Child-rearing is a tough job, maybe the toughest there is. It can be both incredibly rewarding and frustrating at the same time. Read on to learn a few tips and advice that a parent can use when trying to raise the best child they possibly can.

If you clear a spot on the kitchen countertop, next to the sink, you can lay your child on a towel there and wash his hair and scalp under the faucet. This can minimize the anxiety many young children have when their heads are doused with water.

If you are going on a trip with a young child, keeping their routines for bedtimes and eating will help them enjoy themselves more. Travel is stressful for small children, especially infants. Observing the same routine you had at home should make your young child feel comfortable in this new environment.

A little “me time” away from the company of your kids can be really important. Even if you can only manage to find a babysitter for a couple of hours or have to ask a family member, the break will do you good. If parents never get a timeout from raising a child responsibilities, stress and frustration can result. This will affect the entire family.

If children live in your home, avoid smoking in the house. It is actually a good idea to quit smoking altogether, especially if you have children. Exposure to secondhand smoke is almost as risky as the act of smoking itself. Second-hand smoke is responsible for a multitude of health issues in a child, including bronchitis, asthma, pneumonia and other respiratory problems.

If cutting teeth is painful for your child, put certain foods, such as carrots, cucumbers or pickles into a mesh teething feeder. Other ways of relief might work, but your child will tend to continue chewing on something that has a taste. The longer a child uses this tasty teether, the more relief they will feel and the happier you both will be.

When your family rules are termed with positive vocabulary, it reinforces peace over conflict and encourages your children to coexist. Try telling your child what they should do rather than what they shouldn’t. “Walk slowly” is a better way of saying “Don’t run.”

Remember that even though you’re a parent, you have to take care of yourself too. No matter what is going on during the day, give yourself a few minutes to relax and become re-energized. You will feel better, and your children will be happier as a result.

It’s important to make pit stops while on long-distance road trips so your children won’t become irritable. Rather then dash to your destination, taking a leisurely route will often result in a more peaceful trip. Plan stops along the way at parks, restaurants, or attractions so your kids can burn off their energy and see something new.

Take the advice from this article that works for you. Every child is different, and the rules of raising a child are not set in stone. Being a good parent can be a tremendous responsibility, but it can be a great source of satisfaction as you watch your child grow into an independent adult.