One of your life’s best days was probably when your child was born. You have never felt a connection so strong to a human as you do with your child. The tips on child-rearing that follow in this article will help you keep the connection you have with your child flourishing.
If you are expecting a baby, spending lots of money on nursery furnishings is not necessary. 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, ask if any of your family or friends have spare baby stuff that they don’t use anymore.
Ask your child to lay on your kitchen counter and wash his or her hair in the sink. This method eases concerns of children who do not like to have their head dunked into the water.
If children live in your house, you should never smoke indoors. Actually, it would be extremely helpful to kick the habit altogether. Secondhand smoke can be just as terrible as smoking itself. Second-hand smoke exposure can lead to asthma, bronchitis and other respiratory problems for children.
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. Instead of saying “no hitting” you could tell your children to “touch gently”, as it is a kinder way of saying the same thing.
When taking a road trip it is important to take breaks often so that children do not get too cranky. Although you might prefer to arrive at your destination as soon as possible, your children will not be as fussy if you take your time. 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.
Keep toddler toys rotated from the bottom box. Except for a few select items, small kids often become uninterested in individual toys quickly. By rotating frequently and using all of the available toys, you can keep your toddler interested, without having to buy more and more new toys.
Bring some comfort items when traveling with toddlers or young children. Vacations are meant to be fun and relaxing, but children can feel uprooted and their routines feel disrupted. 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. The child may blame you for their parents’ separation. If you pace yourself and do not try to force the relationship, you will eventually form a closer bond.
It’s important to lay the emotional groundwork with your children while they are young, so they still want to share with you during the difficult teenage years. Follow the advice you have read to strengthen your relationship with your child, and be the parent that your child deserves.