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Brand new parents with no clue as to how to bring up your kid? We give below some ways to help ease the stress and strain of raising your little ones and prevent behavior problems through good parenting.

• See that you spend enough quality time with your kid. Establishing a regular `together time` on a weekly basis even if it means just going out for a drive will make a big difference to your relationship.
• Keep track of your kid`s friends and the activities they do together. Try to familiarize yourself with their families. Get to know their parents.
• Try to be there after school when your child gets home.
• The dining table is a great place for bonding. Eat together as often as possible and freely discuss your day.
• Never hesitate to ask or answer questions. Involve your kids in all important family decisions. This will pave the way for your child to open up to you when the need arises.
• Never show shock or any immediate reaction to what your child tells you. Do not get worked up or act impulsively. Instead, discuss the matter in a calm manner and do not show excitement or lose your temper whatever the provocation may be.
• See that you follow a good value system so that you can be a good example to your kids. When you show qualities like compassion, kindness, generosity and openness, your child will imbibe these values automatically.
• Always practice what you preach. You cannot just order them to do as you say if you don`t do it yourself. Keep examining your own behaviour.
• See that you reward your kid`s good behaviour with a hug or other expressions of love and appreciation. Kids are never too old for this, however grown up they are.
• Try not to be critical of your child. Always emphasise the positive and appreciate what your kid does right. Never embarrass him by being openly critical or harsh. This will go a long way in reinforcing his good behaviour and will even help change bad behaviour on his part.
• During the growing up years, it helps if you enforce certain ground rules and implement them. Never make empty threats of punishment and then let him off if he breaks the rules. Never make the punishments harsh.
• If your kid is a teen, it will do a world of good if you impose a curfew and enforce it strictly. This can be negotiable for special occasions.
• If you can afford it, give your kid a cell phone with clear rules on using it. This way, you can also keep track of his whereabouts. Ask him to keep in touch when he is out.
• Parents have gut instincts where their child is concerned. Never hesitate to follow up if your gut instincts tell you something is wrong. Always adopt a positive attitude.
• Always be ready to listen to your kid`s problems. This way, he is reassured that you are always there for him.
• It is very important that your kids feel that their home is a haven and is a safe, secure place for them. Respect his privacy and teach him to respect yours.
• Remember that the prime responsibility towards bringing up your kid lies with you and do not blame his teachers or anyone else should something go wrong.
• Though you set the rules, be prepared to be flexible as your kid grows up.
• Teach your children to take responsibility for what they do.
• Always be there to help your child whether it is homework, trying situations or to just address concerns about his future. Learn to be a friend, philosopher and guide.
• Remember that you do not own your child. He is an individual in his own right and should accept responsibility for the outcome of his actions. His success or failure is his own and certainly not yours.

When you provide a healthy atmosphere for your child to grow up in, where mutual respect and appreciation form the basis for your relationship, you can rest assured that your child will evolve into a healthy adult with strong values that will stand him in good stead throughout his life.