Don't use foul language in front of children. As I mentioned earlier, children try to imitate you. If you come across a reckless driver and let off steam be careful with your words. Your child is listening. Never ever use foul language with your spouse and don't abuse him / her, at least not in front of your children. I know, we all have our problems and married life (or any other life) isn't a bed of roses. But try to confine your fights to your bedroom and control decibel level unless you have a totally soundproof room. I have heard 3 year old children speaking filthiest language, even if they probably don't know what they're speaking!

Never ever let go a child who stole something. Now, I'm not saying that if you found out that your child is stealing, jump on him or give him a tight slap. Don't even humiliate him with shame. But sternly explain him that this is not right and make it crystal clear that it is not permitted. If he has stolen from a store, go back with him and make him return item. If it is from school, make him return it to teacher to avoid him from public shame. Explain to teacher that you will be keeping an eye on him from repetition of act. Follow your promise religiously and keep a check on his possessions within his schoolbag, his cupboard, etc. Is there something he possesses that is not bought by you? If so, be firm in knowing from where he got it from and insist on returning it. Don't accept lies too easily, its as if you're condoning theft. Also remember, don't keep money lying around house even if you have money to burn. Make him understand value of money. Maintain a limit on pocket money and encourage him to save. It is also time to think if child needs more affection and attention at home and a watch over his company. If all attempts fail, approach a child psychiatrist.

Television, movies, games and comics also play a vital role in psychology of child. If he watches a lot of brutality, he may tend to act it out. Limit time and type of programs he watches. Encourage him to watch productive programs suitable to his age. Although I don't watch television often, recently I have been watching some serials and was quite surprised that most of them were centered around scheming women with criminal minds. A very important thing you should do is be with your child when watching television. If there is a scene which you shouldn't want your child to see, distract him by asking him some question like "is your home work complete" and when he is looking at you, change channel. If he insists to watch it, firmly tell him that it is not right for his age.

Fill The Frame

Because backgrounds can sometimes be distracting, do not be afraid to move in closer and take a picture of your angel’s face. It creates drama and interest in photograph and eliminates extra clutter. Unless you are taking a travel photo or an image of child engaged in a particular activity, feel free to emphasize most important element of picture- your child. Use zoom or macro tool on camera to get in closer. Pictures of your little one’s hands or feet can also be interesting studies, and one day you may find yourself saying, “I can’t believe they were so tiny!”

Just A Little Off-Centre

Many professional photographers use “The Rule Of Thirds” approach which means that they mentally divide frame into three sections both vertically and horizontally --like a tic-tac-toe grid-- and place subject of photo at one of these intersecting points. It helps to create a more dynamic photograph, than one where subject is smack-dab in middle. Take note that if your camera is an auto-focus model, you may have to focus first on your subject and then, with shutter button still half-pressed, recompose image.

Natural Light Rules!

One of tricks of trade in photography is to use morning or late afternoon light. The sunlight at this time is wonderful and helps to produce pictures that are bathed in warmth. Direct light flatters subject and adds to a more intimate and natural-looking photograph. It also helps to greatly reduce bane of every parent photographer- red eye!

Experiment with taking advantage of sunlight pouring through a window, or march kids outside on a sunny day and photograph them while they are playing tag.To have a well-lit photograph make sure light is behind you, shining on subject. To create drama, try using side light for impressive shading. If you try to take a photo with sunlight behind your children, a technique known as “backlighting”, you will end up with subject looking like a dark silhouette.

The Last Word

It really is all about fun. View time you are taking to photograph your children as time to share in their adventures and imaginary play. A frustrated mom directing kids to a more picturesque location and insisting on a smile does not reflect kids’ reality. Pick up camera only when everyone is relaxed and happy. Finally, don’t expect every photo to be a masterpiece. The truth is that only a few images from each roll are frame-worthy, but important thing is to keep snapping away to capture moments that depict their ever-changing lives, in all its unique glory!