The ultimate parenting tips! Well, almost...

As a basic rule, we recommend a middle way between strict and authoritarian and completely laissez-faire, where you behave like your child's best mate. It's worth changing your perspective, as in the following "14 pieces of parenting advice from a child to their parents".

1. Don't spoil me! I know very well that I can't get everything I ask for. I just want to put you to the test.

2. Don't reprimand me in front of other people if you can avoid it. I will give your words much more meaning if you talk to me in private and don't embarrass me in public.

3. Don't be anxious with me and don't pay too much attention to my little ailments. They sometimes give me the attention I need.

4. Don't be stunned when I say, "I hate you!" I don't hate you, I hate your power to thwart my plans.

5. Don't always protect me from the consequences of my actions. I also have to have embarrassing experiences.

6. Don't nag me. If You do, I will protect myself by turning a deaf ear.

7. Don't make promises that you can't keep. Remember that I feel terribly let down when promises can't be kept.

8. Don't be inconsistent! That makes me completely insecure and makes me lose my trust in You.

9. Don't interrupt me when I ask questions. If you do, I will no longer turn to you, but will try to get my information elsewhere.

10. Don't say my fears are silly! They are frighteningly real, but you can reassure me if you try to understand them.

11. Don't always try to pretend you're perfect and infallible. The shock is too great for me when I find out that you're not.

12. Don't think it's beneath you to apologise to me. An honest apology awakens a surprising feeling of affection in me.

13. Don't forget how quickly I'm growing up. It must be very difficult for you to keep up with me, but please try.

14. Don't forget, I love experiments! I can't grow up without them. Please bear with me.