And i learned a few good tips that really do work at least with my 2 and 6 yr olds.

#1. When they really have a good hard paddy force them to sit on a chair,bottom step whatever works for you until they calm down.It may take a while but if you are really strict with it after a few attempts it will work.Obviously this can only really work at home and not out at the shops but it is amazing how when you show the side of you to the kids which is strict and wont budge its amazing how it follows you all day in everything you do.

#2. when you do end up shouting or smacking make a point of telling the child why it was bad,annoying ect and tell them after that you still love them and your just disappointed at what they have done.I know this may sound silly but sometimes it really does help to just explain your actions and in doing that it really makes the child think what they have done.

#3.This is one that really helps me a lot brainstorm situations that you are good at dealing with and ones you are bad at,like maybe in the park or the supermarket padding.Or maybe when they are fighting with a sibling at home.This really makes you focus on what you need to work on and the fact that you are actually good in some situations.

#5.Spend good quality time with them,its amazing how much they improve their behaviour and how much they appreciate you after just a few hours of quality time.

for example when i was potty training my oldest we were so close and i was one on one for a good few days with her doing all sort of different games and activities so i knew when she needed to go to the loo.After this her behaviour improved so much and to be honest it made me feel quite guilty at the small amount of time i did spend with her doing quality things before this point.

there are loads more i can think of but i would be typing forever and im not very fast at doing that lol so i will stop now,but i hope you get the idea.

also as just a last little point when thinking of activities to do with your kids i find it good inspiration to think of my memories as a child and even though i did go on some very expensive holidays these arnt the things that come straight to mind,instead its things like going to the park,walking my nans dog.playing cards in a cheap collect coupon holiday caravan when all the family went away and the roof fell in.Baking cakes with my nan,i could go on but you get the idea sometimes it doesn’t have to cost the earth to make them happy its just having your time.