Tips To Help You Become A Successful Parent
Nothing in life is as satisfying as parenthood. What follows is some tried and true advice to guide you through the maze of child-rearing.
Think about what message you are sending your child! Speaking honestly to your children will build their trust in you.
You should never give your infant or toddler any kind of soft drinks because of the acids, chemicals and caffeine that they contain. Only provide drinks that are full of nutrients and vitamins, for example milk, water, or sugar free juice.
Always make time for yourself to do things that you like to do, without your children. Even if you are only able to get away for a one or two hours, ask a trusted friend or family member to watch your kids for you. When you don’t get a little time off from the kids, you can become stressed and, in turn, stress the entire family.
Regardless of their age, children who walk to or from school need to have retro-reflective material affixed to their person in a highly conspicuous spot, such as on their backpack or clothing. Retro-reflective Velcro strips are also available. Velcro is convenient to attach and can be easily removed or put onto a different piece of clothing. Doing this ensures that drivers or crossing guards will be aware of them, specifically in darker morning hours.
Remember that each child is a different person. The methods that are effective for one of your children might not work on another. This applies to both punishments and rewards. It is important to remember what you have, and have not, tried in the past.
When your child is having difficulty cutting teeth, try placing sour pickles, cucumbers or carrots in a mesh teether. Other things can also provide relief, but children generally prefer chewing on something that has some taste. Your child will have more relief from teething pains as they continue to use this teether.
Children have a natural need for independence. Give them household chores so they will feel the sense of independence that they need. Allow children to help put away dishes, clean toys and choose their own clothes for the day. Kids love to be helpful with the laundry, and can help you fold, or pass you items to be folded. These chores will help them to feel independent, and you will get some help in the process.
If you adopted your child, be ready for him to ask questions once he is at the age when they realize they are different than the rest of the family. Adopted children are always going to want to know where they were originally from, and naturally they will look to you for the answers. As an adoptive parent, make sure that you are as honest as possible about the child’s biological family.
Your child should participate in extracurricular activities, including clubs and sports. This will encourage the child to be more social and to make friends, which they will most likely take with them into adulthood. These activities also keep your child too busy and occupied to engage in undesirable activities out of boredom or lack of supervision.
A great way to foster sound eating practices is to take junk food items out of the home. Without junk food in the house, your children are far less likely to beg for it. These snacks should be reserved for special occasions.
Following these guidelines will allow you to form a solid, comprehensive foundation for future being a parent experiences. Try to remember that each person has a unique bringing up a child style. Even though billions of children have been raised in the world, there is no one “sure-fire” way to be a parent. Try some of the great ideas above to see what is right for you. Remember that being a parent is an exciting time for both you and your child, so enjoy every moment you have, because they do indeed grow up so fast.
