Raising a child is not an easy task at all. It definitely triggers many sweet and bitter memories of every parent. Nothing feels better than watching your child grow day by day. However, as time goes by, there comes a point when you have to perform your parenting; and your child refuses to cooperate. Isn't it miserable to remind your children of the do's and the don'ts everyday? For instance, parents often have to make their children to put away their toys after playing; to stop them from watching TV while doing their homework; to remind them to bring their crayons to school; and to make sure they have their underwear changed everyday, etc.. These repetitive nagging not only wears parents out, but also induces frustration of parenthood. This also results into children feeling resentment against their parents; and the parent-child relationship is doomed to damage.

In order to engage your child to cooperate, we'd like to share with you some tips that have been helpful to the parents. You may want to integrate them into your way of parenting and make your parenting more effective:

1. Always communicate beforehand
Firstly, describe the nature of the problem. Closely observe and listen to your child's reaction and give him/her a chance to tell himself/herself what to do. Provide the child with some guidance and supports, otherwise. For example: "Johnny, the water in the bath tub is getting close to the top."

2. Accept the child's uniqueness and peculiarity
No two persons are identical in this world. People's predisposition varies in many different ways and so do the children. There are children who have difficulty following new instructions; and there are children who can hardly tolerate being a failure. As parents try hard but fail to get their child to behave in ways that are acceptable to them and to society, this brings in tears to the child who comes to feel hurt and frustrated. Children dislike lectures, sermons, and long explanations. For them, the shorter the reminder, in fact, is the better. For example: "Jamie, your crayons." Sometimes nothing we say is as effective as the written word; therefore, writing a note to the child can be a trick to get your child cooperate with you. Bear in mind that your child is unique and special; therefore, your parenting should be tailor-made to suit his/her characteristics.

3. Encourage your child with praises
A simple appreciative look or a word of compliment can serve a great motivational force to a child to overcome obstacles, and to create a climate of respect in which the spirit of cooperation can begin to grow. For example: "Thank you for remembering to get your underwear washed."

4. Be your child's role model
Children are fast-learners. Parents need to watch their behaviors and words constantly. If you expect your child to be punctual, parents need to act punctually. If you expect your child to be neat and tidy, parents get to do it first. To keep your words and be good models to your children are the keys to success in getting your children to cooperate with you.