Provide a safe, child-friendly environment. There is little point in having precious items within the reach of a toddler, when they can be put away until the child is old enough to handle them carefully. For older children, provide opportunities for active play. Apply the Golden Rule. Think about how you would like to be treated if you were to find yourself in the same circumstances as your child, then treat your child that way.
Human nature is human nature, regardless of age.
Show empathy for your child s feelings. Even if the child s behavior seems illogical, the underlying feelings and needs are real and need to be taken seriously. Meet the underlying need that led to the behavior in the first place. If we punish the outward behavior, the still unmet need will continually resurface in other ways until it is finally met. Stay on your child s side.