Having kids isn't only about indulging them - perhaps they can indulge you too?! For the first years of their lives, you run around doing everything for them, but as they grow older, you should start have them running around you! Introduce them to the idea of chores as soon as they are able to do something useful. From about 2 years old, they should be able to help tidy away their toys, put things in the bin and carry things for you from one place to another. It may seem cruel to introduce them to chores so young, but actually they will love the responsibility and they will love doing 'grown-up' things. Reward them through sticker charts at first and they will feel a sense of achievement. As they grow older and more able, you can introduce bigger chores and even start giving an allowance for their contribution. This will introduce them to the concepts of money and the value of money from an early age.

Sticker charts and certificates offer a great way to reward children for good behaviour and for reaching milestones. Sign up free to use ToucanLearn's sticker chart generator which you'll find in our 'Fun Stuff' section once you are logged in. Discuss a goal with your children, and plan a reward for completion. For example you might want to encourage your children to dress on their own, or brush their teeth really well. Each day or time that they achieve their objective, award them a sticker or star to put on their chart. When they complete the chart, they win a final reward. You should discuss the ultimate reward before they set out - and it doesn't have to be an expensive prize. It could be to allow them to invite a friend to play, or to stay up a little later one night. Small books make good rewards because it will encourage your children to appreciate books more generally. Sticker charts encourage children to concentrate on longer term goals.