Kate Middleton recently opened up about motherhood in an interview and what it’s like to raise two children with the spotlight of royalty on her. Juggling a country and kids must be taxing yet the Duchess seems to handle herself with poise whenever we see her in public.

It’s said that Kate Middleton grabs her parenting tips from books like Positive Discipline: The Frist Three Years and The Happiest Toddler on the Block. Can we learn anything from the royal family’s parenting style?

They are a normal family

While the royal family of England look imposing and stiff in public, they function like a normal family. Little George calls his grandmother Gan-Gan, he’s suffering from terrible threes and the queen leaves little gifts in the kids’ rooms when they visit her.

Kate and William’s parenting style

  1. When young George refuses to eat and makes a mess of his dinner, Kate instructs him to help her clean up the mess. She then gives him a no-nonsense ultimatum; either he eats the meal served or leaves the table.
  1. If George is being difficult on the playground, she gives him one warning and if he refuses to listen, she sends him to his room where he plays with a calming toy. She doesn’t call the punishment a ‘time-out’ but rather refers to it as ‘taking a break’.
  1. When little George is screaming or upset, Kate starts singing him his favourite songs or puts on his favourite calming African drum music.
  1. Prince William often kneels when speaking to his child, even in public, much to the Queen’s embarrassment.
  1. William and Kate take care of their relationship by going on regular special date nights in order to spend some quality time together.

I think both Kate and William are raising their children in the midst of the royal spotlight quite admirably. Kate is strict but gentle and I certainly agree with William’s style of speaking to his child. One should always get down on a child’s level when speaking to them in order to make proper eye contact and appear less threatening. They make time for one another and they make sure that their kids have a strong bond with their great-grandmother.

If you have a child suffering from terrible-threes, here is my advice on how to get through that stage:

  • Never resort to yelling as it can cause an immediate behaviour change in your child.
  • Now is the most important time to be attuned to your children. Recognise their needs and put yourself in their shoes.
  • Ask your children why they are misbehaving. Once you understand the root of their misbehaviour you will be able to better deal with it.
  • Give your child your full attention. Look your child in the eyes, ask questions and truly listen to the answers.
  • Hug, snuggle and play with your child as many times as possible during a day but recognise when they need a bit of space.
  • Praise the effort not the outcome. At that age your child is more prone to trying things rather than achieving things so don’t put too much pressure on the outcome. Praise your child for trying.
  • Be consistent. Enforce a routine and the same rules so that your child can grow accustomed to it.
  • Make some time for yourself. A worn-out parent cannot be an effective parent.

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