supernanny's top 5 parenting tips

(reposted from allyou.com)

1. Be consistent
"A rule in your family should always be a rule," says Frost. And breaking a rule should always have consequences.
Be explicit. Instead of saying, "Don't bite," explain that nothing that hurts another person is acceptable.
Act right away if you see bad behavior. Start with a warning, proceed to an ultimatum and follow through with a time-out.
Use a Naughty Step for time-out. Sit the child on a staircase or in a chair so she is removed from the action but not so far that you can't see her. Using the word naughty reinforces that she misbehaved.
Get an apology. After she has cooled down, have her say, "I'm sorry." Then praise her for apologizing.

2. Team up with your husband on discipline
You and your spouse need to back each other up. Children being punished by one parent will go to the other to see if there's any mileage to be gained.
Establish house rules with your partner. If you decide on guidelines together, you'll have fewer disagreements about enforcing them.
Discuss differences privately. If you and your husband disagree on a decision, don't argue it out right then in front of your kids. Meet alone later to review family rules and discuss differences.

3. Give your time
"Children want your attention and approval," says Frost. "Make them a priority."
Don't wing it. Have a schedule that details everyone's activities and which parent is going to cover what.
Take turns with your husband. Take the morning or evening routine. "Use these times to give your children one-to-one attention," Frost says.
Focus on family. Quality time can suffer during the busy week, so leave work behind on weekends.

4. Praise kids the right way
"We have to be our kids' cheerleaders," says Frost.
Resist using candy or toys as rewards. Give kids feedback on why you like what they've done. Put up a good-behavior chart, or plan a special outing as a reward.
Use a voice of approval. "A high-pitched, excitable tone shows your pleasure," says Frost.
Have fair expectations. If your child has worked hard, "Praise the effort 100 percent," says Frost.
Don't worry that praise will spoil a child. You want to communicate to children that you notice and appreciate good behavior.

5. Set reasonable boundaries
"If you don't set limits, you'll end up with kids who can't control themselves," says Frost. But don't be too tough on them.
Tell children what you expect. Stay realistic about what small children can do and how fast they can do it, though.
Have set mealtimes. And make sure kids know the rules for sitting at the table and saying please and thank you.
Use a voice of authority when a child misbehaves. In a firm tone, tell her calmly and sternly what she has done wrong. "This voice communicates that there are limits the child can't cross," says Frost.
When warning a child, don't frighten. Get on his level. "Don't shout across the room," says Frost. "Crouch on your heels so you can make direct eye contact."