Sunday 15 July 2012

Make Your Life Easier With These Parenting Tips

Parenting is a life-long journey filled with many highs and lows. Since you are reading this article, it's likely that you've encountered a few bumps and are looking for a smoother parenting ride. As you read the ideas here, consider which ones apply to your situation and can be put to use.

Try to establish and adhere to a routine each night when it is time to get your child ready for bed. Establishing a bedtime routine allows your child to get his mind ready to go to bed and get to sleep. When he changes into his pajamas, brushes his teeth, and listens to a story, he knows that sleeping will be next. If your child understands and expects what is coming next, he won't give you any resistance.

It is important that you keep to a routine each night when getting your child ready for bed. A routine will get your kid in the mindset of being ready to sleep. A routine such as a bath, putting on pajamas and then brushing teeth helps your child to wind down and be ready for bed. If your child understands and expects what is coming next, he won't give you any resistance.

Research has shown the danger of second hand smoke to children, so don't smoke at home. Actually, it would be extremely helpful to kick the habit altogether. Secondhand smoke is very dangerous to others. Children who are exposed to second-hand smoke on a regular basis are at greater risk for developing respiratory illnesses, asthma and cancer.

If your child has ADHD or a similar condition, it is important that you keep him or her busy. Energetic children such as these will look for things to do and perhaps act out. Make sure your child gets plenty of exercise during the day: go for a walk or a bike ride, for instance.

Medications for young children will go down a lot easier if a sweet substance is added. Sugar or fruit juice mixed into the medicine will do the trick. When applying eye drops, have your child keep their eyes closed, and put the drop directly on the eyelid. When they open their eye the medicine will drop in, and you will not have fighting or struggling.

Choose your fights. Instead of making a big deal out of small offenses, try to focus on the more important things to make your points. Children do need structure, but too much structure can be stifling.

When you provide areas for storing toys and other things, your children are more likely to learn the organizational skills associated with neatness. If your child has no place in particular to store things, those things are likely to be scattered everywhere. Show him where things go so that he can put them back in the proper place when he is done with them.

Clear some room on a counter near the sink, have your child lay down, and then run the faucet over his hair and skin. This can minimize the anxiety many young children have when their heads are doused with water.

Using rules that detail exactly what is expected can help to cut back on the amount of fighting that goes on and ultimately help your children live together more harmoniously. Instead of saying "don't hit," try saying "touch gently."

Don't try and tell your kids what they should not do; instead, keep sharing with them what they should be doing. When children are told often that they aren't allowed to do things, it makes them feel as though their freedom is stifled. Focusing on what your children are able to do will make their restrictions seem less like a punishment.

You should not spend a lot of money on nursing equipment right before you have your baby. All the necessary baby items, such as a crib, blanket or changing table, can be bought at department stores like a K-Mart or Walmart for much cheaper while still giving you high quality. Also, consider asking friends and family members with children if they have old baby items that they no longer need.

Learn how to parent your toddler. Toddlers are typically very selfish, so help them learn how to take turns. If your child is being especially stubborn, it may warrant a few minutes in time-out.

Being a parent can be somewhat trying. You should now have a good idea of what it takes to be a good parent and be able to incorporate the tips into your life. Use these tips to help you nurture and cherish the precious gift that is your child. This should be the best time of your life and with these parenting tips, there is nothing stopping you from being the best parent you can be.

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