All rules and regulations for children are useless unless they are backed up by true love and security.

Both parents (and anyone else who takes care of your child like a relative, babysitter, or nursery) must agree on discipline rules, must follow through on threats, and must be consistent on a day to day basis with no exceptions.

Expect the same behavior in public as at home.

Do not expect your child to exhibit good behavior when he is hungry or tired (skipped nap or up too late). An afternoon map or "rest time" is necessary for most young children and all infants.

The child who grows up knowing he can "walk all over" his parents will have little or nor respect for them. Do not be a servant for your child; do not change your behavior to suit his wishes; and make sure he does things on your terms. If he demands something "right now", make him wait even a few minutes before giving in to him. Teach him early who the boss is at home.

Encourage your child and help him attain a good self- image, but don’t overdo it. Most children adjust better and demand less if they do not think of themselves as the smartest, prettiest, or cutest child in the world. Don’t overdo complementing your child in their presence. Talk about their good and bad traits after they’ve gone to bed. Try not to gossip or be critical of other people (relatives, neighbors, teachers, etc.) in front of your children.

Behavior including temper tantrums, breath holding, head banging, and other attention getting tactics are normal in two and three year old children. They are best handled by putting the child off by himself while trying to ignore the tantrum. This will take away the child’s audience, and if his actions are getting no one upset, he soon will stop. This is important both at home and in public places. Try to reward you child’s good behavior with your attention.