Here are some tips for a happy child which have been provided by the Behavioural specialist John Bird, who showed me how to develop positive behaviour.

• Praise is key to developing positive behaviour(s) and confidence.

• Remember you are a parent and not a best friend.

• Happy and well behaved children respond to well defined boundaries and the security and consistency that this provides them.

• Play can provide many natural opportunities to develop / role model positive behaviours.

• Don't be afraid to employ 'consequences' for behaviours you want to change. Young children need this to be immediate i.e, turn away, avoid eye contact and speaking but seek an opportunity to give loads of praise as soon as the child engages in a positive action.

• Don’t be afraid to say no! Children need to be told when they display a negative behaviour but more importantly pair this up by directing the child into an appropriate behaviour where they can receive praise.

• Back up verbal praise with visual clues for the child. Star charts are excellent and provides you with a further positive opportunity to reinforce your child's behaviour.

• Keep language simple. Think about what message the child hears...
* I like the cartoon of the child pulling the cats tail and the mum saying "Don't do that, good girl"

• Communicate your behavioural management plan with everyone who is involved in looking after your child, especially your partner. Consistency in approach is the easiest way to change behaviours.

• Keep a diary of behavioural events. This provides an opportunity to reflect upon and determine actual behaviour and changes as they occur!

• And finally, Remember to praise yourself!