Being a parent

Tips on creating happy, healthy family relationships.

Understanding your child’s behaviour

Children’s behaviour often reflects their feelings and needs. Here are some ways to respond positively:

• It can be challenging but also helpful to reflect on how you were parented and how this might influence the way that you parent your children.
• Try to set consistent rules and firm but fair boundaries to help your child feel safe and secure. This can help you manage their behaviour.
• Can you work out how your child might be feeling? Their behaviour might be caused by a need that is not being met. Maybe they are tired, hungry or feeling ignored.
• Listen to what your child is trying to tell you. Not just in words, but in actions and body language too.
• Show your child how much you appreciate them by spending quality time together.
• Give your child praise for the behaviour that you love to see. Receiving praise makes us feel good and motivates us to repeat whatever it was that created that feel good factor.

There are some fantastic resources available for tips and advice:

• Welsh Government’s Little Book of Feelings
• Advice on all ages and stages of a child’s life from Barnardo’s Family Space
• Advice on challenging behaviour from Young Minds
• Cbeebies Parenting has advice tips and podcasts for parents

Healthy family relationships

You can build healthy family relationships by spending quality time together. This does not need to be expensive. Here are some ideas for low or no cost fun:

• Treasure baskets and junk play
  Use your imagination and see what you can make or do with things like empty boxes and plastic bottles.
• Sofa dens
  Use furniture and blankets to make cosy places to hide, play or eat a snack.
• Water play
  This includes simple things like filling and pouring cups, splashing in the bath, or even doing the dishes can help with children’s development.
• Board games
  Bring the family together and strengthen bonds while boosting important skills. Board games encourage turn-taking, patience, problem-solving, numeracy, strategic thinking, and social skills. You do not need expensive sets. Many classic games are affordable or can be found second-hand.
• Cinema time at home
  Turn the lights off, get some popcorn and watch a family film. You could even make tickets and show guests to their seats.
• Anything that encourages fun and laughter

Looking for inspiration? Find great advice for activities you can do at home as a family and their benefits:

• Cbeebies Parenting – Activities
• National Trust – 50 Things to Do Before You’re 11¾

Managing life as a parent can sometimes be overwhelming. Here are some tips and advice on how to take care of yourself. Remember, looking after yourself will benefit the whole family.

Recognising the signs and times of stress

Common signs of stress include:

• Impatience
• Exhaustion
• Shouting
• Tearful
• Not sleeping well
• Feel you can’t cope
• Anxiety

Changes in family life can be a challenge and create stress. For example:

• Moving house
• Changing schools
• Exams
• Bereavement

Self-care for parents

Before you can calmly manage your child’s feelings and behaviour, it can be helpful to look at how you are feeling yourself.

When you are feeling stressed or tired it is so much harder to look after those around you. Try to make sure you see to your own needs so that you are in a better position to look after others.

Sometimes it can feel like life is too busy for self-care, but some of the things you already do can be thought of as a treat for you. For example, taking some time for a:

• Hot cup of tea
• Shower
• Chat with a friend

Look out for those stress symptoms and take a few moments to look after yourself.

It is also important to recognise that it is a strength to ask for help.

Family Lives – Parenting and Family Support

Visit Family Lives for practical advice and emotional support for parents dealing with stress, anxiety, and family challenges.

YoungMinds – Parents’ Mental Health Support

Explore YoungMinds resources for guides and helpline for parents managing stress while supporting their child’s wellbeing.

NSPCC Learning – Parents’ Leaflets

Access NSPCC resources on coping strategies, mental health, and family wellbeing.