I have two girls, ages 14 and nine. Motherhood has been a challenging, rewarding, and fulfilling experience.

The challenges vary and I have to come up with creative ways to help me manage crises. For example, if they are arguing, I insist that whoever is at fault admits and apologises and they must give each other a hug.

If I am getting anything for them, I ensure that I have for both, to prevent any jealousy. If they are watching television, both have to decide on the same movie so that they watch the same channel. They also have a PG-13 rule, so whenever they are watching television, if I cannot hear the channel, I will shout out to them "Switch the channel", and then the volume returns. Now I watch Cartoon Network, Disney, PBS, ABC Family and Nickelodeon with my nine-year-old and I watch the content of movies that my 14-year-old wants to see.

To navigate naughty behaviour, I tell them that God is helping me to grow them and He is watching them and He loves children who listen to their parents. They also get monetary incentive for keeping their grades up and for keeping their room clean and tidy.

When they are disobedient, their favourite channels are blocked and fun activities they want to take part in are taken away until their behaviour improves. If the elder is at fault, I explain to my younger daughter that if she follows her, she will receive the same punishment. I also insist that my younger obeys and listens to her sister, as she is older and I want them to respect each other.

Motherhood has changed my life greatly. My hearing has become very keen, I now have to watch the news and read the papers to keep up with current affairs so that I can assist them with their homework and I am now also listening to Rihanna, Chris Brown, Beyoncé, Michael Jackson, T-Pain, Ne-yo, Lil Wayne and T.I, to be on par with my girls.

- Diana Sankofa

You must always stand your ground with your children. For example, when my teenage daughter got a bad report, I took away her party privileges. Children must learn that they have to be productive before they can go partying.