Happy Kids
Book
Forum and Advice
for
Managing Children's behaviour

cathy@cathyglass.co.uk

Hi Cathy, My husband and I adopted a little boy over 2 years ago he has just turned seven. Although we have made progress in some areas of behaviour, the biggest challenge we face is his behaviour around other children. He is the only child in the house so he has children to play but they get fed up with his control. I am constantly having to explain sharing and taking turns (which is not much fun for the other children to listen to). I also take him to the park but even there he tries to control everything. I have found your book a HUGE help in understanding how and why he tries to control us at home. I have been able to help him learn acceptable behaviour and for me to stay calm! I have read your book over and over again. Thank you,
Suzanne.

CG: Dear Suzanne, I think you are doing a great job with your son. Well done, and how wonderful that he has found love and stability with you and your husband. Only children, whatever their background tend to take longer to share control with their peer group for the obvious reason that for a large part of the day - at home - they don't have to. This is nothing unusual and I wouldn't place too much emphasis on his early year’s experience, although it will obviously form a part of his behaviour. First and foremost children of his age need love, warmth, stability and firm boundaries, all of which you are giving your son. My advice would be to continue as you have been doing - emphasizing sharing and playing nicely with this peers. I know it can appear repetitive but the children he is playing with won't mind as you are teaching fair play. If he erupts when he has company then use the 3Rs as you have been doing. One child I fostered had to spend quiet time away from his guests until he eventually learned to play nicely. Good luck, and let me know how it goes. Cathy

Dear Cathy, I'm halfway through reading Happy Kids and have already tried the 3R's technique with my 3 year old son D. I recently extended his time at Nursery and although he has been enjoying his time there, I'm finding he is very difficult to control in the mornings and evenings. He has started pushing me and I feel this is his way of getting back at me for being gone all day. I've been following your 3Rs technique and it has been working. It makes me feel a lot better than just getting stressed. The naughty step has never worked with D as he thinks it's a really fun game and after work I don't have the patience! I'm going to stick with the 3R's technique. I'm much happier and confident that I can handle him and we enjoy our mornings / evenings together. Since applying this technique it makes my time with D enjoyable instead of manageable, so a very big thank you! With love,
Amanda

Update: I haven't needed to use the 3RS technique the last couple of nights as D is magically doing as he's told straight away – after using your technique for just 3 days! I hope he stays so well behaved, but if he tests the boundaries again I know what I need to do!
Amanda

Cathy, I am a step mum to a 6 and 7 year old who live with their mother. The 6 year old has come to my house with bite marks and bruises over her body and her mother has admitted to doing this. The mother has mental health problems. I'm concerned for the child’s safety and the child wants to live with us but the mother will not let us have her in our permanent care. I am not very confident in social services. What do you suggest my approach to all this should be. Please write back. Many thanks.
K

CG: Dear K. I am very concerned by what you have told me and it is essential you or your partner inform the social services immediately. Like you I am worried for the safety of the child. Please do not delay in phoning your local social services or if you prefer the NSPCC - 0808 800 5000. When you have spoken to the social services or the NSPCC I should like you to email me to put my mind at rest. Thank you. Cathy

Hi Cathy, I’ve just finished reading your book: Happy Kids. The 3Rs work on my son and my kids in the nursery school. Thank you so much! Kind regards,
Tina

Dear Cathy, I thought Happy Kids was excellent. I could relate to many of your examples and realised how I could/should handle some situations better. I have now implemented the 3 R's with my daughters and pleased to say I do notice the difference. With best wishes and many thanks.
Lindsay

Hi Cathy, I have nearly finished Happy Kids and am intrigued that some of the psychology and strategies you use are similar to the ones I used when I trained my puppy, although I never had the problem of him rushing to answer the phone! My children are proving a bit harder to train and I have struggled with finding something to use as a sanction. The sanction which has worked with my 4 year old son is his bike. I took it off him the other day and put into the garage. Initially I told him I would take it from him for 10 minutes when he was misbehaving but he kicked me so I told him it was gone for the rest of the day. Then he called me a "dick head" so it was gone for the rest of the next day. I know it’s only supposed to be 10 minutes each time but he was out of control and extremely abusive. However, having put the bike away, I had nothing to use as a sanction for the next day. When I asked him to have time out he refused and followed me everywhere, aggressively calling me names. Also, My 12 year old daughter has become fussy with food and now refuses to eat beef. She is a real animal lover I think this may have something to do with it. I am using the 3Rs with her but she can be stubborn and controlling and pushes me as far as she can. She does not like giving in and always has to have the last word. For example, I told her to go to her room, and she refused. So I told her if she didn’t do as I said I would take 20p off her pocket money. Have you any ideas? Thanks,
Catriona x

CG: Hi Catriona. It has been said by some psychologists that training young children and puppies is very similar. It sounds to me that you are doing a good job; persevere with your strategies. It is early days yet. In respect of your 4 year old son, putting the bike away for the whole of the first day was right, however, I would suggest bringing it out first thing the following day. As soon as he is awake (before the chance of any negative behaviour), make a big thing about getting the bike out and that he will be able to play with it. Ideally take him with you to get the bike out, or be with him when he gets the bike out, or let him see you get the bike out. By doing this he will feel he has a fresh start to the day and that he really wants to keep his bike for the day and the only way to do this is by being good. Of course, by reinstating the bike you can use it as a sanction again, if necessary. In respect of ‘time out’ you did right in removing yourself from the room as he wouldn't go to his room to allow a cooling off period. If he follows you try to go somewhere he can't follow you. Toilet maybe? Re the name calling. If he persisted and it was more than a burst of anger then I would impose another sanction e.g. loss of TV time. In respect of your 12 year old daughter. Many girls give up meat temporarily when they realise where it has come from - i.e. live cuddly animals. One of my daughters did and I did at a similar age, although my daughter ate sausages because they didn't look like meat! As long as she is eating a healthy diet I wouldn't make an issue of it. In fact, the least said, the soonest mended. I would make no comment but simply serve something different. There are a lot of alternatives to meat, and ready made meals that don't use meat. Re her behaviour, yes, at her age stopping pocket money in small chunks is a suitable sanction. Keep going and let me know how you get on. Best wishes Cathy.

I have begun reading your book Happy Kids and have started putting into practice the 3Rs with my children. I have seen some encouraging results already!
Catriona

I am a huge fan of yours. I have a daughter who is 5 next month, and I am a single parent. We have a very strong bond and we just adore each other, and do all sorts of exciting and enjoyable things together, such as going to the theatre, and going on holiday.  The trouble is I spend a lot of the time worrying about her, especially now she has started school. My family have commented that I over compensate for her father’s lack of involvement.  I try to be a mixture of different roles, a mother, a father, a playmate.  I feel guilty if I am not full filling those roles.  We have a great social life with lots of friends who also have children, and live in a close knit community, so she isn't short of play mates, but I would like her to be a bit more independent in her play sometimes, to ease the intensity of our relationship.  Selfish though it may seem, I need a bit of me time, and to catch up with things as I work as well! Sounds awful, but I would like a happy medium.
Kathryn

CG: Dear Kathryn, I speak from my heart (and experience) when I say single parents often over-compensate. We try to make up for the absence of the other parent, and feel guilty for being unable to provide a two parent family. We feel that whatever we do is not good enough and beat ourselves up if we fall short of our targets and playing all roles. Don’t. It is clear from your letter that you are doing a fantastic job in parenting your daughter. She will grow up into a lovely young lady; someone you can be proud of, and it’s thanks to you. Allow yourself some ‘me time’. You need and deserve it. It is great that you have a supportive family and community. I think now your daughter has started going to school she will gain more independence and autonomy as her world widens. I cover this in my book Happy Kids. Her new found independence will not detract from the strong relationship you have with her but will be another step towards her growing maturity. Your dedication to your daughter during those important early years has set her well up for the future. Now you can start to concentrate a bit more on you. Cathy x

I finished Happy Kids a few weeks ago and found it just fantastic and also very proud. You’re so similar to my own mam. I was brought up exactly how you teach and it makes me so confident that my “one on the way” has a good start anyway!
Lee

I haven't finished Happy Kids yet but I am reading at least 20 pages a night. It is very informative as well as making me think about how I was raised in a family of eleven children, and where the negative stuff may have come from. It’s all water under the bridge now but there certainly were a lot of tears way back when. I will have to chat with my 3 sisters when we are all together next month and apologize for some of the rotten things I did.
Linda

CG: Hi Linda, I am so pleased you are finding Happy Kids helpful, but don’t beat yourself up. We all have regrets from our childhood in respect of how we treated someone. Looking back I can now seen that I was mean to my brother if he didn’t do what I wanted. I think it’s a sign of a good family that we can all forgive and move on. Cathy x

Pause For Thought: Acceptable behaviour is the only behaviour that you will accept.

Hi Cathy,  I am reading Happy Kids and finding it really useful. It covers some of the situations in my childhood and explains why I felt the way I did back then. Wow! At 62 that's a huge wake up call! Also, I'm going to try out some of your techniques on my out of control teens at work. You are truly a blessing to me, that is for sure. Take care.
Linda.

Just started the Happy Kids book and used the advice on getting a child to go to sleep. Just followed the steps and I finally fell asleep!
Linda, Australia

Hello, I'm reading Happy Kids and am hoping it will help my situation.  I'm a single mother with 4 year old twin boys. They are not identical and are treated individually. I am thinking through the implementation of your suggestions before launch, as I want to be sure I'm giving my children the intended message.  The problem I have is coming up with suitable sanctions. The threat of loss of telly time has no effect as they don't watch at the same time each day.  Do you have some examples of sanctions that might work for their age? Thanks,
Jenny

CG: Hi Jenny, Clearly, as you already know, your sons need to be treated individually although they are twins. In respect of sanctions can you think of something each of them likes, that they would miss, if it was stopped for a short while? Remember to explain they will lose whatever it is when you Repeat your Request for them to do something or stop doing something. And obviously praise their positive behaviour. Let me know how you get on. Love to all Cathy x

Hi Cathy, Thanks for your reply. Today was our first day of our new regime! We had a happy day with lots less shouting, which is really good as that had become a daily feature for us. Thanks again,
Jenny

Hi Cathy, I have a darling adopted daughter who is now 20 months old. She has now been with me for 6 months and she is amazing, but recently she has developed an unusual habit which I find upsetting. When I try to deter her from doing something e.g. breaking something or ripping up books, she starts hitting herself in the face or hits her head on the floor. I'm at a loss as to what is causing this or how to stop her. I tried comforting her and also ignoring the behaviour when it wasn't too violent. I would be grateful to hear anything you have to say.
Peggy T, Canada

CG: Hi Peggy, please don't worry about your daughter's behaviour. What you describe is not uncommon. Children work through all types of weird and wonderful behaviour, even those in good homes, who are loved and well cared for. However, although this is a stage your daughter is going through - having found a new way to express her frustration, you would obviously prefer her to express herself in a different way, as this way could harm her. Don't overreact when she starts hitting herself, just quietly pick her up, hug her and re-direct her to a better activity, exactly as you have been doing. Let me know how you get on, but I think you will find she will soon work through this. It sounds to me you are doing a great job of parenting your daughter. Cathy x

Hi, I have a child with behaviour difficulties, she is 12 now and this has been going on for 8 years. I had very very bad postnatal depression and the social work department who I turned to for help thought her behaviour may be down to the bonding issue. My daughter has been on a behaviour card since she started school and has never really responded to it. She does what she likes when she likes and has no care for any rules I set out. She is violent to me and her brother who she feels extremely jealous of as he is so well behaved. She is a compulsive liar to the point I hardly listen to her stories anymore as about 50% are not true. I am at my wits end and so are social work and the school. I have taken her for an ADHD assessment as she is disruptive and very hyper but they feel she does not have this. I’m at my wits end and if it wasn’t for my son I feel I can’t carry on any more. It drains me and I have so much anger towards her.
Pam

CG: Dear Pam, I am so sorry to hear of the problems you are having with your daughter. Personally I don't think you or your daughter has a bonding issue, neither of you would have invested so much time in each other if you hadn't bonded. I assume you have tried talking to your daughter and telling her she is loved and wanted, and explained about your illness. Even if you have done this it might be worth revisiting that time and explore any feelings she may have of being rejected. Having said that, while it is worth exploring the cause of your daughter's behaviour, there is NO excuse for bad behaviour, and she needs to start conforming to your boundaries for good behaviour. I appreciate this may seem a huge task and I know what is involved - many of the children I foster arrive with behavioural problems. None has left with them though. I set out my tips and techniques in my book Happy Kids. Can I suggest you read it and then can get back to me? It can be borrowed from the library at no cost. I wrote the book because so many readers, like yourself, were experiencing behavioural issues in their children. There is a whole chapter dedicated to turning around a child with difficult behaviour so they conform to the boundaries of acceptable behaviour. If you would like further advice once you have read it please email again and I’ll get back to you. Very Best wishes. Cathy x

Pause For Thought: Spare the rod and spoil the child?

Dear Cathy, I grew up in a culture that believed a good spanking had its place in discipline. An aunt gave a niece a spanking on her sixteenth birthday. My own mother had a black leather strip. I was one of five kids born between 1956 and 1962. When were really naughty my mother would get out the leather strap (called plat-riem in Afrikaans, literally translated flat strap). Often that action alone served the purpose. Occasionally she gave the offending child a good spanking – I got a few, because I could be quite a handful. Another characteristic of my culture was to threaten children they would get it when daddy came home. In many houses daddy served as the ultimate disciplinarian. My dad use to cut some nice quince shoots in spring and keep them in his bedroom, on top of his wardrobe. When he had to fulfil his duty he would take you into the bedroom and deal with you. In your book you strongly emphasise the view of not spanking a child. In South Africa it is not against the law to give a child a spanking. In my school days it was common practice. 
Thomas, S Africa

CG: Dear Thomas, thank you for sharing your experiences. Corporal punishment used to be used widely in the UK until the 1960's when a more liberal attitude to parenting emerged, together with research that showed hitting children did not alter their behaviour in a positive way. Indeed, it was shown to create feelings of anger, resentment, hostility, and shame in the child, which you may remember from the physical punishment you received? I also personally believe it is wrong to hit another person whether it is an adult or child. I hope this goes someway to explaining my position on physical punishment. Cathy

Hi Cathy, your books have been a great help to me in getting over problems I have experienced. I am hoping you can give me some advice. My partner has a 2 year old son who lives with his mum in the week and stays with us at weekends. Recently he has not wanted to go to bed; he will scream and cry. When my partner finally gets him into bed he won’t settle and will wake four or five times in the night, sweating and screaming when he wakes. His mother has told us he sleeps in her bed at her house but he has always had his own room at ours. We have just moved house and he has gone from a cot to a bed. Do you think this could have something to do with it?
Jade

CG: Hi Jade, I understand your step-son slept well when you were in your previous house so I think his sleep disturbance is almost certainly due to the move and going from a cot to a bed. Children react to change in a number of ways, and sleeping disturbance is a common one, especially at his age. I suggest you and your partner continue with the bedtime routine that worked well before the move. If your step-son wakes, who ever normally settles him, should go quietly into his room, resettle him and come out. Do this as often as is needed until his sleeping pattern returns to normal. I am not a believer of children sleeping in the parent's bed for lots of reasons. I cover cures for sleeping disturbances in my book Happy Kids, just out. I hope you find it useful. Very best wishes, Cathy

Hi Cathy, My little boy of 2 and a half is becoming very aggressive. I try not to smack him, but my husband does, and it is a strong smack. My child does not obey me at all, and has started to hit me, kick me and pull my hair very hard. I am just feeling in the middle. I try not to be as hard as his father because I am trying to keep a balance. My husband does not understand that he is being too hard on him. I want my child to listen to me as he does his father but without me having to use physical punishment. I don't know what to do.
Yazbeth.

CG: Clearly you and your husband want to do what is best for your child. Your husband believes smacking is acceptable, probably because he was smacked as a child by his parents. Attitudes to child rearing have changed over the last 20-30 years and research has shown that smacking is not an effective method of correcting a child’s behaviour. Indeed the child often mimics the smacking by hitting others and showing aggression, as you are discovering. Smacking is an assault and although it is not yet illegal in the UK for a parent to give his or her child a light smack, it is illegal if the smack is hard enough to leave a mark. All children need boundaries and sometimes a parent needs to apply a sanction if the child oversteps the boundaries and is naughty. There are plenty of alternatives to smacking: time out, the lost of privilege e.g. television time or sweets, or even saying a firm ‘No’. Remember to praise your child when he is doing something right as so often naughty behaviour is attention seeking. If your husband is not open to discussing the disciplining of your son you may need to speak to a professional e.g. a health visitor. The welfare of your son is paramount and I am concerned that a two year old is receiving ‘strong smacks’.

Pause For Thought: Ignore negative behaviour as much as possible and praise positive behaviour. So often naughty behaviour is attention seeking.

Hi Cathy, I am a foster carer and a social worker recommended your books. We have had 19 children share our home in the last 18mths, and met some difficulties in the way. I have a 14 year old girl at present who will hopefully be with us long term. She’s a lovely girl but insists on piling make-up on, and getting it all over the bedroom, furniture and walls. I’ve talked to her and she agrees that it is not right, but goes on doing it. Have you any advice to help me deal with it? Kind Regards
Pat A

CG: Hi Pat, I think there are two issues here. One is that your foster daughter is putting on too much make up, and two she is making a real mess in the process. I suggest we tackle the two issues separately. First - the application of makeup. Many teenage girls apply too much makeup when they first start using it, and often the last person they will take advice from is their mother or carer. Can I suggest that as a special treat or part of a birthday present you book your foster daughter an appointment at a beauty salon to have her makeup done professionally. Most salons and cosmetic departments in large stores will give profession makeup advice. I suggest you go with your foster daughter; it will be a fun activity for you both, and having heard the advice you can remind her of it later if necessary. Now to the second issue. While no one with children can expect a squeaky clean house, it is reasonable to ask a girl of 14 to show some respect towards your furniture etc which you have worked hard for. I suggest you have one area where she can apply her makeup. This could be a small table in her bedroom, or the bathroom, or even on the kitchen table – what ever is most convenient for you all. It should be an area that is easily wiped down. Clearly this ‘house rule’ must apply to all young people in the house who use make up. If she still continues in the behaviour you will need to be firm and (a) warn her of a sanction and then (b) impose it if the behaviour continues. Making her clear up the mess can be very positive, and if bedding or similar is damaged past the point of repair e.g. by having nail varnish split all over it, then it is reasonable to stop some of her pocket money towards the cost of new. However you will need the consent of your social worker to do this. Hopefully it won’t come to this. Good luck and let me know how you get on. Cathy x

I have a 10 year old girl and I am a single parent. I would like some tips on how to tell her what to do so that she doesn't get into a mood with me. I have a set time for her to go to bed which is 9pm. I go up with her to cuddle her and give her a kiss, sometimes she will go off to sleep with no problems and other times she is up and down. Also I sometimes have a problem when I ask her to do other things like tidy her room or help me clean up. Thank you. Love
Katie

CG: Hi Katie, my book Happy Kids (January 2010) will give lots of helpful tips for handling situations like the ones you describe - which are common to many parents. It sounds like you are doing a great job bringing up your daughter and I think the bedtime routine you have established is excellent. On the nights your daughter won't settle, keep returning her to her room. On the first occasion say briefly that she needs to go to sleep now, kiss her and come out. On the second and subsequent times, return her with minimum fuss and no talking. You will find that after a few nights when she knows you mean what you say, she will not keep getting out of bed because there is no point. If she does persist then at her age you will need to impose a sanction - loss of television time or whatever sanction you use. Likewise, if your daughter refuses to do other things you have asked, as long as your request is reasonable (you can't expect a ten year old to clean the whole house) then repeat your request and if she still refuses, warn her a sanction will be applied and then apply it. Good luck and well done. Cathy x

Dear Cathy, Reading your books has made me think about how to handle some of my daughter's behaviour. I have picked up on some of the things you do with the children you look after and have started to apply them with my child. I can't wait for your book Happy Kids to come out so I can try more of what you do as it seems to be working. Thank you for that. Love
Ruth

Hi, I love my kids but I get fed up of telling them either not to do something or to do it and them not listening!
Claire (and many more).

CG: Many parents (and other child care workers) know the feeling of repeating the same thing over and over again, and being ignored. A technique I have used (recommended by the psychologist of a child who had selective deafness) was to touch the child as you make the request - lightly on the arm or shoulder, make eye contact and say: 'Tom I am asking you to clear up your room. Now do it straight away please.' Or whatever your request is. By personalising your request and directing it to one child at a time there is less chance of it being ignored or consigned to the group as can happen with a more generalised: 'Time to get ready'.

Hi Cathy. I was badly abused as a child and went off the rails but have finally sorted myself out. I have a loving partner and two small children who are two years and four months. My problem is I'm worried I won't be able to protect them. I trust very few people, and I also let my two year old get away with a lot of things. I don't like anyone telling him off and I tend to give into him very easily .He isn't a bad child but when he is naughty I find myself making excuses for him. I even argue with his dad if I think he has been too hard on him. I'm sure it's because of the abuse I suffered which involved physical violence. Even though I know no one will ever do that to my children I still resent them telling him off. My other problem is I try and give my children everything I can. At Christmas I spent a lot on them even though my daughter was only about a month old. I have already started buying for their birthdays and Christmas as I want them to have all they can. I don't like being away from them although my two year old does go to nursery twice a week but I really miss him. I guess what I want is some tips on how to find a balance. How can I show my son some of his behaviour is unacceptable without thinking of the past? And how can I stop myself from believing that material objects are what they need? Sincerely
Gemma x

CG: Dear Gemma. Thank you for sharing this with us. You already realise why you sometimes spoil your children and possibly over-compensate because of your suffering as a child. You also recognise it is about getting the right balance, but how difficult it is sometimes - for all us bringing up children. If you are too lenient it is because you want to keep your children well away from the abuse you suffered as a child. But please believe me when I say that setting boundaries for children is a world away from an abusive childhood. Boundaries are necessary to raise socially acceptable children, and they also show the child you care; that you love them enough to go to the trouble of making sure they stay safe and do the right thing. I would never condone smacking a child, and indeed foster carers are not allowed to smack. If a child is behaving badly, I first ask them to stop the unacceptable behaviour, and explain why. If they continue, I ask them again to stop, adding what will happen if they don't. Sanctions should follow as soon as possible so don't stop pocket money at the end of the week; it is better to stop television or play station time that evening. There is nothing wrong with missing your two year old when he goes to nursery; it shows you care. When my youngest started nursery aged 3, I cried every morning after I'd said goodbye. If you were saying you never let your child out of your sight I would say you are being-overprotective and need to seek advice. But that isn't what you are saying and from your letter you come across as a very caring and loving mother who wants only what is best for her children. I think you have done incredibly well to come to terms with your past and I know your children will appreciate your care and sensitivity, even when you have to tell them off! I hope this is of some help. You really are doing a very good job of parenting. Cathy x

I have always said there should be an instruction manual handed out whenever a mother leaves hospital with her newborn baby...perhaps a troubleshooting guide if something is not working! I think you should write a book for parents (and carers) about raising children. I would find it very helpful. There are many parenting books on the market written by so called 'experts', but I'm not sure many of these authors have looked after children and put their theories into practice. You have had the experience of looking after over 50! I think a book like this would be appreciated by many as your experience would be a realistic view of the many different issues that can arise when bringing up children. If you do consider writing a book like this could you please have it published in the next fortnight???!!
Carey, Sydney, Australia

CG: Hi Carey, I have just finished writing a book about raising children and it is with the publishers now. More details about publication (sorry it won't be within the next two weeks) will be posted on my website when they become available. As you suggest the book draws on my experience and includes strategies and tips for encouraging happy, contented and well-behaved children. Thanks very much for your interest. Best wishes, Cathy

Hi Cathy, I just read Hidden and felt compelled to thank you. I am a single parent with a 13yrd old son. We have a happy wonderful life, but as you know children can be very challenging. From reading your books I have gained an insight and compassion into how children think, and the fragile nature of their emotions. I have come to realise the importance of communication and making a child feel loved and safe. After reading your books, I am now a lot calmer and am conscious all the time of my son's feelings. Reading your books, especially Hidden, has enriched my relationship with my son. Thank you once again
Robyn N, Sydney, Australia

Hi Cathy, I know I have emailed you about your books in the past but I wanted to contribute to the forum. I became a mum for the first time when I was just 18 years old. I used to be very impatient and quick tempered with my daughter, due in part to my own young age and just not having the patience or experience that an older person might have had. When I had my second child I was 21 and I started reading books like yours. Thanks to these books I have become a lot more laid back, patient, consistent and, I believe, a much better parent. I no longer smack my children and I am glad I changed my behaviour before my children got older. I now have three girls, aged 5, 2 and 5 months and I have only just turned 24 years old. Reading books like yours really does bring home how even the smallest things we do as parents can affect a child far more than we realise. I want to thank you for giving a very real insight into how our actions affect our children, and how we should really appreciate and enjoy our children. They are very valuable. Keep up the brilliant work!
Nikki, UK

I was wondering how your foster kids cope with all the moves some of them have to make. My husband and I moved house with our two boys last year. My youngest son (aged 4) has become very clingy and has started wetting the bed. My eldest son (7) is now very rude to us and blames my husband and I for making him leave his old school and friends. We had to move because of my husband's job but that doesn't seem to make any difference.
Essen, Bristol, UK.

CG: Dear Essen, as adults we can under-estimate how unsettling it is for a child to move house and leave behind friends and all that is familiar. Ideally, a child should be prepared in advance for a move by talking to him or her about the move and why it is necessary; visiting the new home and discussing how they would like their bedroom decorated, and also visiting the new school. I appreciate this isn't always possible but once the move has taken place, as in your case, there is still plenty you and your husband can do to make the boys feel more settled. Make sure the boys understand why you moved, you could have assumed they understand, but this may not be so. Talk to them and listen to their worries and concerns, then try and help them to integrate into the new community. Are there clubs or out of school activities they can join? Are there similar aged children in the same road who can be invited round as well as new friends at school? Encourage them to keep in touch with their old friends, particularly in the early months, just as you will doubtless be keeping in touch with your old friends. In respect of behaviour, remember that the behaviour which was unacceptable before the move is still unacceptable. The boundaries and routines you had in place before still apply. Don't allow your son to use the move as an excuse for allowing his behaviour to deteriorate. You moved for the good of the family and you and your husband don't need to feel guilty. Very best wishes to you all, Cathy.

Pause for Thought: When asking a child to do something, be certain your request is reasonable and you are not simply exerting your authority as an adult. It is reasonable for a child to have a bath every night, but not if it is always timed to coincide with his favourite television programme.

Hey Cathy, I am a 'birth child' of a fostering household. After reading your book 'Damaged' we had a very similar girl who had severe problems. She only stayed with us for two weeks because she would scream and punch, and trash her room in the middle of the night without knowing she was doing it. During this time the behaviour she displayed to me and my mum angered me. I spent more time out of the house, trying to avoid being with her, but that left my mother, a single carer with a bigger problem. I would like some advice on how, in future, I can deal with challenging children because I would like to make the children staying with us feel more welcome. At the moment I am always on my guard after the previous incidents. Thanks,
Lilli, 16, Brighton

CG: Dear Lilli, Thank you for writing. I was sorry to learn that you had such a challenging placement so early on. You have read Damaged so you will know you are not alone in what you have experienced, and you will also have some idea why some children behave as they do. It is very unfortunate that you and your mother were placed in this position and I hope it hasn't put you off fostering, although I can understand why you will wary in the future. A child like Jodie needs lots of patience, understanding, and firm boundaries. It is a full time job and not one every foster carer would want to undertake. It is quite reasonable for your mother to have terminated the placement - as a new carer it was inadvisable for this child to be placed with her. I hope the next child you look after will renew your faith in fostering which must have been severely undermined by this experience. You can do a lot to support your mother by reinforcing what she says to the child, playing with the child sometimes to give your mother time out, listen to what the child tells you - often the foster child will confide and disclose to a foster sibling before the main carer, and keep the pathway of communication open between you and your mum. Work together. I think you probably realise that keeping out of the way, didn't really help - any of you, although it was understandable. There are lots of children who come into foster care who just need love and attention, and I know you will do just fine. I hope this is of some help. Cathy x

Hi Cathy, My husband and I are currently in the final stages of being approved as foster carers. We shall be fostering newborns. We are just finishing our portfolio before we go to panel. Have you any advice for new foster carers? Keep up your fantastic work. You are truly an inspiration.
Hayley, UK .

CG: Hi Hayley. Congratulations. You are nearly at the end of the process now. Good luck with panel. I know you will be just great, and newborns! How exciting. Advice for new carers in a nutshell would probably be: Keep your sense of humour; try not to make value-judgements; empathy is probably a foster carer's most important attribute; make time for your own family and yourself; be prepared for a sharp learning curve in the first year; trust your own judgement; and give yourselves a big pat on the back. Well done! Cathy

Hi Cathy, I need help. We are caring for our 6 yr old grandson who has been diagnosed with Reactive Detachment Disorder. He is currently residing with us till a Therapeutic placement can be found for him. We have tried all strategies suggested by his therapist but nothing seems to be working. He was born heroin addicted and we are wondering if withdrawal could have affected him. How do we have him assessed, rather than believing one assessment by DHS who have decided that Reactive Detachment disorder is his problem. I would welcome your opinion. Please help us help our little Grandson. Thank You.
Desma, UK

CG: I was so sorry to learn of your grandson's difficulties. Attachment disorders are very complex, but basically mean that the child has not developed a secure attachment to his or her main caregiver. This can result in the child exhibiting very worrying and upsetting behaviour. It would be wrong of me to comment on your grandson, I am not a psychologist and not qualified to do so. When I foster a child with an attachment disorder I work very closely with the therapist. As you have a therapist I think you should go back to him/her with your concerns. I would also ask your therapist if there is a link between drug withdrawal in a baby and attachment disorder, I could not find a definitive answer in my reading. You are entitled to a second medical opinion. I hope this is of some help. Take care, you are in my thoughts. Cathy

Hi, you would think my daughter was deprived from the way she moans. According to her, all her friends have the latest mobiles, iPods, satellite television in their bedrooms, and go on holiday to the Bahamas every six months. Perhaps some of them do, but we can't. I'm a single parent and I haven't got the money although I work all the hours under the sun.
Alexia, Hertford, UK

CG: You don't say how old your daughter is, but if she is old enough to covert these items then she is old enough to understand that she can't have everything she wants instantly. The present credit crunch has taught us adults that! Don't feel guilty, and don't be persuaded into buying something you can't afford. Explain to your daughter that we all have to budget, and if she really wants an iPod (or whatever it is) perhaps she could save up for one from her pocket money, or have one as a present for Christmas or birthday?

Pause For Thought: Always use first person when speaking to your child 'I love you,' or 'I want you to tidy up your toys,' is far more effective than the third person - 'mummy loves you,' or 'daddy wants you to be a good boy.' We wouldn't go into a hair salon and say - 'Mary would like a hair cut please,' yet many of us use this way of speaking when addressing a child. Third person creates distance, but first person comes directly from you and is more likely to be acted on by your child.

Hi, I foster two children. When reading your books I was sure you said about having bedtime routines. I do this but am getting criticised by the children's social worker who says it should be the children's choice when they go to bed. Surely on a school night a child needs sleep, or am I just being old fashioned? (even though I am only 32)
Sharon, UK

CG: I completely agree that children (especially of this age) need bedtime routines. Apart from making sure they have enough sleep, a routine of bath, story etc prepares them for bed. They know what is expected and are less likely to resist. They also arrive in bed, relaxed, and ready to sleep rather than bouncing off the walls from their last activity. I even remind teenagers, that it is time for bed, especially if they have school or college the following day. Boundaries and routines are, I believe, an intrinsic part of child-rearing. And you and I both know (although apparently the SW does not) that if children don't get enough sleep everyone suffers the following day!

I hate to say it, Cathy, but my 10 year old son, sounds just like Tayo did sometimes, with his cheek and arrogance. He's got too big for his boots and is really 'lippy', especially straight after school.
Lisa, London, UK

CG: Quite often at that age children become 'big fish in little ponds' at school and it can rub off at home. He will be one of the older ones at his primary school, with lots of younger boys who will be in awe of him. There is a lot of bravado, especially among boys, in the playground at this age, and he will be bringing some of it home with him. I've seen this in my own children and those I have fostered. Keep your routine and boundaries in place, and insist that he shows you respect. A light hearted banter between your son and you is fine, but if he oversteps the mark into rudeness or insolence, or refuses to do something you have reasonably asked him to do, then he needs reminding, who is in charge - you.

Pause For Thought: It is not the child who is bad but the behaviour. Never say - 'you are a naughty boy,' but instead say - 'that was a naughty thing to do.' It separates the behaviour from the child and is more positive and allows you (the parent) and the child to deal with the behaviour together.

Hi, a friend of mine makes her child sit on a naughty step if he is bad. I have tried it but my little boy thinks it's a joke and runs off. It seems more trouble than it's worth. What do you think?
Sammy, Wales

CG: The naughty step/chair is a place a child sits after a display of unacceptable behaviour to allow him or her time to recover. I know this technique is used very successfully by many giving the child time to reflect on his bad behaviour and removing him from the situation where he has been disruptive. However, I fully appreciate that the time and energy spent trying to make the child sit on the chair/step can, to use your phrase, be more trouble than it's worth. It also reminds me of a Dickensian classroom - where a child who misbehaved was shamed and made to stand on a stool in front of the class. If the child has been warned about his bad behaviour and been told that a sanction will be imposed if he doesn't stop, and he persists in unruly behaviour then I use Quiet Time. The child goes somewhere quiet (alone) e.g. his bedroom until he calms down and is ready to apologise. I find this works by giving everyone a cooling off period and time to reflect. Also the child is not put in a position of being able to sabotage your discipline by running off. If the child refuses to leave the room for quiet time you can be the one to leave, thus enforcing quiet time. Like so many strategies for managing children's behaviour it is what works with you and your family and what you feel comfortable with.

Cathy, I know from reading your books that you are against slapping children but I really don't see the problem in it. And it isn't against the law, is it.
Tracy, Newcastle, UK

CG: The current law in the UK says a parent can reasonably chastise their own child, but if a smack is hard enough to leave a mark it is illegal. You are right when you say I am against smacking and, indeed, as a foster carer I am not allowed to physically chastise a child, and neither would I want to. A smack, no matter how light, is a personal assault and I think it shows a loss of control. Also, most parents teach their children not to hit others, and nurseries and schools have firm policies on this. So what message are we sending the child, and how hypocritical, if we say don't hit, and then smack the child for some misdemeanour. I believe that other sanctions are just as effective, if not more so, for example losing television or play-station time, stopping a treat or pocket money. But don't make idle threats if you are going to impose a sanction to correct bad behaviour you will need to see it through.

Pause For Thought: If you smack your child he or she is likely to follow your example. Do you really want your child hitting others?

Hi, I am a foster carer of ten years, and didn't think I could learn anymore about children's behaviour until I started reading your books. I have to say that I learnt more from reading your 3 books that I did from ten years of training. But I think a lot of what you said about the way you handle the children can apply to all children the strategies are the same, just more so. Thanks, and keep up the good work.
Sandra, Southampton, UK

Cathy, I love my daughter to bits but when she comes home from Uni at holidays she can be a right pain. She arrives with all her washing, which I don't mind doing but would like to be asked, and generally treats the place like a hotel coming and going at all hours with her friends. If I say anything she says I'm nagging or getting at her. She's 19 and in her first year at Uni. Sometimes I count the days to the start of the new term. Aren't I awful!
Katie, Stevenage, UK

CG: No, Katie, you're not awful. Have you heard the maxim that teenagers are toddlers with hormones? Well, it's true. You daughter has flexed her wings going off to university and fending for herself, but she needs to clip them a bit when at home. All children need boundaries, and teenagers (and young adults) are no exception. I suggest you have a heart to heart with your daughter and tell her how you feel. She should be mature enough to appreciate your perspective, and if she doesn't then I suggest you explain the ground rules again.

My ex partner takes our son out at weekends and my son enjoys these outings and likes being with his father. However, when they come back my son is as high as a kite on fizzy drinks, junk food, and sweets. My son can be a bit hyperactive anyway but this just sends him over the top. I have tried to explain to my ex that these foods have a bad effect on our son's behaviour but he thinks it is a load of rubbish.
Tracy, Huddersfield, UK

CG: There is now a wealth of evidence showing children's (and adult's) behaviour can be greatly affected by diet, particularly food additives, sugar, and caffeine added to fizzy drinks. Children vary in their tolerance to additives some are more sensitive than others. In children who are prone to hyperactivity; artificial colourings, flavourings, and added sugar are best avoided. I have seen amazing results in the behaviour of some of the children I have looked after simply by changing their diet. Fresh food instead of processed whenever possible and keep an eye on the additives and sugar content. If your ex is an internet user perhaps he'd like to go online - there is a lot of information linking food and behaviour.

Hi Cathy, my husband and I were approved as foster parents last month. We are now looking forward to a child being placed in our care. We are nervous but thanks to you and the tips you have given in your books for managing children's behaviour, I'm sure we will be fine. Thank you.
Sasha, London, UK

Help! I usually do the shopping on Saturday while my wife has a well deserved rest. I take our 2 year old daughter and 4 year old son. The last few times we have been, my daughter throws a tantrum when I refuse to buy her sweets. This is embarrassing for my son and me as she lies on the floor in the middle of the aisle screaming until I pick her up and promise to buy her the sweets she wants. I don't like to give in to her but what else can I do?
Mark, Norfolk, UK

CG: Tantrums are natural for this age group- sometimes referred to as The Terrible Twos. Children of this age experience a lot of autonomy (compared to their babyhood). They are exploring the world around them and naturally test the boundaries. All children need clear and consistent boundaries; it's just that they don't necessarily know they do. It is important you don't give in to your daughter's demands otherwise it is she who will be in control, not you. Buy her sweets by all means, but in your own time, not as a result of blackmail, which is what this is. Talk calmly and firmly to your daughter if she is having a tantrum. Explain why she can't have the sweets (I assume there is a good reason and you are not simply exerting your control) then, if necessary, pick her up and leave the store. Once she has calmed down explain what she did wrong then move on from the subject. Assume she won't do it again but if she does, stand your ground, as before. She will soon learn you will not be manipulated and that good behaviour is the way to earn a reward not a tantrum.

Hi Cathy, I just wanted to say, I work with children who have behavioural difficulties and, having read your books, I have a much better understanding of why they behave as they do. I also have more patience. Thanks!
Abigail, Leeds, UK