Strategies that can take the stress out of being a parent.

(From Western Daily Press)

Byline: Lisa Salmon

If shouting, nagging and lecturing the kids is simply a normal part of your parenting life, you're not alone, of course.

But when your children still don't do what you want after you've asked them at least three times, you may long for an easier, less stressful carryon.

Parenting expert Noel Janis-Norton promises that's possible, and has written the book Calmer, Easier, Happier Parenting to describe the strategies she says are necessary to make children aged from three to 13 behave most of the time.

Janis-Norton, a former teacher who runs a parenting centre which helps families improve cooperation and reduce stress, has outlined the techniques she uses at the centre to encourage more parents and children to enjoy each other, without shouting or stress.

She says: "A lot of the time parents are very busy and are just reacting to Share your views Write Western Daily Press, Temple Way, Bristol, BS99 7HD Email wdletters@bepp.co.uk LETTERS, PAGE 17 things and trying to get through the day. We want to achieve a child who respects us and is likely to do what we ask the first time, most of the time."

In a nutshell, the Calmer, Easier, Happier Parenting strategies use a mixture of descriptive praise, planning, talking behaviours through and empathetic listening to make children feel both valued …