Ask Supernanny - What Every Parents Wants to Know

A is for Attention.
Positive attention is a powerful way of reinforcing good behaviour. Show your kids that you notice when they do well.

B is for Boundaries.
Boundaries aren't barriers, they are safe limits within which kids can explore and develop. Put the boundaries in place so your children know what's expected of them.

C is for Confidence.
Make your decisions confidently and show your kids you’re happy in your role. It’s all in the tone of voice and body language.

C is for Communication.
Keep talking and listening to your kids and to each other. It’s the key to everything.

D is for Determination.
Focus on achieving your positive goals and make sure you follow through. Find your inner strength.

E is for Effort.
You get what you put in. Go the extra mile in everything you do and you will be rewarded with results.

F is for Family
Recognize the uniqueness of your family and embrace it.

G is for Grandparents.
It’s a true Special Relationship. Grandparents play such an important role in the family dynamic – they’ve earned it!

H is for Honesty.
Honesty is the only foundation on which to build trust.

I is for Involvement
Get your kids involved in what you do. Togetherness strengthens the family unit.

I is for Inner Child
Step into your child’s world and release your inner child.

J is for Journey
Parenting is a journey. Recognize the milestones you achieve along the way and the adversities you overcome.

K is for Kindness
Show your kids compassion and basic human kindness.

L is for Love
Love is unconditional. It’s the strongest force there is.

M is for Manners.
Teach composure and good conduct and lead by example so your kids learn to respect themselves and others.

N is for Nurturing
Nurture your children’s emotional needs.

O is for One-to-One
One-to-one attention bonds the ties between each member of the family unit.

P is for Praise
Give your kids plenty of praise when they do well. Reward good behaviour with positive affirmation.

P is for Promise.
A promise is only a promise when it’s kept.

Q is for Quality Time.
Parenting may be hard work, but it isn’t a chore. Cherish your special moments.

R is for Respect.
Provide your kids with the guidance they need to respect themselves and others.

S is for Sharing
Sharing is the key to social skills and building strength in relationships.

T is for Time
Put the time into your parenting. Manage your time efficiently to keep chaos and disarray at bay.

U is for Understanding.
Acknowledge your child’s viewpoint and put yourself in their shoes.

V is for Values.
Teach your kids your family values and what’s important to you.

W is for Wisdom.
Wisdom comes from experience and from having the courage to step forward and made mistakes – don’t repeat them, learn from them.

X is for kisses.
Kids and parents can’t get enough of them. Be affectionate and tactile.

Y is for you.
Look after yourself and recharge your batteries. If your emotional purse is empty, you’ll have nothing to give your kids.

Z is for Zzzzzzzz
Sweet dreams

Jo Frost (2006) Ask Supernanny - What Every Parent Wants to Know, Hodder and Stoughton, London