Parents urged to keep their cool

The charity says parents should take a step back before reacting

One in five parents in Northern Ireland lose their temper with their babies and toddlers almost three times a week, according to a children's charity.

The NSPCC is launching a campaign in the province to help parents to manage stress and anger levels so they do not take it out on their young child.

The charity's Ian Elliot said "stressed parents can easily become angry".

"Our advice is to take a step back before you say or do something you will later regret," he said.

"Don't give in to anger - take control before it controls you."

Alternatives to hitting

The parents were interviewed as part of a wider NSPCC survey of 1,000 UK parents of babies and toddlers up to four-years-old.

The survey found parents were most likely to lose their temper with their child when he or she was being physically aggressive, with 31% citing this as a trigger.

About 47% of the parents interviewed who said they have hit their child admitted to over-reacting in doing so.

The charity is launching its education campaign, Hit means lost it, on Tuesday, along with an advice booklet designed to help parents understand and manage their anger.

NSPCC Northern Ireland is also providing advice for parents on the alternatives to hitting through its helpline, its four family centres and other publications.