Few things offer more excitement and anticipation than thinking about the amazing task of raising a child. What follows is some tried and true advice to guide you through the maze of bringing up a child.
Imagine how your child will interpret what you tell him! You need to establish a foundation of trust between your child and you.
Never give any child under three years of age any type of soda to drink. Only give your child drinks that offer nutrients and vitamins. Milk, water and juices are great examples of drinks that are good to offer your child.
It is important that you get time to yourself, away from your children. Get a friend or family member to take care of your kids, even if it’s only for a couple of hours. Without the occasional break, parents are more likely to become very stressed. This increases tension in the household and may cause a mom or dad to snap at their children.
Stop often when driving long distances with toddlers or young children to stave off boredom and crankiness. It may be tempting to get to your target destination quickly, but going at a leisurely pace will keep the fussing from the children to a minimum. Have fun stopping at parks or play areas so children can tire themselves out.
If you are planning a trip with small children, be sure to bring their favorite comfort items along if space allows. A young child can easily be confused about a vacation as it is a break from their routine, and you don’t want them to be spoiling the fun for the rest of the family. Keeping a favorite toy or blanket handy can help your little one adjust to a different location, with a minimum of fuss.
If becoming a stepparent is on your horizon, keep in mind that it will be a while before you get along with your stepchild. It is not uncommon to resent their parents’ separation. Go slowly and don’t force anything. With time you can forge a relationship together.
If you adopted your child, be ready for your child’s questions once he or she learns about being adopted. Children who have been adopted are curious as to how they came about in this world. Eventually, they will want some answers, and you’ll be the person they’ll turn to. It’s best to be honest about your child’s biological family, because lying about it may cause strife in your relationship when your child inevitably learns the truth.
Think of this article as a good starting point to develop good parenting strategies. Just keep in mind that no one’s raising a child experience is quite the same. There’s not one single thing that will work for everyone. Use common sense when you aren’t sure which being a parent tactic you will use. It is important to enjoy every moment with your child. They grow very fast and if you blink you could miss it all.