With parenting, there are no definitive rules on how to do anything, exactly the right way. While this may seem to be a daunting fact, remember, that every person new to parenting always feels the same way. However, with a bit of sound advice, you can get off to a great start with your child. Follow these tips and advice, if you want to begin your career as a parent on the right foot.
Make sure you’re teaching by example. Your child is much more apt to learn behaviors when you exhibit these behaviors. It’s been proven that children learn by mimicking those around them. So if you’re telling your kids not to yell in the house and you’re doing it, they’re more likely to follow what you do than what you say.
Make sure you have an appropriate first aid kit in your home. Children suffer a variety of different injuries and you want to make sure you are prepared for them. In your first aid kit, make sure to include, band aids, hydrogen peroxide, alcohol, cotton swabs, bacitracin ointment, and calamine lotion.
Exercise caution when diagnosing siblings who start to display symptoms of an illness shared by another brother or sister. Although families with multiple children often share germs, viruses, and illnesses, sharing medications or neglecting to take each child to the doctor increases the risk of health problems caused by unchecked or misdiagnosed ailments.
Using win/win negotiating strategies to help resolve the every day disputes that often arise between siblings can go a long way to help reduce fighting. When children quarrel, focus on trying to help them see that there is a solution that will get everyone’s needs met. Ask for their suggestions first and then offer more of your own.
A great parenting tip is to show your all of your children the same amount of love and affection. If you play favoritism with your children, they will grow up to resent you, and they probably won’t get along with each other. You should love all your kids the same.
If you have a teenager of pre-teen that is unhappy with their weight, the best thing you can do as a parent is convince them they are fine just the way they are. Many teenagers turn to eating disorders, such as bulimia and anorexia, because their parents are not supportive.
Even though it may be an uncomfortable topic for parents to discuss, it is very important that you talk to your children about drugs while they are still young. This way, once they hit the age when peer pressure is common, they will know that drugs are not good for them.
Your child’s self-esteem can be bolstered by participating in team sports. Going to your child’s games will be a great occasion for bonding and will show your child you care about their passion.
Your child will take a medicine more easily if it is mixed into something sweet. Orange juice is a good option, or simply put some sugar directly in the medicine. To instill eye drops, you should direct your kid to close his or her eyes. Next, drop the medicine onto the child’s eyelid. When they open their eye the medicine will drop in, and you will not have fighting or struggling.
Make sure your child always wears a protective helmet whenever he rides his bike. A great way to ensure proper fit as well as a good helmet is a visit to the local fire station. Your child will be fitted with a free, fitted helmet and given advice on the importance of helmet-wearing. This can be fun as well as informative for the child and parent. Check with your local fire station to see if this service is available in your area. If not, go to a reputable bike shop.
Hang a calendar in your child’s bedroom to make note of which days your child has library, gym, music and art to help you child get in the habit of being prepared for school. Marking library day on the calendar will ensure that library books won’t be forgotten. Marking gym days will tell your child they need to wear sneakers.
Teach your children to be charitable. There are many things that they can do to help others in and around their community. Volunteering at a soup kitchen or visiting the elderly in a retirement home are just a couple of examples. It’s never too early to begin showing children the importance of giving to others who are in need.
Reading is a very important part of your child’s education. Reading is involved in every part of the learning process and it is also a huge part of society as a whole. Everyone must be able to read and communicate. Encourage your children to read at home and assist them in whatever ways possible to keep them at a high reading level.
Soothe your baby with your scent. A newborn can recognize the scent of her mother and is soothed by the smell, which makes her feel safe and secure. To help her sleep better or to soothe her while you are away, sleep with her bedding for a night, so it retains your scent.
To improve your parenting skills, choose your fights wisely, and fight fair. Children need to feel that they have control over certain aspects their lives, and you can allow them that control by leaving some room for flexibility in household rules. If there is a rule that must be followed, explain the reasoning behind it to your child, rather than simply demanding that it be observed.
