Norland nanny’s tricks for royally good behaviour!
A graduate of the prestigious college where the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's nanny trained has revealed her advice to parents for disciplining their children. Louenna Hood, 36, from Suffolk, graduated from Norland College, the world's most elite nanny school, 15 years ago and has worked with many high-profile families since. She told FEMAIL: ‘ There is no denying that parenting can be hard at times, particularly when you are sleep deprived and with often confusing and conflicting advice out there.' HERE, she reveals her top tips on how to discipline little ones.
IT’S OK TO SAY NO
'Don't be scared of parenting, or of saying no for fear of hurting your child's feelings or ruining your friendship bond. ‘By giving children everything they want, we make them miserable, greedy and unlikable,' Louenna explained. We don't want to constantly say no. If your child knows what your rules are, they won't even need to ask. Be firm and fair and make sure you're always reasonable. ‘No should mean no, not maybe. Don't let the situation go on and don't negotiate,' the nanny added.
BE CONSISTENT
'Have your rules and stick to them. My rules are that we eat well, sleep well and have good manners and be kind to others,' Louenna continued. Consistency is key. Children must know your reaction will be the same every time in that situation. For example if a parent laughs at a behaviour one day, then tells the child off the next for the same thing this can be very confusing for them.
BE STERN WHEN THEY BREAK THE RULES
‘With regards to hitting, if you are holding your child when they hit you, put them down on the floor and tell them in a stern manner that you are very upset and they must never hit anyone. ‘Ask them to apologise and don't pick them up until the moment is completely over.'
LET THEM RUN AROUND TO TIRE THEM OUT
Children will be children and I try to let them be as free as possible to use up all the energy they have, so they don't start climbing the walls,' Louenna said.‘fresh air has a big impact on children's behaviour so try and let them run and shout and be silly when they can. When behaviour does matter, you can ask them to stop jumping around without feeling guilty.
DON’T BE SCARY
We want their individual personalities to shine through so they develop in to the characters they are. ‘Your children should never be scared of you or wonder what your reaction will be. Take in to consideration your child's situation, if they are overtired, they'll be irritable and if they are hungry they will probably act up', the Norland nanny explained. ‘Try and put yourself in your child's shoes and always think ahead so these situations don't arise. Explain to your child why they can't have/do something so they know you are being reasonable – there should always be a reason.
Consistency is key. Children must know your reaction will be the same every time in that situation