It can be infuriating, you’re trying to get them ready for school but you seem to be the only one rushing around whilst they are finding amusement in teasing the cat or getting out their paints on the new lounge carpet. 

Children know when you’re getting cross but still push you to the limit watching you get more and more upset with them. What can you do? 

• It’s easy to say but don’t expect perfect behaviour, we’re not perfect and don’t behave perfectly all the time. They can have ‘off’ days too! They don’t have the pressures of life that we do, if only we could be carefree children again for a day or two!

• When your child does things you have asked them to do, give plenty of praise. They will enjoy having a happy parent and will learn that good behaviour results in a happy parent.

• Stop nagging, ask them once and then tell them you will only ask one more time. Make it final. Nagging can become a habit and they will start to get used to you begging them to do as you have asked. Does it really matter that they are still in their pyjamas? Who will be more embarrassed, you or them? If you have asked them to get dressed, given them one warning and they are still not dressed then take them out in what they have on. They may decide to listen to your request next time!

• If  you shout when you are tired or feeling angry because you’ve had a bad day, say sorry and explain to them why you got cross.

• Try and do things in a different order. If you know your child will take ages getting their shoes on just before you are ready to leave for school, then do it together as soon as they get dressed.

• If your child takes ages cleaning their teeth, do it together, get a timer and make a game of it. Try to put some fun in the boring everyday chores.

• If they make a fuss getting dressed, try having a race. Lie all your clothes out together and make it a challenge to see who is ready first. For younger children you can do the same thing but with a much simpler challenge.