It is common to hear people say that they hope they never raise their children like their parents did, however, more often than not, this ends up happening. If you wish to learn some of the best parenting advice, from a wide variety of sources that does not include your parents, this article is for you.
If you have a difficult or especially demanding toddler, consider part-time daycare or nursery school. These options allow you maintain most of the control in raising your child, but still get them out of the house. Nursery school can provide a situation in which your child is being cared for by someone who won’t give in to their demands and doesn’t mind if they cry.
When trying to potty train your child, it is advised that you give them a reward each time they successfully use the toilet. This reward can be their favorite food or candy, a sticker, or anything else they enjoy. By doing this, they will be encouraged to consistently use the potty.
Be wary about introducing pacifiers to your breastfeed baby. Pacifiers are designed to take care of a baby’s need to suck, however the reason a baby needs to suck is because that is how they breastfeed. If they can satisfy their need to suck elsewhere it will hurt your breastfeeding relationship. Limit pacifiers for at least the first 6 weeks.
When your child goes to the doctor’s office, be sure to tell the nurse or doctor if your son or daughter is taking any kind of over-the-counter vitamin or mineral supplement. Even though these products do not require a prescription, they can interact with or decrease the absorption of prescription antibiotics or other medications.
A great parenting tip is to discuss with them all the dangers of taking drugs. Though they might not listen to you in the end, it’ll still be important to them that they hear it from you. By offering your honest insight, they might remember your words and act accordingly.
When raising teenagers, it may seem as if you are always focusing on the negative things they do. It is important to take some time out and praise them for some of their positive accomplishments. If all they hear is negative, it pushes them down, try some positive reinforcement; you will like the results you get from your teen.
If your child has figured out how to unzip their pajamas at night, buy the kind without the feet on them. Put them on your child backwards. He will not be able to reach the zipper, so he will not be able to take his clothes off. This will lead to a better night’s sleep for everyone in the family.
If you are exhausted trying to care for your newborn at night, put her rash cream on her diaper, Just before you go to sleep in the evening. This will save you time during late-night feedings, because you will be able to put your baby’s diaper on without worrying about putting the paste on her bottom first.
Babies
Make sure you listen to what your child has to say. Listening can be anything from listening to them babble as babies, listening to how their day at school went, or listening to their problems. Kids want to know that you care enough to listen to them. If you listen to them, they’re more apt to listen to you.
A tip for parents of teething babies is to offer some alternatives to the traditional frozen washcloth. Putting flavorful, cold vegetables in a mesh teething bag can be a great way to soothe a child’s discomfort. The extra taste imparted by the food may help the baby chew longer, thus extending their relief.
Learn the signs of a baby on a nursing strike. Many parents experience a nursing strike and take that to mean that the baby is ready to wean. Actually babies go through periods where they are just less interested in breastfeeding in general. Babies do this generally when they are going through large developmental leaps. Just keep offering and they will come back to normal feeding rhythms.
Here’s a cool tip for parents of twin babies: Paint your baby twins’ toenails to help tell them apart. As infants, even fraternal twins can look so alike that it can be impossible to know who is who, especially when you are sleep deprived. Assign a color of nail polish to each child and paint just one toenail of each to keep straight who is who!
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.
Look into slings and baby carriers designed for twins. They do exist, and they are fabulous. There is a learning curve for getting two babies into a carrier, but the benefits to mom and baby are enormous. Wearing your babies will allow you to get things done with your hands free, and the twins get the emotional connection and intellectual stimulation from being right with you.
Invest in swaddling blankets for your babies. Swaddling replicates the feeling of security that a baby had in the womb. For a newborn, this may be one of the only ways that they will feel comfortable enough to sleep. You can search online for videos on techniques for a proper baby swaddling.
In conclusion, you want to make sure that you are doing what is best for your children. Parenting is a passion of yours and it is imperative that you are not just following what your own parents did, but are providing for your children in a way that caters to them, specifically. Use the advice in this article for your advantage.