Code words, head taps and tantrum breaks, how Kate Middleton keeps the Cambridge kids in check
KATE Middleton was spotted in Sainsbury’s in Norfolk with her kids this weekend and was praised for how well George, Louis and Charlotte behaved.
The Duchess of Cambridge, 38, has frequently been admired for how the royal tots conduct themselves in public, and how they rarely put a toe out of line.
Dr Rebecca Chicot, founder of Essential Parent and the author of the Calm and Happy Toddler, told Fabulous: “Kate is a sensitive and warm mum.
“This is a called an authoritative style of parenting that is now encouraged.
“This is compared to an autocratic parenting that was encouraged in some circles in Victorian times (e.g. children should be seen and not heard).”
But how does she keep her three kids behaving well when all eyes are on their famous family…
Handling tantrums
The Duchess of Cambridge was asked how she copes with her kids kicking up a fuss, as she hosted a Q&A from members of the public in relation to her recent early years project.
When asked “how do you manage temper tantrums in your household”, Kate said: “Yes, that’s a hard one”, before laughing and adding “I’d also like to ask the experts myself”.
Deputy head of the Early Years programme at the Anna Freud Centre, Alice Haynes, cut in with her own experience with her two-year-old son.
She said: “When my son has a temper-tantrum, I try to put into words how I think he might be feeling in a slow and calm and gentle way.”
Kate reprimands Prince George in public if needed
At Pippa Middleton’s wedding in 2017, Prince George, six, started acting a bit cheeky during the celebrations.
To calm him down, Kate softly touched him on the head as a way of getting him to behave.
She even held up her finger to “shh” her mischievous son as the ceremony began in the church.
Helping children see right from wrong is an important part of being a good parent, even if George got a bit teary from being told off.
Rebecca added: “It’s very hard for any parent to have to parent in public.
“She seems to be good at making warm contact ‘touch to the head’ which is a nice connection.”
Gets on their eye level
Keen royal fans will recall seeing photos of Kate and Prince William crouching down to speak to their kids at their eye level.
Dr Rebecca added: “She gets down to their level to talk to them but let’s them be children.
“She has a lovely balance of sensitivity and gentle boundaries. She doesn’t expect them to behave like little adults and knows that children go through perfectly natural stages like tantrums.”
Lets them be silly
The duchess was praised for her sweet reaction when Princess Charlotte poked her tongue out at crowds at the charity regatta in 2019.
In an adorable video, Kate encourages her young tot to wave at onlookers in Cowes, Isle of Wight – but the princess has other ideas.
As Princess Charlotte cheekily put her tongue out, Kate appeared to erupt into laughter – like many well-wishers.
Many amused parents were quick to gush over the clip, with one saying: “Just a normal child! You can’t control their every move. Kate’s response was fantastic!”
Uses a finger to show she is serious
Travelling with children is rarely easy, and Kate was on hand to help Princess Charlotte when she had a mini meltdown on the run in Hamburg.
The kind mum was seen speaking down to her at her level and using a raised finger to show she was not messing around.
Rebecca added: “When Charlotte was upset she got down to talk to her quietly.
“This shows firmness and warmth – neither cajoling or getting angry.”
And it seems her technique worked as Charlotte quickly settled down during the visit.
Although she is firm with her brood, Kate told a parent at the Henry Fawcett Children’s Centre in London that her favourite part of being a mum was “was getting hugs from her kids”, according to the Daily Mail.
Keeps calm in a tantrum
Many parents like to put their children on the naughty step or in “time out”, when they start to act up, but Kate has a different approach.
Radar Online reports the duchess says to her kids “let’s take a break”, and lets them calm down with a puzzle or book.
However, if a meltdown happens in public, Kate is quick to scoop her kids up and communicate in a calm manner.
Encourages time out in nature
She is also passionate about boosting the happiness of her youngsters by allowing a lot of playtime outside – come rain or shine – and enjoying “simple things.”
Speaking on the podcast Happy Baby Happy Mum, Kate said: “As children, we spent a lot of time outside and it’s something I’m really passionate about.
“I think it’s so great for physical and mental wellbeing and laying those foundations.”
Kate told Mary Berry on their Christmas Special with ITV: “We grow our own vegetables. We’ve got carrots, beans, beetroot – a massive favourite – Louis absolutely loves beetroot. I think being outside and being in nature is such a great environment for [children] to learn lifelong skills, really. Physical, emotional and cognitive skills. Whether it’s digging, running, boulder-hopping…”
Uses parenting books
Although she has a nanny and very hands-on parents who help out, Kate likes to be extremely involved in her kids’ lives and reads up on new parenting techniques.
According to Radar Online, she gets advice on child-rearing from books like Positive Discipline: The First Three Years and The Happiest Toddler on the Block.
She also admits when she doesn’t get it right, and opened up about this at The Royal Foundation’s ‘Mental Health in Education’ conference in London.
Kate said: “When I first started out and I’ve learnt a lot in a short period of time working with organisations, I was very naive myself as a parent, of really just how important particularly the early years are for children’s futures.
“And how critical it is, everyone looking after children at a critical time, teachers, parents, and everyone who’s caring for them, how important it is that we get it right.”
Most read in Fabulous
We shared how Kate Middleton spotted shopping in Sainsbury’s with her kids.
Earlier this month Kate was seen shopping for children’s books in Kensington high Street, dressed in jeans, a blue polo jumper and blue coat.
The Duchess also stunned shoppers when she nipped to The Range in Norfolk, with Prince George and Princess Charlotte, for last-minute essentials over Christmas 2018.