Parenting

February 2010 sees the publication of Rob Parsons' new book, The Sixty Minute Family.

In it, you'll discover ten lessons for a strong family life, drawn from Rob's own experiences and from encounters with people he's met along the way; people who know the joys and heartache that come from being a part of a family.

"Reading this could be the best 60 minutes you ever spend." Suzie Hayman, BBC radio agony aunt and author

The autumn term heralds a period of change for parents and children alike - whether it's starting school, moving up to senior school, or spreading wings to start college or a new job. The process of children becoming more independent, and parents letting go, begins when they are small and is especially important during the teenage years. Here are some suggestions you may find helpful:

Keep channels of communication open - find things you and your child enjoy doing together, like watching football, baking a cake; or start your own project, like researching your own family tree. Sometimes it's easier to talk when you're doing something with your child.

Research done during National Family Week seems to show that many of us want to spend more time with our families. Over 3,000 parents and children took part in the survey, with 62% of children saying they spend less than 45 minutes a day doing things as a family - less than five hours a week, including weekends.

When it comes to leisure, only 5% of families say they play sports together, 3% say they read together, and just 2% of parents say they help their children with homework. More than a quarter of all children (28%) and half of all parents (55%) say they want to spend more time with their family.

1. Validate them.
   Children can tell whether you think they are important or not by how seriously you take them. If they come to you with a problem, give them your full attention while they talk to you, no matter how small you think the matter is.
2. Avoid comparisons.
   Don't compare them to their friends or siblings. It can undermine their confidence and knock their self-esteem. Instead, affirm something that is unique about them.

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