One of the most crucial aspects of sound parenting is how consistent you are when dealing with your children. They will get mixed signals if you tell them one thing but forget to reinforce what it is you have asked they do. They will also get mixed signals if you say one thing and do another.

You must lead by example. You cannot tell your children not to drink out the milk carton and then do the same thing yourself! Nor can you tell them to tidy up their clothes when your own bedroom floor is littered with clothes strewn everywhere.

Parenting is more than saying what the right thing is. Parenting is actively demonstrating the right thing. Do your best to do the same things you would like to instill in your children. However you want your children to be you have to be this yourself.

Yes it is easier asking your kids to eat slowly. But if your children see you wolfing down your food they will not bother to eat slowly. You are the authority figure and it is confusing for your children to be told one thing and see you doing the opposite.

You will find you will not have to say much at all to your children, as they will just imitate you. This will happen unconsciously without you having to nag them. Have you ever met a parent who had bad language? Have you ever met their children? It is sad in this case as the children often have the same manner of talking as their parents.

If you are unhappy with how your children are behaving it is best to take a close look at your own behaviour. Are you guilty of doing the very thing you are condemning in your children? If so it's best to be honest with them and admit you are trying your best to change your behaviour. Ask them for help.

Children are much smarter than we give them credit for. They can spot inconsistency a mile off. They are also able to pick up when you are at a weak point (when your guard is down) and take advantage of you.

In a nutshell sound parenting is based on "walking your talk". This is much harder to put into practice than it sounds. But the bottom line is, you are responsible for your own children. And you can do so much to influence their behaviour by your own example.