Supernanny Jo Frost has urged parents to apologise to their kids when they're in the wrong. The TV nanny, famed for her no nonsense approach to parenting, has been speaking about how mums and dads need to take their children's opinions on board and not always think that children are answering back.
"You're not always right," she said. "Children's opinions are not backtalk. Parents need to apologise too." Elaborating in a post on Instagram, she said it particularly applies to those with older children.
"Especially for those out there with teenagers, don't lose them in 5 seconds, stay open to what they have to say, listening requires patience, and empathy to really care about what's being said, to understand.....you can not do so AND talk at the same time," she said.
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"If the situation gets emotionally heated be the ADULT, point out that it may be a good moment to take 10 and regroup back together, and say why, it's important to identify, which means you don't accept any personal attacks but you do show a maturity to want to show up and support.
"It's not easy when you're triggered as a parent with your kid in your face, but if you work on yourself, mindfulness, breathing, you will lessen that reactive knee jerk response to snap back and within those few seconds you can catch yourself to respond instead."
Hundreds of parents have liked her post, with many praising the advice, saying it's just as valuable with little ones too.
"I know you’re speaking more specifically with teenagers, but I had this moment with my three year old," said one mum.
"I am generally a very good listener and my daughter and I generally have very good communication skills, which I’ve worked hard to foster. But yesterday, she did something so out of left field that I blew up. I didn’t take that moment to listen like I normally do and once we both calmed down she shared her side of the story and I felt so much guilt. It was a huge miscommunication.
"So we sat there and hugged for a while and I apologised for not listening first. It helped me realise how important that listening piece is and why I’ve been fostering it."
Another added: "I apologise to my teenagers and always have. The teen years are so difficult and these suggestions help so much."
Supernanny hit the headlines last month when she had her say on how the Duchess of Cambridge dealt with Prince Louis at the Queen's Jubilee parade.
The parenting guru commented on a video of the prince misbehaving and praised Kate, saying: "Love how mum is addressing in public prince Louis needing to listen up and do as his [sic] told."
But not everyone took kindly to her comment, with some saying his behaviour shouldn't be judged when 'he’s been listening and doing as he’s told for days' and 'he’s a 4 year old, not a prop'.
Do you think parents should apologise to their children more? Are you a parent who apologises when you're in the wrong? Let us know your views in the comments here.
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