bath toys out first and pull the plug - once the water and toys ar gone they'll be no fuss about getting out themselves! (lollie)
• For a young child's birthday party wrap small presents up and do a treasure hunt. This way each child gets a prize and there are no tears. (threelittlepigs)
• A great way to keep a seven month old occupied in the supermarket is to tie a helium baloon to the shopping trolley. My son will play with it all the way round. (gabble)
• Say yes rather than no. Instead of No, you can't play until you've tidied your room try Yes, of course you can play once you've tidied your room. Simple but it makes such a difference. (AggiePanther)
• You can 'earn' co-operation by spending time playing with, praising and cuddling your child. Once I had discovered this, my children 'rewarded' me with good behaviour! (CorduroyAngel)
• Pay pocket money according to the help that is given around the house. It's amazing how much more helpful my kids have been since we started doing this. (jona)
• It is impossible not to feel calm if you take deep, slow, breaths. This works for hurt crying children, angry 'hard done by' children, and of course up to their eyeballs stressed out parents. (214dbe)
• Vaseline makes a handy alternative to wet-look hairgel. Unfortunately it takes 3 hairwashes and a buzz cut to remove vaseline from a 5 year old's hair. (SoupDragon)
• Buy an egg timer so that you can time 'time out' for naughty behaviour. Watching the sand also helps to distract from the situation. (SRM)
• Turn all the chores you hate into your child's favourite game - makes you get on with them, and makes it more fun too! (tortoiseshell)
• When my sons are at a loose end at home, I keep reminding them of when we will next be busy/going out. Knowing their downtime is only temporary gives them a little more motivation to make use of it. (tigermoth)
• A great way to keep your toddler amused is to give him a plastic bowl, a wooden spoon, some flour,butter and water and let him make pastry. (gloworm)
• If your little one likes to paint, why not use an ice-cube tray to put the paint in. Then you don't put too much paint out, there is enough space for some water and you can wash it easily under the tap afterwards. Works a treat! (mumbojumbo)
• Diversion is a parent's best friend. Instead of shouting NO! at your stroppy toddler as he/she is about to start a tantrum, take a deep breath and say Oh, look at this! Wow, isn't this interesting.... and point to something just out of sight. (Crystal)
• Don't ask yes/no questions to a toddler. Is it time to go to bed? will be met with No. Try Which do you want to carry upstairs, your book or your blankie? (oliviab)
• For toddler nappy changes, re-clip the vest over the shoulder to prevent baby's clothes trailing in anything unsavoury. Now all you have to do is catch them! (Waswondering)
• To keep a two year old occupied whilst cooking, fill the sink with plastic cups, bowls and spoons and an inch of water. Pull up a chair and you're guaranteed a good fifteen minutes peace. (veg)
• If your child enjoys painting, use an ice-cube tray to put different colour paints and water in. As well as being just the right size, it washes out easily after use. (mumbojumbo)
• If something needs to be shared between siblings, let one cut it in half and the other choose their share first... it stops all the, He's got more than me arguments! (kabba)
• If, like me, you struggle to get shoes and socks on an active toddler, wait until they are strapped into their buggy or car seat ready to go out to put them on. (Demented)
• Get your toddler to help with jobs like the cleaning, washing etc (eg let him put the wet clothes in the dryer, give him a duster etc). It makes them feel important and lets you get on with the chores. (rachel1)
• When my daughter has a major strop I pick her up and tell her Mummy loves you, Daddy loves you, Grandma loves you etc - she's not keen at first, but by the time we get to far-flung cousins she usually joins in! (nmd)
• Having a problem getting them out of the bath? Turn it into a game; You have to get out before all the water goes down the plug hole works for us. (Unicorn)
• If you're toddler refuses to clean their teeth or get dressed, tell them you're going into another room and that they should come and get you when they're ready to do the task. They get a feeling of control and you get a few minutes break when they're driving you batty. (welshmum)
• If you're having trouble getting your toddler into their car seat because they wriggle too much, give them a toy or your keys to hold to distract them (but don't let them lock themselves in!). (KatieGibson)
• I'd really recommend a bath visor (Boots)for children who hate having their hair washed. My son used to scream the house down unitl I got one,now I just tip the water over his head and not a drip gets through. It looks cool too! (Kymbo)
• The two best distractions I have found to keep a baby or toddler fairly still while I'm changing her nappy are a small safe mirror or tinted swimming goggles. (Prettycandles)
• Buy an egg timer so that you can time 'time out' for naughty behaviour. They calm down because they're busy watching the sand and it means it isn't too long but is still effective! (SRM)
• Instead of a sticker chart, we use a pasta jar. Every Saturday, I put five pieces of dry pasta in a jar and throughout the week my son's can earn extra pieces or lose them. On Saturday, we count out the pieces of pasta and then swap each piece for ten pence pocket money. (SoupDragon)
• I used to have problems getting my three year old to pee before her bedtime. She would always protest and usually she would end up throwing a temper tantrum. Now I tell her that under no circumstances must she pee. Invariably she does, without any tears or fuss. (stephanie6)
• Help your child to overcome worries by writing and illustrating a short story about things that concern them. 'When I fell over at playschool' and 'When there was a thunderstorm' are two of my daughter's favourites. (Enid)
• If you and your toddler are about to get into a big argument over something trivial laugh to diffuse the situation. Laughter is infectious and after a good laugh you can chat to them in a calmer tone about why you were angry. (gtyrell)
• Agree with your children in advance what the family will be doing over a weekend and give them choices. Once we've all agreed on a plan of action, it's easier to get the children to do the less fun bits, like homework and tidying up. (Tigermoth)
• Allow your child simple choices in everyday routine, eg. would you like your milk in the blue or the orange cup? It makes them feel involved and have a sense of control of their environment, without any cost to you, which means parent and child are both happy! (bighug)
• If you are having trouble getting a child to finish bathtime or any other activity, an oven timer can really help. Ours has evolved from a deadline setter to a gentle reminder for us all as our son has got older! (marina)
• Next time you're dealing with a tantrum, tell your little one to look in your pocket/bag to see if there's any patience in it. Tell her, good humouredly, that she uses up a little bit of patience every time she's stroppy and what will we do if you run out? It's a distraction, of course, but one which had mine go from hysterical tears to laughter in minutes. She even took some patience out of my pocket and fed it to me - tantrum forgotten. (Hatter)
• If you're moving house, keep a pack of felt tip pens or crayons handy. My two have been busy for ages colouring on the boxes and the huge sheets of packing paper. They've hardly noticed their toys disappearing around them. (Hilary)
• When taking your toddler out for a meal always have an entertainment pack in your bag; a pack of wax crayons, a notepad, a book and a few building bricks. (Hulababy)
• If you need to get things done in the kitchen, sit your toddler on the draining board, feet in the sink and have the tap running slowly. Toss in a few plastic cups and my sone will play quietly for ages. Just make sure you're close by in case they stand up and put a towel down to catch spills. (Enchanted)
• If you're trying to get a child to do something quickly, time them! I keep a stopwatch handy in the kitchen drawer. It's particularly useful in the morning, when I'm trying to get them to school. (monty)
• Remove TVs and other distractions from your child's bedroom. It may seem harsh but our daughter has lost her agressive manner and her attention span has increased dramatically. (Lesleydawn)
• Talk to your baby from the 1st day and name everything you do and tell her what everything is. We've been doing this from day one and our daughter has an amazing vocabulary for her age. (Stressyhead)
• When my two daughters (aged two and four and a half) won't share a toy it just gets put away until later. No blaming, no fuss and they soon find something else to play with! (batey)
• Let your baby have regular showers instead of baths. This ensures the baby is not afraid of water and makes swimming and hair washing problem free. Our son has been showering since he was a month or so old and loves water. (Enchanted)
• Painting with toddlers can be more trouble than it's worth. I put mine in the bath, no clothes on, give them the paints and brushes and tape a big piece of paper to the tiles. When they've finished, turn the shower attachment on the bath, tiles and your child. (Fagan)
• Avoid toddler tantrums by warning the child in advance what they can expect e.g. when it is time to leave the toy shop or playground let them know he only has few minuets left and keep reminidng him. (Cori)
• If your child is a champion dribbler and bib-remover, invest in a few washable wool vests. Wool doesn't get soggy like cotton, and stays warm even if it's damp, so you don't need to change everything every time their top is soaked by dribble. (prettycandles)
• We've used muslins as comforters for baby since she was born. The good thing is that you can buy them in packs, so if one gets lost it's easy and cheap to replace. (gillsa)
• Attach a wind chime by a piece of string to the ceiling over your change mat, just out of reach of your baby and give her a wooden spoon so she can hit the chimes and make a noise as you change her nappy. (julesbees)
• if you want your children to do something quickly, like putting their shoes on, tell them they have to do in it in 10 and then start counting up. Deadlines (even if they aren't for real) definitely get mine moving in the right direction. (Tigermoth)
• Always promote independence in your child, you'll be surprised what they can do at such a young age. I encourage my two year old to help unload the washing machine and load the tumble dryer and he loves to water the garden with the hosepipe for me! These activities are a novelty for young children and it eases the load a little. (atomicblonde)
• When my two children are waiting for birthdays and other special days, I use mark all the days left on a piece of paper and let the children use stickers to fill in the days. It's a great way of counting down days and the kids love using the sickers. (sharon80)
• We try our hardest not to say No in our house. Instead we say Yes, tommorrow, Yes but not today or You can have one next time This works a treat and we find that after a little negotiation it really cuts down on tantrums while we are out and about. (atomicblonde)
• If your toddler is at the hating the supermarket stage.. go at lunchtime and make a packed lunch box. I put my son in a big trolley with his lunch box and just about make it to the checkout before he starts to whinge! (jessi)
• If you think that your child isn't developing the way you expected then talk to your health visitor/playgroup leader/ GP. Don't just sit and worry. It might just be that your child is taking their time and they'll catch up when they are ready. (bethscott)
• If your child hates having their hair washed, buy them a pair of swimming goggles. It keeps the water out of their eyes and may just be the thing to sway them into thinking that hairwashing can be fun. (monty)
• If your three+ year old is battling against having their teeth cleaned, try buying them their own battery/electric toothbrush (there are even ones with musical timers now). Our son loves it and they probably get teeth cleaner too(although they still need to be supervised). (Mo2)
• Make sure there are some cupboards that your little one is allowed to explore. Putting them all off limits makes them more attractive; save the child proof locks for the dangerous or fragile items. Giving her a saucepan cupboard to explore can be a useful distraction when you're cooking. (KristinC)
• To avoid traffic jam tantrum meltdowns, keep an emergency snack kit in your car. Fill it with crackers, dried fruit and juice boxes. If you get stuck somewhere and the little ones start getting hungry and cranky break out the snacks to stave off low-blood sugar tantrums. (LittleBeth)
• A set of stacking cups is the best value toy we have ever bought - ideal from approx five months to one year. (bossykate)
• I've made up a family of bears and tell my children stories about them. If there is something I think they should learn I just incorporate it into the story and it seems to work very well. (jimdenyse)
• If your baby cries endlessly, try turning on the vacuum cleaner - it sent ours off to sleep every time! (juanita)
• If you have a grizzly toddler, entice them into a game of chase, whether its round the garden on round the table, they tend to forget their woes and enjoy the attention. (jessi)
• For an easy transition from baby bath to big bath, spend several bath-times in the tub with your baby. (ClareB)
• If you're baby only wants to be with you, not in his day cot (hah!) try using a back carrier. Invest in a good one and enjoy the freedom to indulge in such luxuries as watering the garden and mowing the lawn, surfing the net and even the odd bit of cooking. Oh, there's also going for walks too. (PixiePixie)
• Always keep a bag of frozen peas in the freezer. They're perfect for all minor bumps and bruises! (yajorome)
• My toddler hates having her face wiped after meals and I found that if I give her a wipe as well as one for myself and we work together we don't have such a stuggle. (mommyuk)
• If your children get bored on rainy days bake with them, weighing the ingredients helps with maths, and the baking can help with science, and more importantly they enjoy it and don't realise they are learning. (sarahlou)
• Just a simple little tip for those whose children have not yet learnt how to let go of things they shouldn't be holding (such as your hair, the kitchen knife etc.) If you gently press on the back of the childs hand with your thumb the child's hand will open and the child will let go of what he/she has a tight grip on. (lizthefizz)
• When your budding body artist scribbles over themselves with biro, use eye make-up remover to get it off easily (clinique clarifying lotion works too!) (babster)
• Use an oven timer to help young children complete tasks eg teeth cleaning. When the dinger goes it's time to stop whatever is going on and complete the job which needs to be done. (Puffin)
• When you have a new baby, a great idea is to get a seperate photo album and every month on the date they were born put a snapshot in it. You end up with a month by month record and its fascinating to see how quickly they change in appearance! (jessi)
• Try to only say no when it's really necessary and then stick to it. Sometimes I think it's good to stop and question yourself why you're saying no before you actually do. Children need to be given the chance to learn from their mistakes as long as it's safe for them to do so. (rosiesmum)
• If your child is having a party but is scared of balloons, get them to paint paper balloon shapes with their favourite colours and age number and then when they are dry you can pin/stick them on the wall just like real ones. (tessiesmum)
• In a confrontational situation offer only two options - to do as asked or a less favourable choice (e.g. go to room) but don't make empty threats. (vicky29)
• Set aside one kitchen cupboard for plastic cups and plates, a few toys and a children's teaset. When you're busy in the kitchen, they too can busy themselves with the spoils of the cupboard without getting into danger. (bon)
• When my son hurts himself, we always kiss the affected area to make it better. So when he has a screaming tantrum, his dad puts his hands over his ears and says 'Ow daddy's ears hurt, they need to be kissed better'- without fail he stops screaming and kisses both ears better (tinyt)
• If your toddler screams loudly when told they cannot do something, say 'Ouch, mummy's ears hurt they need to be kissed better'. This normally works and brings a smile to their face (most of the time). (tinyt)
• Have something handy nearby for when changing baby boy nappies, they always wee when the nappy comes off, we found the lid of a deodorant can particularly useful! (Ems)
• Only say 'no' if you can't say 'yes' and if you say 'no' then mean it! (keaton)
• To pacify a troublesome toddler, plonk her in front of an animated, musical website such as www.fishydance.com. She'll be entranced and you can relax in the knowledge that you're nurturing a web genius instead of a couch potato.
• We have instituted a rule that our 2-year old daughter only gets 3 books out from the shelves at a time, then puts them away before getting more out. (In this, and only this, she is compliant!)
• Don't be embarrassed by the occasional impromptu tantrum/exploding nappy/vomit/act of wanton destruction. Remember all those looking sniffy were kids themselves once.
• If your toddler is rebelling about getting dressed in the mornings, give her a choice of two tops, two pairs of trousers, two pairs of socks etc. That way she gets to feel she's deciding what to wear, but you get some say too.
• Make sure you have a few tubes of bubble solution in your kitchen drawer. Blowing and catching bubbles is a great tantrum buster! (omicron)
• We introduced a system of merits to reward our kids. If they collected 5 they got a treat. We found concentrating on good behaviour as opposed to bad worked well for our middle child in particular.
• A chart encompassing tidying rooms, doing homework, laying & clearing away the table, kindness etc., where 10 ticks = prize, but a cross (for bad behaviour) deletes a tick really does work every now and then. It also lasts for a number of weeks! (Flora)
• Don't ever make a threat to a child you can't/won't carry out. If they're naughty and treats are withdrawn such as TV or computer - fine. But don't threaten to throw away toys or say they won't go to so and so's party when you know you will be going as you'll want to see your own friends! (Rhiannon)
• On the subject of tantrums - whether terrible two's (or ones or fives) there are three words: distraction, distraction, distraction.
• Teach your kids to believe in themselves by asking them what they think, feel etc. (miotk)
• Golden rule of parenting - never try to do anything with your child if they are tired or hungry. My perfect child turns into a monster if he is either. A rest/and or food transforms him. It also transformed my life when I realised it was the key to most problems.
• If you are struggling to get any co-operation from your three year old, try a star chart. My son finds it a very good incentive.
• If your children won't put/keep their seat belts on, make it seem that the car won't start or move until they've got their seat belts on.
• If your child has been naughty, try to involve her in putting it right e.g. if she's broken something get her to help you fix it. It helps build self-esteem and teaches her about consequences. (Clairer)
• I found a great way of getting my stroppy 6-year old son to wear his coat on a very cold day. I took off his shoes, put them in my bag and refused to give them back to him until the coat was on. (TigerMoth)
• If I'm out somewhere for the day with my son, he is allowed a small treat of his choice but I only buy it just before we go home, if he has been good.This helps encourage reasonable behaviour throughout the day. (TigerMoth)
• When you have to make your child do something they don't want to do, don't give them a choice about doing it but about how to do it. e.g. you do have to take your medicine but you can decide whether to have it before or after supper/off the red spoon or the Thomas Tank engine spoon etc. (Jenni)
• If your child has done something he knows he shouldn't have (obviously it depends on what it is), instead of scolding, start laughing! Your child will look at you with new eyes and your stress level will not shoot up! (Charley)
• When telling your child off, gradually lower your voice. They have to listen more carefully. (lexi)
• Whenever my 20 month old son is being difficult, I pretend to start crying. He then stops being naughty and comes and pats me 'better' while we do whatever is needed, then we both have a giggle together when he realises he's been tricked! (Staffy)
• A great way of encouraging children not to tell fibs is to check to see is your nose growing? (cf Pinocchio). Our four year old will clamp his hands to cover his nose if he's told a 'porky pie'. Very funny to witness! (Pat)
• When our 20 month old is protesting about getting into his car seat we let him 'drive the car' (no keys, engine off!) for a few minutes first and it seems to placate him. (motherofone)
• When my children are having difficulty with sharing I use my kitchen timer (a chicken!) and tell them that when the chicken 'rings' they must hand over to the other. They both find this amusing and it seems to work. (frances)
• When my son has a tantrum, I take him up to his room for ten minutes. I explain that he's not in trouble and can play or read a book and have some 'quiet time' (a phrase taken from 'Bear in the Big Blue House'). After the ten minutes I go up to him, we have a chat about it and a cuddle and he carries on with his day. (rys)
• When you have a second baby, keep a few small wrapped gifts for big brother/sister tucked away for those times when a friend or relative sends a present for the new baby but overlooks the older sibling(s).It can reduce those early feelings of jealously! (mollipops)
• When discipling, try not to say 'no' ,try 'lets do it this way' or give alternatives. If you are positive, your child develops self- esteem. (annipan)
• Make a sign that says It's a phase - it WILL pass and stick it on the fridge. Read it aloud when you're at your wits end. (joannie)
• If your child has done something he knows he shouldn't have (obviously it depends on what it is), instead of scolding, start laughing! Your child will look at you with new eyes and your stress level will not shoot up! (Charley)
• Use the chill-out formula - once I had worked it out it changed my life as a full-time mum. An eg: child takes spade and starts chucking soil around the garden creating a huge mess. Instinct is to say stop. My formula says child is amused for say 20 minutes, no harm is done, and it takes 5 minutes to sweep up afterwards. Net gain to parent - 15 minutes peace! (beckyi)
• When they drive you round the bend with constant but why's - just remember how you really longed for their first words. (Joannie)
• When you seem to be saying saying 'No' to everything, try saying 'OK, if I let you do that will you let me do this?' Sometimes the world doesn't stop if your child does what he wants to do, and you get to negotiate something for yourself. (Doobie)
• If your child tends to kick off in the supermarket write a mini shopping list for them (pictures work for pre-reading children). Let them find things on their list and put them in the trolley. (aloha)