The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are known to be hands-on parents to their brood and are keen to stamp out any naughty behaviour. According to a source, the couple have shunned the “naughty step” technique employed by parents the world over, instead opting for a “chat sofa” at their home in Kensington Palace.
The parent who witnesses any unruly conduct or poor manners will take time out to sit with the child to discuss their actions on the sofa, as opposed to having them take time-out in a corner.
Shouting is strictly off-limits in the Cambridge residence and therefore Kate or William will talk to their child in a low-tone voice.
A source told : “The naughty child is taken away from the scene of the row or disruption and talked to calmly by either Kate or William.
“Things are explained and consequences outlined and they never shout at them.
“Shouting is absolutely ‘off limits’ for the children and any hint of shouting at each other is dealt with by removal.”
Kate and William, both 38, are raising their young family in the sprawling Apartment 1A at Kensington Palace but frequently escape to their Norfolk country mansion at the weekends and during school holidays.
George, seven, and Charlotte, five attend Thomas’s Battersea in south London, a four-mile journey which Kate has been known to do during the morning and afternoon rush hours.
The duke and duchess lead busy lives outside the home, with diaries full of royal engagements as well as overseas trips.
READ MORE: Kate Middleton uses ‘hands-off’ parenting trick she uses with children
She said she feels guilty about missing out on time with her sons and daughter “all the time”.
And speaking about having to skip the school-run, she added: “Even this morning, coming to the nursery visit here – George and Charlotte were like ‘Mummy how could you possibly not be dropping us off as school this morning?’
“It’s a constant challenge – you hear it time after time from mums, even mums who aren’t necessarily working and aren’t pulled in the directions of having to juggle work life and family life.”
William has also been outspoken about the challenges he has encountered since becoming a father.
Earlier this week, the duke said he feared some new fathers “just don’t know what to do” and “don’t know where to go” to access help or support.
William and his wife took part in a video call with four fathers who have benefitted from help offered by the charity Future Men.
The London-based group offers courses to dads on how to adjust to being parents and role models.
During the call, William said: “How does Future Men find some of these other guys out there who have not got the realisation, or the wherewithal if you like, to go looking for services like Future Men and be able to build on a happy future as a father?
“Because I worry an awful lot, a lot of dads out there who just don’t know what to do, and they don’t know where to go. And they may not have such good – either grounding, foundations or support around them to be able to know what to do.”
