Lead SA

Spend more time (not money) on your kids - tips on how 'brat-proof' your child

Parents need to focus more on a child's fundamental needs in order to prevent bratty behaviour.

Family and parenting coach, Stephanie Dawson-Cosser, says it is important to distinguish between a child's needs and wants.

Children need the time, attention and connection from their parents, Dawson-Cosser advises.

The one thing our child is needing, as opposed to wanting, is us as parents.

— Stephanie Dawson-Cosser, family and parenting coach

Build relationships, not a toy box full of things.

— Stephanie Dawson-Cosser, family and parenting coach

Dawson-Cosser says parents need to work on spending time with their kids.

Read also: Expert tips on how to raise babies and kids with anxiety

She adds that money and material things cannot compensate for the absence of parenting and care.

She shares advice on how to create a solid foundation with a child from when they are crying babies or throwing tantrums as toddlers.

There is no pound, dollar or rand that can compensate for 10 minutes of mom or dad's time.

— Stephanie Dawson-Cosser, family and parenting coach

The earlier we start, the more secure our children will be.

— Stephanie Dawson-Cosser, family and parenting coach

Some people find themselves parenting with an approach of 'anything for peace'. That's where the crunch seems to come.

— Stephanie Dawson-Cosser, family and parenting coach

Instead of nurturing and meeting the child's needs, we perceive it as a trade.

— Stephanie Dawson-Cosser, family and parenting coach

We're parenting from our own sense of loss and trying to overwhelm our children with everything we didn't have.

— Stephanie Dawson-Cosser, family and parenting coach

Take a listen to her expert advice:

This article first appeared on CapeTalk : Spend more time (not money) on your kids - tips on how 'brat-proof' your child