The Golden Rules of Parenting

[JustineMumsnet]

What would yours be? (We are just mulling this in the office) Mine would be not to say: No, NO NOO, oh alright then...

Children need rules and routines. Children who know what is expected of them are better behaved.

Routine and boundaries are a must and be consistent.

Stop and consider if the "No" that is on the tip of your tongue should really be a "Yes".

Does everyone really faithfully follow all their golden rules. Come on everyone, be totally honest.

I'm just wondering who all those horrible, naughty neglected children I see out and about beling to.

Read to your child everyday.

We are all human AngelsOnHigh and we have our bad days where we get it wrong. I don't think that it matters if most of the time you get it right and are 'a good enough' mum. I think that living with 'the perfect mother' must be hell and a lot to live up to as a DC-it also gives you nothing to laugh about in later years! The most important thing is to keep a sense of humour and not take yourself too seriously!

Go back to that feeling when you first held them in your arms and everything you do for them, do it with that love. Disciplining them, so they know whats right and wrong; feed them good food so they grow up strong and healthy; show your emotions, so they can empathise with others; teach them to be kind and loving. Have a laugh and be silly with them, create your little family routines and happy memories :)

I think that I would be quite happy to have you as a mum LeQueen

Have few rules but stick to them:ie

Good manners
No rudeness
No whining(aaargh whiny children make my teeth itch)
eating at the table-no comments such as "this is yuk/horrible" allowed -eat it or not.
brush teeth twice a day.
Fresh air

As a parent I think it is my job to enforce the above -all the time.
Yes its exhausting but after a while they will know you mean business.

Also lots of pets,lots of books and lots of cuddles

don't read threads like this as they just make you feel as though you are too slack/impatient/shouty etc

Oh Headless my carpet is just like yours - covered in glitter! Was trying to be witty but ended up talking shite!

Never fall out with other parents over children because nine times out of ten the children are friends before bedtime and the adults take months to sort it out.

Unconditional love - no matter what they say or do or how much they wind you up

Love. And a night out with friends once in a while.

Children need food and love...everything else is optional

Remember that no matter what you do, or how you do it, you'll mess some stuff up and they'll blame you for something but, you know what? They'll be fine.

And don't try to make everything alright for them - not if you want independent, confident and happy children.

my golden rule - i have several - wine, chocolate, strong coffee, ear plugs and remembering that the definition for the word 'boy' is man in training... whatever DH does is only giving me a glimpse of the future with DS.

Routine, fresh air, coffee, sleep & someone older at hand to make you feel shit support you.

Mine is only 3 so have probably had it easy, but my rules are:

Never make food/eating a battle
Admit you were wrong and say sorry if necessary
Try to really be with them when you are with them, not thinking about work, texting, etc etc
Always get them in bed before 8
Don't give yourself a hard time if you get it wrong.

always regard your child positivly. They feed off all your good and bad moods and will imitate your behaviour.

yes and also routine, sleep, chocolate and fun! Enjoy being with them.