Some Parenting Tips
People have been parenting for a long time and as a species we’ve gotten pretty good at it. But nobody is born with the skills and knowledge to raise happy, healthy children; we all have to learn those things. Sometimes we can all use tips like the ones below, from people who have been there before.
If you have multiple children, make sure you’re spending time with each of them separately, as well as in a group. Spending time with each child individually, helps you bond with them and gives them a sense of uniqueness. You want your children to know that you love them all equally and that they all deserve time with you.
Breastfeeding can be hard. A lot of people think the baby is born and you can start right away. This isn’t always the case. It is best to work with an LC or Lactation Consultant. They know everything about breastfeeding and give you the help you need to become successful at it.
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.
Try to avoid giving children “I told you so answers.” Although in some specific cases this may be necessary there is generally a better way. It is very important for children to understand why they should not do anything because this allows them to grow as a person and to learn how to make their own good decisions.
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.
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.
To preserve your sanity after having a new baby, do not be afraid to ask friends and family to give you and your new family some space or to ask them to pitch in with cooking or cleaning if they do visit. You and your spouse need time to adjust, bond and catch up on sleep.
A great parenting tip is to hire a babysitter to look after your child when you’re at work. Obviously you don’t want to leave your child home alone, especially if they’re very young. Hiring a babysitter can be a good way to keep your child safe and looked after. Give your children a big hug as often as possible, and remind them that you love them. No matter how angry they make you, or how badly they mess up your home, they’re still your kids, and they will be forever. They will grow up to be well-adjusted adults as long as they know they’ve been loved.
As the parent of a young child one of the most important things to take into consideration is how to “childproof” your home. Make a checklist of items in the home that need to be childproofed. Avoid sharp edges on desks and tables and don’t leave out small gadgets that a child can swallow. Make sure all cupboards and cabinets are both out of reach and securely fastened. You can never take too many precautions when it comes to the safety of your child.
A common question new parents have is how to determine when their child is ready to be potty trained. First, in order to use the toilet, your child much have certain skills. For example, they need to be able to take off their clothes, they must have a certain amount of control over their bladder and bowel movements. Second, the child should be able to communicate in case there are any problems. If your child can do all things, the best way to start is to model the appropriate actions for the child and practice with them.
Be willing to compromise with your children, in order to minimize frustrating disagreements. Many kids are amazingly stubborn and sometimes, their parents react by refusing to see their point of view. You should keep some perspective when your children try to argue with you. Be open to letting them get their way on points that do not really matter.
When you tell your kids you are going to do something, then do it. If you show your children you aren’t consistent with what you say you are going to do, they will learn to ignore what you say. This can lead to problems such as your children not trusting you.
Anybody who has kids has a lot to learn, but that doesn’t mean you need to reinvent the wheel every time. Suggestions like the ones in this article let you learn from other parents’ successes (and their mistakes!) to make the toughest, most rewarding job you’ll ever do just a bit easier.