A booklet and video entitled 'From Breakfast to Bedtime', which is endorsed by the Department of Health and backed by Tesco supermarkets, includes tips on how to handle 'meltdown moments' from the early morning school rush to tantrums in the supermarket.
NFPI chief executive Mary McLeod said, 'Our research has shown that parents want to hear from other parents in the same situation about what works for them. It's easy for parents to feel undermined by pictures of perfect show-homes with sparkling parents and children, and all the sometimes contradictory advice about how to be the perfect parent.
'Instead, parents want to know that the advice of childcare experts has been put to the test by people they regard as the true experts on raising children -other parents.'
Tips from parents include praising good behaviour rather than only commenting on misbehaviour; avoiding raised voices, as this may only result in children shouting back; and building self-confidence by letting children face new experiences and challenges rather than trying to solve all their problems for them.
The contents of the video and booklet were developed with the help of organisations including the Institute of Psychiatry, the Community Practitioners and Health Visitors Association, and the NSPCC.
Commenting on the video, child psychiatrist Stephen Scott said, 'It is not po-faced or preachy but moves along at a great pace with parents who seem human, and also good photography and music. I have found that one demonstration of "how it can be done" on video is worth 1,000 words of instruction or advice.'
To order a free copy of the booklet and video call 01455 852244, or download a free copy of the booklet from the NFPI website at www.e-parents.org.
