Life offers few possibilities more exhilarating than the prospect of having and raising a kid of your own. This article offers a handpicked selection of tips and tricks for mastering parenthood.
As a parent, you know how important it is to spend time with your child, but it is equally important to have some time to yourself. Doing so helps you to retain your individuality.
Every parent needs an occasional break from their children. Have a family member or friend watch your children, even if it is just for a few hours. All parents need a chance to relax and recharge child-free. Your household will be calmer and you’ll be a better parent if you take a break.
If your children walk to school, ensure they are wearing some sort of reflective material on their clothes or on their book bag. You can also purchase reflective fabric strips that you can attach with Velcro to other garments. Drivers will be able to spot children more easily thanks to these reflective stripes.
Research has shown the danger of second hand smoke to children, so don’t smoke at home. Actually, maybe you could quit completely! Secondhand smoke is very dangerous to others. Children who breathe second-hand smoke are more likely to develop asthma, pneumonia, bronchitis or other respiratory issues.
If your children fight and have trouble getting along, try to develop a set of rules for your family that are set out in positive language. “Touch gently” puts a positive spin on a rule that prohibits hitting.
When you first have children, form good habits and make it your top priority to take care of yourself. You will find that some time set aside each day for relaxation will give you the energy you need to be a better parent. 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. While it might be tempting to try to get to your destination as quickly as possible, taking a more leisurely approach results in less fussing from the backseat! Stopping to eat, or at a park to let the kids play will make the journey a little better.
To stave off boredom and prevent items from being buried in the toybox, keep your toddler’s toys in constant rotation. Unless the toy in question is a cherished favorite, most objects fail to hold toddlers’ interests for more than a day or so. Keeping things in rotation preserves the sense of curiosity kids have in their toys, and removes the need to keep buying new ones.
Bring some comfort items when traveling with toddlers or young children. 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. Treasured and comfortable belongings from home help children adjust to new routines and strange locations.
When becoming a stepparent, you have to accept that your stepchildren may not like you. The child may still have dreams that his parents will get back together. Try to be understanding and eventually the two of you can build a unique bond.
You should find the family checkpoint line when you are going through the airport security checks. Many airports today have such lines. This way, you will not upset impatient travelers since going through the security line with kids takes a bit longer then normal. Remember that everything will be scanned by the x-ray machine, including shoes, car seats and diaper bags.
Removing unhealthy foods from the house is the first step to instilling healthy eating habits. If you do not have chips, cookies and candy in the home, your child will be less likely to ask for it. Teach your child that such treats are for special occasions and celebrations.
Kids are crazy for playing. Playtime is essential. However, playtime should never be completely unstructured.
Be quick to praise your children every time they do well. Children need affection and attention. If good behavior doesn’t get them the attention they crave, then they may try to get it with bad behavior. Parents who neglect to focus on the child’s good behavior by praising them for it may actually be encouraging the child to act in negative ways.
Reacting Angrily
Exhibiting anger toward children is usually not beneficial for the parent or for the child. Parents must model the self-control they want their children to exhibit by reacting calmly to negative behaviors. Reacting angrily sets a bad example for children and can damage their self-esteem. Reacting angrily to incidents over which children have no control, is a particularly bad form of bringing up a child.
Think of this article as a good starting point to develop good raising a child strategies. Yet, also keep in mind that every raising a child situation is as unique as the individuals involved. There is no silver bullet being a parent strategy that is always the correct method of doing things. Use the advice that appeals to you and fits your needs. Try to appreciate every bit of time as a parent because, before you know it, they won’t be children anymore.