1) Nurture your child’s self-esteem
Your words and actions have the profoundest effect on your child’s developing self-image. Thus, praising your child for her/his accomplishments, however small, will make her/him feel proud, and letting your child do things for herself/himself will make her/him feel capable and independent. Avoid using harsh statements such as “What a stupid thing to do!” and also avoid belittling the child by comparing him/her to another child. Let your child know that everyone makes mistakes and that you still love him/her, even when you don't love her/his behavior.

2) Catch your child being good
Statements appreciating good conduct of your child are a very effective way to encourage good behavior. Make a point of finding something to praise every day. Be generous with rewards - your love, hugs, and compliments can work wonders and are often reward enough.

3) Set limits and be consistent with your discipline
The main aim of discipline is to help children choose acceptable behaviors and learn self-control. Children need limits to grow into responsible adults, and they may test these limits at times. House rules will help children understand your expectations and develop self-control. Consistency is the most essential factor when it comes to disciplining your children. Stay consistent with your rules and s/he will have a better understanding of how to behave.

4) Take out time for your children
It is often very difficult for parents and children to get time together as a family or spend quality time together. But there is nothing a child would like more than the attention of her/his caregivers. Children who are not getting the attention they want usually go out of the way and misbehave as they believe that negative attention is better than no attention at all. You could perhaps set a prescheduled time and let your child know about it. For instance, tell your child that Tuesday is his special evening with Mother, and let her/him help decide how you will spend your time together. Look for other ways to connect with your child - put a note or something special in her/his lunchbox or school bag.

5) Be a good role model
Model the traits you want to cultivate in your children; respect, friendliness, honesty, kindness and tolerance. Do things for people without expecting a reward. Express thanks and offer compliments, and most of all, treat your children the way you expect other people to treat you. Remember, children learn by watching you, and the younger they are, the more cues they take from you.

6) Make communication a priority
Children expect and deserve more explanations than adults do. Parents who reason with their children allow them to understand and learn in a non-judgmental way. Lay out your expectations on the table, clearly express your feelings about them, and invite your child to work out solutions to their problems. Include consequences and be open to your child’s suggestions, as children who participate in the decision making process are motivated to carry those decisions out.

7) Be flexible and willing to adjust your parenting style
You will have to change your parenting style as your child grows. If you frequently feel "let down" by your child's behavior, it may be because you have unrealistic expectations for her/him. Teenagers, for example, tend to look less to their parents and more to their peers for role models. Just continue to provide guidance, encouragement, and appropriate discipline while allowing your child to explore and earn more independence.

8) Show that your love is unconditional
When you have to confront your child, do not criticize, blame or find faults. These can lead to undermining self-esteem and resentment. Make sure the child knows that although you want and expect him to do better next time, you love her/him no matter what.

9) Be aware of your own needs and limitations as a parent
Everyone has strengths and weaknesses, and you, as a parent, are no exception. Try developing realistic expectations for yourself, your spouse and your children. Be forgiving of yourself, and try to make parenting a manageable job. Divert your attention towards areas that need the most attention rather than trying to do everything at once. Take time out from parenting to do things that make you happy, as that does not make you selfish; it only enables you to become a better parent at the end of the day.