Top Ten Tips

10) Take naps-napping is generally impossible in the average workplace so take advantage of your career break and the fact babies need to sleep mid day.

9) Constantly remind your partner on the importance of breast feeding for as long as possible. You cannot breast feed so cannot do night feeds.

8) Drink only in moderation. Being slightly drunk will make child care a lot easier but hangovers will make it a living hell.

7) Remember that shopping is a necessity not a pass time. Don't drag your children around shops because you feel the need to buy junk or clothes.

6) Teach your kids to read as early as they are able to, a reading child is a quiet one.

5) Get out of the house every day.

4) Exercise is essential for your kids; the more they do the better they sleep.

3) If you need to do something around your house and your children are preventing you simply switch on a kids TV channel.

2) Be strict, it may not be in your nature but children need consistency and boundaries.

1) Children don’t intentionally try to irritate. If they are being a pain they are a) hungry b) thirsty c) tired d) uncomfortable e) bored or f) want attention.