by Valerie Kelly

Created on: May 24, 2008   Last Updated: June 13, 2008

The long summer holidays are almost upon us once again, bringing the age-old problem of how to entertain, protect and generally keep our precious offspring from straying from the straight and narrow. However difficult this may seem to be in this frantic world where most parents go out to work, it doesn't have to be with a little forward planning.

1. Make a wall planner where every day is mapped out beforehand. Your children should always be your No.1 priority with everything being fitted around them not the other way round.

2. Although very young children need 100% input from Mum and Dad, older ones' needs are just as important.

3. Good diet and exercise are crucial and a vital factor in the healthy development of the young. They will never excel at school on regular takeaways from McDonalds. Plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables will see them blossom and thrive. If you have a garden, put it to good use by encouraging them to take part in growing their own produce. Delicious herbs and tomatoes can easily be grown in pots outside the back door.

4. Try to ensure that you have a family meal around the table at least twice a week where everyone is prompted to speak about their day. It should be an informal atmosphere of good food and chat. Great events along life's journey like Weddings, Engagements and Bereavements can bring great joy and healing when the family come together with a lovely home cooked dinner. Any problems that your children have at school will be halved if shared.

5. Restrict the use of computers and playstations. Hours and hours spent on this mind-destroying technology just produces irritable and frustrated children - be strong and stick to your guns, they will soon get used to it. Make the alternatives more interesting. Picnics in the park and building a camp under a tree or a visit to the Lido or the seaside are always popular.

6. Let them have their friends for sleepovers, but make sure that you are in control. Kids need guidelines and perimeters. Letting them stay awake all night and run rampant will only serve to make everyone tired and grumpy.

7. Try to stay calm, if you shout and scream they will do the same. Try to make sure that you have a couple of hours " Me Time" to re-charge your batteries. After all, if you collapse under the strain what will happen to the family?

8. Teenagers will always test you to the limit, they always have! Try and talk TO them not At them. Let them know that you love them and whatever the problem might be, you are always there for them 100%. A parent that truly knows their own child will nine times out of ten pick up when something is wrong - its a gut feeling.

9. Let them have some responsibility. You can't wrap them up in cotton wool so there will come a time when FOR THEIR OWN GOOD you must have a little faith and let them go. Most teens have a mobile so tell them that they can go down the town with their mates only on the condition that they give you a ring at a specific time.

10. Finally, bullying must always be rooted out and brought into the open. Teach them that it is not weakness to report a bully because they will find them in all walks of life as they get older and standing up to them always exposes the coward that they really are.

Keeping all these points in mind, your children will grow up strong and independent and be a credit to your excellent parenting.

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