Are You A Parent? You Must Read More!

Facing many of the challenges of everyday parenting can be just a matter of knowing some common sense tips to give you the advantage. If what you are doing is not working, this article has some ideas that can give you that advantage and make facing the everyday challenges smooth sailing.

Start teaching your child to do chores at a young age. Even a 3-year-old can be taught to do basic chores, like feeding the dog or picking up toys. This will instill in your child the idea that he plays an important role in the family. It will boost his self-esteem.

Sweets and other high-calorie foods should only be given in moderation and only for rewards, not for everyday snacks. You can teach your children to snack healthy by making sure you only give them things like apples, raisins, granola bars, etc. Giving them candy will make them continue to want the candy.

Try making a special reading area for your children. Put some appealingly arranged shelves full of books appropriate to their age group and a comfortable place to sit and read. Encourage them to use the space by making a reading corner time each day, and if possible, let them see you reading during this time as well.

For a toddler who hates having her hair washed, try mimicking a salon visit in your own house. Allow her to lay back on the kitchen or bathroom counter with a towel under her neck for support, and wash her hair in the sink. Give her a soothing scalp massage and talk to her in a silly voice to make the experience less scary.

If you can afford it as a parent, you should definitely send your children to private schools. Public schools are currently in shambles. Your political view might make you a little blind to the hard facts, but public schools are being held hostage by special interests and kids are continuing to fall behind.

Make use of online video conferencing to build your children's relationships with relatives who live far away. By scheduling regular calls with grandparents, aunts, and uncles, your child will become familiar with their relatives and not be timid around them when they come to visit in person. Your child will be able to enjoy the relationships despite the distance.

Engage your older children in making sure your home is safe for a baby or toddler. While older children enjoy more freedom in the household, they may not understand why their small toys or art supplies are dangerous to their younger sibling. Explain the dangers and involve them in keeping your home safe for everyone.

If you child wants to argue with you about a specific rule that you have set, just repeat the rule and do not respond to his argument. Arguing with him will only lead to your frustration, and it encourages him to argue further. You want to let you child see that you are firm in your decision.

As you can see from the tips in this article, there are many ways to use common sense ideas to overcome the challenges of parenting. Putting these tips to practical use will give you the confidence you need to be the best parent you can be, every day, for your children.