As we all know, parenting can be one of the most difficult jobs anywhere, but at the same time, is definitely, one of the most rewarding. The following article is taken from fellow parents, who have been there and done that and hope to take a little bit of learning the hard way, out of your parenting.
Make sure your child has time to be a child! Don’t force them to grow up and deal with things too early. Kids are only young once, and it’s important that they get to make the most out of it. Give them time to play and explore and to just be a kid.
If you are concerned about germs and stickiness on your child’s plastic and rubber toys but don’t have the time to clean and dry each one, throw them in a mesh laundry bag and run them through your washing machine with a dye-free, fragrance-free detergent. Easy in, easy out!
Start focusing on nutrition very early in the child’s life. If you are able to convince them that they like healthy foods you can help them to avoid many of the health traps that the majority of adults suffer. You don’t need to deprive them of treats, but show them healthy tasty treats.
If you are having difficulty giving your toddler their medicine, try mixing it with chocolate syrup. This will make your child want to take their medicine instead of putting up a fight. You can also try placing OTC medications in the refrigerator. Your toddler will have a hard time distinguishing the taste of the cold liquid, making them more likely to take it without fussing.
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.
A vital part of parenting is paying attention to all car safety regulations pertaining to young children and ensuring that you always have an appropriate safety seat for your child’s age. By making sure your child is properly restrained every time they travel, you will be able to greatly reduce the risk of serious injury.
Get your little one involved in meal preparation as soon as they are able to handle specific tasks with assistance and supervision. For example, having a toddler help pour ingredients into a bowl can teach basic measurement while allowing you to finish preparing a meal. Just be sure to supervise closely and keep your child away from any dangerous appliances or utensils.
A great parenting tip is to restrict how much time your child can watch television or play video games. Watching too much television or playing video games too much can promote laziness and can possibly lead to an attention disorder. It’s best to limit how much time they spend with these activities.
To sooth a colicky baby try some skin on skin contact. If you are breastfeeding you can place them against your stomach and offer them some food. You may find that talking to them in a soothing voice or singing a lullaby may stop the tears. You should always stay calm when dealing with an infant, if you find that you are becoming frustrated, take a break by handing your baby to a spouse or other trusted family member.
Begin enforcing discipline techniques when your child is very young. Even if you think that your child can’t understand what you are teaching them, it is extremely important for you to begin establishing positive behaviors at an early age. It is very hard to change a negative behavior once it has developed.
Reinforce solid habits in your children early. As a parent it’s your job to encourage good habits such as studying, exercise, and being of sound mind and body. The involvement in your child’s life pays off immensely in the ultimate end. While children all differ from a basic level, parenting can either stimulate or restrict certain behaviors, and lessons learned early carry on to their adult lifestyle.
A great tip to help you with parenting is to get to know the kids your child is hanging out with. Though who your child hangs out with is ultimately his or her decision, you’d like to know if their friends are using drugs or if they participate in some kind of illegal activities.
Hopefully, you have found this article to be informative and educational and even a bit inspirational, in your parental search for solutions. Mix all the information in with a good sense of humor and you have the beginnings of great attitude in facing the most challenging role of your lifetime, with grace, success and a smile.