Child-rearing Tips That Can Work For Anyone
I’m sure the day your child was brought into the world was the most amazing day you’ve lived! The bond you share with your child as a parent is unlike any other. Make the most of this special bond by improving your parenting with the tips below.
If you are about to have a baby, do not go out and spend thousands of dollars on nursery equipment. Quality essentials like cribs and changing tables, are available quite cheaply at department stores, discount stores, and even venues like eBay or Craigslist. Friends and family members may be willing to donate items that are no longer being used.
Ask your child to lay on your kitchen counter and wash his or her hair in the sink. This can help alleviate the fear of being dunked and their dislike of water in their face.
You need to spend some time alone, without your kids. 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. Parents that do not get personal or adult time away from children have higher levels of stress that magnify throughout the home.
Reflective Material
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 find reflective material that can easily be applied with Velcro strips to any surface. The reflection from these strips is especially important in the early light of the morning because it makes the child much more visible.
Having positive family rules can help reduce the amount of fighting that goes on in your house, and help your kids get along better with each other. For example, instead of “no hitting,” opt for “only touch gently.”
Make sure to pack comfort items for your child if you take them on a trip. While most of the family views a vacation as a fun break, to a very young child it seems like a needless disruption of their normal day. If your child has a treasured toy, stuffed animal or blanket to comfort him, he can more easily make the transition to an unfamiliar location.
When becoming a stepparent, you have to accept that your stepchildren may not like you. It is not uncommon to resent their parents’ separation. Go slowly and don’t force anything. With time you can forge a relationship together.
Children have a natural desire for independence and achievement. You can satisfy those desires and build their confidence by enlisting their help in the household chores. For example, allow your child to hand you the silverware as you empty the dishwasher. Kids love to be helpful with the laundry, and can help you fold, or pass you items to be folded. The tasks will help them feel as though they are being independent, while giving you a hand.
Biological Family
If you choose to adopt, be honest with your child about his biological family. Many children that are adopted become curious about their birth family. When they have questions about this, they will expect you to provide them with some answers. When discussing his or her biological family, you must never lie. In the end, this could lead to anger and resentment.
If you develop a strong, trusting relationship with your children from the time they are small, it will have a positive influence on them when they become teenagers and are less inclined to have open, honest discussions. Put the above tips to use to start building that relationship today.