With Christmas fast approaching and the media kicking into overdrive with adverts aimed at the children, how are we expected to cope?

You are no doubt still taking the children to school, going to work, whether at home or away, doing the washing etc, etc and then you are expected to deal with Christmas!

I know myself with two small children the barage of requests that I get at breakfast, lunch and tea "I want that...." and I say you will have to ask Santa.

I felt that a few pointers at this time might help to conquer this battle, so here goes.

Making a List - I asked my children to look through a catalogue with me and specify up to five items that they would really like. I found that they "wanted" a lot more than the five items, but I tried to get them to give me the priority. It was great fun and kept them quiet for over an hour.

Agree before you go shopping - If I know that I am going shopping to areas that will have toys, which unfortunately is most places, I stress to them that we can look only today and I am not buying. This does work as long as you stick to it.

Avoiding the shops - Ask yourself if you really have to go shopping today! when you are feeling pressured already the children will just add to it.

Don't back down - be strong, remember that they cannot get it unless you pay. I know this is easier said than done, but try not to back down, especially if you have specified that you are not buying on that trip.

Stay Calm - try and stay calm, children know your stress points better than anyone, so try and show them that you are totally in control and whatever they do you are in charge.

If you have any other hints and tips for other parents let me know, as these are definitely not a definitive solution.