Raising children may seem easy, but most people can tell you from experience, it is not. Also, not everyone is meant to raise a child. However, with the proper parenting skills, even the most seemingly unable person can raise a child successfully. This article discusses the six stages in parenting and the tips and tricks to completing each stage successfully, resulting in a wonderful child. So, do not think that you are incapable of being a good parent because parenting will be a breeze after you read the following valuable information.
When breastfeeding, do not try to feed the baby on a strict schedule. Letting the baby eat when he is hungry will allow your supply and the baby's hunger to develop as needed. If you try to feed him at a set time, he will not suck as hard and your body will not respond with letting down your milk. Your baby knows when he is hungry so follow his cues.
You should never smoke indoors when you have children. In fact, this may be the time to just quit smoking for the sake of your own health and your child's. You may not realize it, but secondhand smoke can be as bad, if not worse, than firsthand smoke. When children are exposed to second-hand smoke they may develop respiratory problems, like asthma or bronchitis.
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.
No two children are alike. Just because one parenting style is effective with a child does not mean it will be as effective with another. Rewards and punishment will be effected. Keeping all of this in mind, still use the same techniques you have had success with in the past.
While the advice of close friends and family can be very helpful, you don't need to listen to the unsolicited tips from every aunt, cousin and coworker. Of course they may mean well, but at the end of the day the child is yours. The same goes for parenting tips from any other source, take them with a grain of salt.
Invest in a great nursing pillow for breastfeeding twins. A pillow will make your breastfeeding go much more smoothly. You will be able to use it to feed both at the same time. Make sure you remember to switch sides during the feedings as they will have different sucking patterns.
It is important for a child to know exactly what is expected of them each and every day. A child should not have to wonder or guess what their parents want them to do. They should know exactly what they are supposed to do and what the consequences will be if they do not do what is expected.
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.
A great parenting tip is to not shelter your children too much. Don't tell your children that there are tons of people out there just waiting to kidnap them. This will only instill fear in your child. You have to let your children experience a bit of life, all by themselves.
Look into the latest in baby monitors for your little one. You can program these new gadgets to call your smart phone whenever there is any kind of noise in your baby's room. It is a great way to get a bit of work done while you baby naps, and get the alert that your baby wants you when she wakes.
Use common household items to keep your child entertained. Items such as empty paper towel rolls, pots and pans, empty boxes and old clothing, can easily occupy a child's imagination without a lot of financial investment. As an added benefit, children encouraged to use their imagination in play, are often more successful at problem solving as they get older.
A great parenting tip is to make sure your child goes to bed and wakes up on time. Making sure they go to bed and wake up on time is very important because it determines how successful they'll be in school and in their other activities. This is an important tip that all parents should consider.
Never taunt or belittle your child, even in a joking manner. A child's self esteem is nurtured or injured from the beginning of life by his parents. Instead of telling your child, "You did that wrong", try saying "Good job! Now let's try to do it another way." The smile you receive from this positive comment will tell you how much your child counts on you to develop positive feelings about life.
Give your children praise for the things they do well. It is natural to notice negative behaviors instead of positive ones. However, if a child does not feel like they are receiving positive reinforcement for the good things they do, they are more likely to engage in negative behaviors to get attention.
Do not believe that you have to give your children everything they want in order to make them love you. Most children crave limits and boundaries and they want to have someone that can be in charge and tell them what to do. They will push these boundaries so be prepared for that.
Parenting can be a hard thing to do. I mean, you are responsible for how another human being turns out. Do not let raising a child scare you. Just remember the six stages of parenting and apply the tips and tricks we provided you along the way. Do not worry, you will be excellent at parenting in no time!
