Parenting Advice

From LoveToKnow Kids

All parents need parenting advice. Your baby probably didn't come with instructions, so how did you know how to take care of him? It came naturally, right? As your child has grown, you've grown, too. Sure, you'll make mistakes. We all do! Sometimes, we need a little help and advice on how to handle certain situations that arise. Keep reading for some great parenting advice. It's not that we don't think you are doing a great job, but everyone needs a little help sometimes!

parenting advice

Parenting Advice: Babies

Newborns might be tiny, but boy do they require a lot of time and energy from their parents! If you are a new parent, you've probably gotten more parenting advice than you care to listen to. Still, you might not have realized or considered some of the following tips.

  1. Feed on Demand - Newborns have tiny tummies. They need to be fed about every two hours. Don't worry! Your baby will let you know when she is hungry!
  2. Upset Tummies - Make it a point to burp your baby after every feeding. If he seems especially gassy, try burping him several times during his feeding and keep him in more of an upright position during and after he eats.
  3. Sleeping-Newborns sleep a lot, but not all at once. Rest when you can! Eventually those naps will stretch out into longer periods of time! I promise.
  4. Sleeping All Night - Those words sound great, don't they? Once your baby is around four months old, begin trying to lay her in the crib (on her back of course!) while she is drowsy but still awake. You will be teaching her how to settle herself to sleep so that when she wakes up at night, she knows how to ease back into her dreams.
  5. Starting Solids - Your doctor will probably instruct you to begin feeding your baby solids anywhere between four and six months. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends continuing babies on breast milk or formula until they reach one year of age. Don't give your child whole milk until then.
  6. Potty Training - Is your child ready for potty training? Typically, between eighteen months and three years is the starting point. Look for signs, such as staying dry all night, interest in the potty, etc.

Advice on Parenting Elementary Aged Children

Children grow so quickly! It seems like yesterday that your child was just a baby in her crib. Now, she's starting school! Time does fly.

  1. School Transitioning - Some children love to go to school, while others cling to their parents and refuse to say goodbye. Try to help your little feel more secure. Let her help you buy school supplies and pick out a few new clothes. Take her to see her classroom and meet her teacher before the first day of school. Invite a few of her friends over for a back-to-school party.
  2. Growing Independence - Your child may already be exhibiting signs of independence. How can you give her a little more freedom, but still keep her safe? Even though your child may think she is old enough to stay home alone, this simply isn't true. The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry gives guidelines on determining when you can let your child stay home alone. Until then, look for other ways to encourage her independence, such as letting her choose her own clothing and how to decorate her room. Ask for her input on family activities and vacations, and give her more freedom in choosing friends, with your guidance and supervision of course.

Parenting Advice: Pre-Teens and Teenagers

If your child is approaching puberty, hang on! Actually, many children ride out the turbulent years of puberty with ease, but others do struggle, and while they may not ask for it, they need your guidance.

  1. The key to successfully parenting teenagers is to learn how to listen, and then to talk.
  2. If your child doesn't think you are listening to her, then she certainly won't listen to you.
  3. During these tumultuous years, respect is very important. Respect her privacy, her decisions, and her feelings.
  4. Understand that she may be moody and inconsistent at times.
  5. Look for ways to praise her.
  6. Give her opportunities to succeed at things.
  7. Let her know that you love her no matter what!
  8. Don't sweat the small stuff! Save your battles for bigger issues worth fighting for!

Go Easy on Yourself

Finally, keep in mind that you will make mistakes, but if you parent with love, you are a good parent! Don't be afraid to ask for advice and help, and take some time for yourself.

For more parenting advice, check out the following websites:

  1. Family Education
  2. Practical Parent
  3. Keep Kids Healthy
  4. iVillage Parenting
  5. Mayo Clinic
  6. Parenting

 


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