Tips Every Parent Should Know

Posted on 23rd December 2020
in Articles, Parenting
by Amy Stewart

What Every Parent Should Know

There can be many conflicting ideas when it comes to parenting.

This article will go over much of the advice that is available and will give you the option to sort it out in a way that best suits you.

We have gathered some of the best information available.

Show physical affection for your child.

Human beings naturally crave touch.

Whether it is a hug or a kiss or just a simple pat on the head, touch can be a great way to connect with and show affection for your child.

Touch is especially important when they’re sick or feeling sad, since it will comfort them.

If you have a toddler who is throwing a tantrum, make a safety fort out of a blanket or towel thrown over a chair.

Many times, toddler tantrums are related to over-stimulation, and removing the stimulation by blocking it out can help.

It provides your toddler with a safe space in which they can regroup and calm down.

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.

A great parenting tip is to encourage your child to eat healthy.

You should attempt to do this while they are young because as soon as they grow up, they will be well accustomed to what they like and what they do not like.

Encouraging them to eat healthy can help them form healthy eating habits.

If you are a new mom of twins, ask for help!

Not asking for help is one of the worst things that moms of twins do.

Having new-born twins is not the same as having one baby.

Take anyone and every one’s offer of help whether doing some grocery shopping, running the dishwasher, or just sitting with the sleeping babies for you to get a break.

You will be a better mom for it.

Invest in swaddling blankets for your babies.

Swaddling replicates the feeling of security that a baby had in the womb.

For a new-born, 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.

A vital part of parenting is paying attention to all car safety regulations pertaining to young children and ensuring that you always have an appropriate safety seat for your child’s age.

By making sure your child is properly restrained every time they travel, you will be able to greatly reduce the risk of serious injury.

Always praise your children for the things they do correctly.

Punishment will not work if you do not also reward your kids.

They have to have the balance of both to remember that doing good is worth it.

Even if it is just a kind word, reward your children for their good behaviour.

Allow your child an appropriate level of independence.

For example, when your child is ready to walk to school by himself, consider whether or not it is reasonable and NOT whether or not you feel comfortable with it.

You will never be totally at ease with letting your child do things on his own, so just relax and let him have some leeway.

You must be consistent when it comes to rewards AND punishments.

If your daughter gets in trouble for coming home past curfew, but your son only gets a slap on the wrist, your daughter will see the unfairness and rebel.

Treat all your children equally, both for good activities and bad ones.

Taking your little one for a walk after dinner is a great way to tire them out for the night.

After a day of fun you would think your little one would be exhausted, but on the contrary, they seem to get a boost of energy right before bedtime.

Help them expend this last bit of energy by a quick walk around the block, pick up acorns and make it an adventure.

This should help bedtime go smoother.

In summary, this is some of the best advice that you can get when it comes to parenting.

Please realize that while this advice may work for you and many people, you still need to make sure that you are doing what is best for your own family, and that takes time and patience.

Winsome Coutts holds a teacher’s certificate in education and is author of Go for Your Goals for kids – a set of downloadable e-books that guide your child through the joyful steps of learning visualization, goal-setting and the Law of Attraction.