Up to 1 year old

• Be realistic in your expectations, this is an age of exploration and discovery and a parent's job is to make it safe for their child to explore.
• Parents, have your eyes and ears on your child at all times.
• Create a child friendly and safe home for your family.  Distract your child if they do get into something unsafe, and once distracted change your home to keep your child safe.
• Redirect your child’s attention to a more appropriate activity or area of the home.

1-2 year olds

• At this age, the journey of discovery becomes a whirlwind of learning, so keep routines as regular and predictable as possible.
• Tell your child what to do instead of what not to do. For example: “Walk in the house” instead of  “No running in the house!”.
• At this age children are sponges and mimics, they watch and copy everything you do and say.  It is important for parents to model the behavior they want their child to learn.

3-5 year olds

• This is the “eager to please age”. Children want to be involved and close to you.
• Catch your child being good and thank them.  This will help reinforce positive behaviour in your child.
• Offer your child a choice. For example: “Do you want to wear your blue shirt or your yellow shirt today?”.
• Is your child misbehaving or not able to cope? Are they frustrated, tired or hungry? Often children can’t tell parents why they are feeling, but show us with their behaviour that they are having problems. 
• Respect and acknowledge your child's feelings. All feelings are acceptable, but all behaviour is not.

6 - 8 year olds

• Instead of always saying “No” to your child, try: “you can have it when you’ve completed your homework” or “you can call your friend when your chores are done”.
• Use natural and logical consequences. A child not making their bed in the morning will have to sleep in their own messy bed that night.
• Listen to them as they express their feelings. All feelings are acceptable but all behavior is not. Inappropriate behavior needs limits. Feelings don’t need anything but to be heard. 

Remember...

• Crying is one of a baby’s only means of communication.
• Tantrums are small emotional volcanoes … the result of too much stress for a small person to contain.
• Toddlers are not really equipped to calm themselves down. They need our help.
• Appreciate your child’s efforts – it’s easy, pleasant and powerful.