Are you too soft on your kids?

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Experts reckon our children get away with far more than we ever did - and you probably agree. Here's how to toughen up

Were our parents really stricter than us?

Increased living standards and less time at home mean that many parents aren't exercising proper discipline over their children.

If we give our children what they want and let them behave how they wish they may well become grown-ups who will find it hard to function politely and properly. It can lead to arrogance and greed and no work ethic - not a winning combination in anyone! But it needn't be hard

How should you punish them?

Child expert and TV personality Dr Phil McGraw says: 'Find out what your child really values, such as a toy or new jeans, and then withdraw positive things (like taking away that toy, pair of jeans or pocket money) or introduce negative things, such as time out, as a form of discipline. And be consistent.'

'Make it clear that the same result will come from the same behaviour. Every time they slam the door in your face, they lose a certain amount of pocket money.'

- Are you too soft? Dealing with younger kids