So much amazing information here, thank you. We have a cat and two kids and totally agree with you. As we love abroad we have had no support network and were able to develop our own parenting style without being influenced by our parents. I didn’t follow trends when they were little but always went with my instincts to be close and understanding of their feelings. We’ve never done time out and apart from sibling fighting (mostly hitting each other or yelling) they’re both best friends. I feel very lucky to have two kids who get on so well and who are wise beyond their years, but we have yet to get to the teenage years, so you never know what’s coming. Important is to be equipped with all the tools possible when times get tough.