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.
When you are traveling, bring those items that are seen as comfort to your toddler or young child. Your child may become distressed if you take them somewhere new. Having a familiar blanket or favorite toy can help your child to be more comfortable in an unfamiliar place.
Following routines allow everyone to know what they can expect, such as setting aside time for homework, meals, and bed time. If you tell your child you are going to do something, then you should follow through with it. Getting your child into a routine helps your child adjust and behave well.
If you want to keep toddlers and younger kids from getting bored and cranky on long car trips, make frequent rest stops. It may be tempting to get to your target destination quickly, but going at a leisurely pace will keep the fussing from the children to a minimum. You should try stopping at parks, open grassy fields or a restaurant that has a play area so your kids can get rid of their energy.
A spoonful of sugar (or anything sweet, really) helps the medicine go down! Applesauce is a good choice, or you can stir a little juice into the medicine. Eye drops can be applied on the eye lid of the closed eye of your child. When they open their eye the medicine will drop in, and you will not have fighting or struggling.
Don't fight over nothing. You don't want to fight with your child over everything, so chose the most crucial items that need addressing. He should know that while he can be himself, certain rules are there to protect him.
Star charts are a great way to motivate children to have good behavior. For instance, a four row chart with seven columns can provide space for stickers anytime your child performs the new task on a given day. When the chart has a sticker in every square, reward your child. A chart provides a visual reminder for your child of his accomplishments thus far. Knowing there is a reward available will keep him motivated.
Don't let a kid younger than four drink any sort of soda. Serve your little ones drinks that have nutritive value, such as low-fat milk, water and small amounts of juice.
Provide your children with basic knowledge of cooking so they are able to eventually prepare it themselves and do not resort to living on unhealthy fast food and expensive take out. Boys and girls alike will be proud to participate in meal preparation for the family and themselves. This also allows you to spend excellent quality time together.
Work with your child to create a warning hand gesture that signals them to stop when they are misbehaving. These signals can give your child the appropriate warning to behave, as they will understand that discipline is imminent.
Teaching your child where things should go will teach him or her how to be organized. Your child's things will end up everywhere unless he or she knows where those things are supposed to go. Children love to learn, so if you teach them how to put his things away properly, they will be able to do it themselves after playing with them.
It will be helpful for new stepparents to understand that it will probably be quite a while before your stepchild accepts you into the family. Often, children continue to want their parents to reunite. By taking it slow and not rushing a relationship, your stepchild and you will slowly learn to get along with each other.
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.
Sometimes being a parent can be a difficult task, but with the advice in the article you should be better prepared to make good decisions. Keep in mind the information you have learned from this article, and give your absolute best to your child. Parenting is a great opportunity and you should do your best to enjoy it.
