If you already have at least one child than you know just how difficult it can be. If you are expecting you first child perhaps you are a bit worried about what to do. This article is great for all types of parents as it will provide you with some great tips on how to be the best parent possible.
Childproofing your home is more important than you may think. The number one cause in death of children is accidents, many of which could have been prevented if the parent had childproofed their home. Even if you think your child is old enough to know better, keep these safety measures in your home.
Feel free to breastfeed your baby for comfort. Many believe that breastfeeding for comfort will make the baby associate food with emotional comfort. Offering the breast actually encourages your baby to turn to you instead of things for support. The breastfeeding is just one component of the bond that helps your baby feel better. This will provide crucial emotional security and stability as they develop.
A great parenting tip is to not try and lay guilt on your child all the time. If you are always trying to make your child feel guilty for something they have done or haven’t done, your child will develop a complex and will greatly resent you for it.
Although most medication labeling states dosages according to age in years, you should consult your pediatrician if your child falls within those age ranges but is significantly heavier or lighter than other kids his or her age. Children metabolize certain medications much differently than adults, and dosing based on weight is more likely to deliver a therapeutic amount of the active ingredient.
Don’t constantly compare your children to others, especially when they are very young. Each child develops at his own rate and many of the earliest milestones do not mean anything about the long term traits of your child. Just because Jimmy speaks faster does not mean that he will have a higher intelligence.
Many parents of twins purchase multiple cribs when they are putting together the nursery only to find out that their babies want to sleep together. Don’t buy two cribs until after you have had the babies. Some babies however will never be able to fall asleep if in the same crib. Find out which type of children you have before making the investment in a new crib. If you do want to buy it early, make sure they have a good return policy just in case.
Consistency is essential when parenting children. Children need to know what is expected of them every time. If you are not consistent with your expectations, it could cause your child to get confused and not know what it expected of them. Keeping expectations constant makes life easier for both the parent and the child.
A key parenting tip is to become active in your child’s school environment and activities. Becoming acquainted with the instructional staff and their curriculum goals can greatly help your child fulfill their true potential. This will enable you to work alongside your son or daughter and assist them when needed.
When you say you’re going to do something, like a punishment, do NOT waiver. The second you give in and revoke a punishment your child will know you can be broken. If you stick to what you say then your warnings will be heeded as the child will know you go through with your word.
Encouraging your child’s involvement in team sports can help raise his or her self-esteem. Attending your child’s games demonstrates the kind of encouragement and support that will build positive character traits and fond memories.
Let your baby cry it out. Do this between about four and six months to see the most success. Crying it out is a way of teaching your baby to sleep through the night. It shows them that Mom and Dad will not run to them every time they make a peep. This method is difficult for a couple of days, but the long term gain is worth it.
Be as positive as you can about your children and their actions. Children have an amazing sensitivity to their parents’ mood. If you stay happy, they will tend to be happier. Demonstrating a positive attitude to your children will encourage a good sense of self-esteem in them and encourage them to trust you.
Establish a good homework routine for your children, such as one completed assignment before play time. Children need to know routines in order to do what they are supposed to do. They are still too young to be self-disciplined in getting homework done. So, it is up to you to set the routine and expectations.
If you are the parent of a toddler, one way to calm your child down when they are throwing a tantrum is to give them the space they need to calm down on their own. This can be done by tossing a blanket over a table or chair, and letting your toddler crawl under to regroup.
A great way to spend time with your children on a regular basis is to have a family game night. Pick out a game that everyone will enjoy or let family members take turns choosing a game. Playing a game together as a family is a fun alternative to sitting around watching TV or each one going off and doing their own thing.
Positive Parenting
Positive parenting is a great practice to follow because it allows for structure and discipline for the child. Parents that practice positive parenting methods focus on the good things that their child is doing rather than the negative. By doing this, parents build up the self esteem of their child, as well as promote a positive environment for everyone.
