There is no subject that people have more advice to give than on parenting. Every pregnant women on the street is subjected to a barrage of unasked for advice on everything from how to feed them, how to raise them, and how to punish them. While we don’t have all the answers, here are a few good tips to help you on your way.
Instead of using bottles as a way for dad to bond with the baby, look into other more novel options. Many breastfeeding relationships are harmed by the need to have dad involved in the feeding. Fathers however have many other ways to bond with their babies than by interfering with feeding time. Have dad give baths or massages to the baby. Dad can rock the baby to sleep after breastfeeding is done providing crucial bonding moments.
When your child goes to the doctor’s office, be sure to tell the nurse or doctor if your son or daughter is taking any kind of over-the-counter vitamin or mineral supplement. Even though these products do not require a prescription, they can interact with or decrease the absorption of prescription antibiotics or other medications.
Although most medication labeling states dosages according to age in years, you should consult your pediatrician if your child falls within those age ranges but is significantly heavier or lighter than other kids his or her age. Children metabolize certain medications much differently than adults, and dosing based on weight is more likely to deliver a therapeutic amount of the active ingredient.
While the advice of close friends and family can be very helpful, you don’t need to listen to the unsolicited tips from every aunt, cousin and coworker. Of course they may mean well, but at the end of the day the child is yours. The same goes for parenting tips from any other source, take them with a grain of salt.
When your children quarrel, take the opportunity to teach them to respect the other child’s personal boundaries, to help resolve the problem. You can help them learn to respect personal boundaries by first giving them the words to express their own boundaries. Your child can then protect his or her boundaries by moving away from the problem.
It is important for a child to know exactly what is expected of them each and every day. A child should not have to wonder or guess what their parents want them to do. They should know exactly what they are supposed to do and what the consequences will be if they do not do what is expected.
Program some cool ringtones into your cell phone. If you can find some different ring tones that catch your child’s attention, you may find that you can use those ring tones to get your child to calm down during a break down. It will catch their attention and make them forget about the fit they were throwing.
If you find that you need to put eyedrops in a baby’s eyes, it may seem to be an impossible feat. Lay your baby on her back and set a favorite toy on her belly so she will look down at it. Place a drop in the corner of your baby’s eye and this way when she looks up again it will gently roll into her eye.
A great parenting tip is to never blab to your child’s siblings or other people when your child divulges a secret to you. Not being able to keep a secret is a surefire way to lose your child’s trust. Unless the secret requires intervening, you should just keep it between you and your child.
Use common household items to keep your child entertained. Items such as empty paper towel rolls, pots and pans, empty boxes and old clothing, can easily occupy a child’s imagination without a lot of financial investment. As an added benefit, children encouraged to use their imagination in play, are often more successful at problem solving as they get older.
Give your children praise for the things they do well. It is natural to notice negative behaviors instead of positive ones. However, if a child does not feel like they are receiving positive reinforcement for the good things they do, they are more likely to engage in negative behaviors to get attention.
Do not expect to bond instantly with your stepchild. It is possible that the children are resentful because they want their parents to be together. Take the time to get to know your stepchild and build this link progressively. Do not try to replace one of the parents.
Take what we’ve given you in this article and learn what works for you. There is no one right way to be a parent. Every child and every family is unique and what works for you may not work for your neighbor. Use these tips as a jumping off point for your own exploration.