A good parent will recognize that learning about raising a child is a life long task. Use the expert advice provided here, and you will put yourself in the best position for raising your children to the best of your ability.
Lay your child on the counter in the kitchen and lay a rolled towel under his neck; use the faucet water and put it on his hair and scalp. This can help many toddlers who fear having water poured on their head or don’t like their head being dunked in the water.
It doesn’t matter how much you love your children, eventually you will need a break. This will allow you to keep you own identity along with the role of a parent.
Never smoke in the house if you are a parent. In fact, why not quit smoking altogether? Exposure to secondhand smoke is almost as risky as the act of smoking itself. Second-hand smoke exposure can lead to asthma, bronchitis and other respiratory problems for children.
By setting firm, yet positive, boundaries and rules for your children you can avoid a lot of family discord and everyone will get along better. For instance, instead of saying “no hitting” as a rule, you can reposition it as “always be gentle when touching”.
You have to take care of yourself if you want to be able to give your best to your family. Find time every day to relax and re-energize, even if it’s only for a few minutes. Not only will your mood improve, but your kids will appreciate it, too.
When driving for long distances with a toddler or young child, make sure you stop often so they don’t get bored or irritable. Although it might seem like getting to your destination quickly is the best decision, taking things slow and recognizing the needs of everyone in the vehicle can really salvage the trip. Restaurants, parks and rest stops that have areas where your children can play, are ideal places to stop to let them run around a bit before continuing the journey.
If you are marrying someone who has dependent children, know that the stepchildren probably won’t warm up to you right away. Children may be resentful of their parents’ broken marriage. Try to be understanding and eventually the two of you can build a unique bond.
Kids by nature want to be independent, giving them tasks to perform while you clean around the house can help them gain confidence. Have your child help you unload the dishwasher. When putting the laundry away, have your child sort one pile of socks. The importance of the task will not be lost on him, and it will also give him the confidence to keep trying new things.
Learn about the various stages of maturity and milestones before your children start living them. It is never too late to add to your knowledge of good raising a child.