Parenting styles

Being good role models, knowing where our children are and who they are with, checking up on their plans (especially sleepovers), regulating their access to social media and websites, ensuring devices aren’t disrupting their sleep are key to keeping our youngsters safe from a range of risky behaviours. This is called ‘tough love parenting’, where we agree ‘house rules’, such as mobiles downstairs after 9pm, or home by 6pm if going to the park, and what happens if they break your trust – such as grounding them, stopping their pocket money or limiting gaming, for example.

Children absolutely understand what happens if they break the rules at school, but believe they can wrap us around their little finger as we don’t like rows or a bad atmosphere. However, children need someone to blame and an excuse if they are not allowed to do something – and that’s you! As long as you explain it’s because you love them and move the boundaries as they get older – and offer a positive alternative/ reward instead.