Love, love and more love! Empathy and consistency are key, as is letting my child know that I listen to him and try to understand why he is behaving in a particular way. We also try to find solutions to challenging behaviour together, so that he is involved and feels validated. Also, I see myself as a role model so when I am upset, angry or frustrated, I don't hide these emotions from him but tell him how I am feeling and also discuss how I cope with them without hurting or upsetting other people. And I am very careful to apologise after doing anything that might have caused hurt!