FAMILY: Karen Phillip at the early learning centre.
THE best tip therapist Karen Phillip can give parents is to spend more time with their children.
Her new book, Who Runs Your House - The Kids or You?, aims to equip parents with the tools they need to set boundaries for their children aged one to seven.
"Parents are too scared to be parents these days," Ms Phillip said.
"They need to set rules and boundaries . . . and give their children a clear understanding of their expectations.
"I've often found that the two parents have different boundaries as well, which is confusing for the child."
Ms Phillip worked as a family counsellor for 15 years and is the Caves Beach Early Learning Centre director.
During her time as a counsellor, she would often do home visits to help families.
Recurring themes of toddler tantrums, disrupted sleeping patterns and parent-child conflict were presented by the families.
These families would often refer friends onto Ms Phillip after working out the problem, but then her phone wouldn't stop ringing.
So she decided to record all of her tips into a book.
The book will be launched at Belmont 16ft Sailing Club this Saturday and Sunday, March 16 and 17, 10 am to 8pm..