• pause for thought
• stop to think about whether your child is: HALT
o H - Hungry
o A - Anxious
o L - Lonely
o T - Tired
• Or, are you?
Recognize natural childishness
• Recognize the difference between natural childishness and disobedience
• This halves the battles we have to fight
• Adjust your expectations according to their level of maturity
Maintain a Sense of Humour
• find ways to lighten the atmosphere
• laugh together and with other parents
Can you think of an issue where you could work together more effectively as parents? Discuss the issue and try to agree on a joint approach. Brainstorm and write down a few ideas. Then choose one to try out, and review it after a few days or weeks.