Raising a child is hard work, and no amount of advice or preparation can change that. Preparation and knowledge can have an effect, though, on the results that hard child-rearing work brings. A helpful tip at the right time can make the child-rearing process much easier. Continue reading to get a few tips that might solve some child-rearing problems.

Imagine how your child will interpret what you tell him! Speaking honestly to your children will build their trust in you.

Although you do need to spend lots of time with the kids, you also need to make time for yourself. Taking that little bit of time for yourself can really help to recharge your batteries, and also help you discover who you are outside of your parental role.

Taking a break from your children every now and then is important. Get a friend or family member to take care of your kids, even if it’s only for a couple of hours. If parents don’t have time away from their kids, they often get more stressed, which increases the amount of tension in the house.

Don’t smoke in a home where your kids are living. In fact, consider simply quitting smoking for good. Secondhand smoke is equally as harmful as actually smoking. Exposure to second-hand smoke puts children at higher risk for respiratory conditions like pneumonia, asthma or bronchitis.

A mesh teether containing carrots, cucumber or pickle could be helpful to your little one if they are having a hard time with their teeth coming through. A flavored teether will encourage your child to continue chewing through the pain. The longer a child uses this tasty teether, the more relief they will feel and the happier you both will be.

Using rules that detail exactly what is expected can help to cut back on the amount of fighting that goes on and ultimately help your children live together more harmoniously. Telling your children “hands are for helping and not hurting” is better than just saying “don’t hit” because it gives them an example of what to do instead of just telling them what NOT to do.

Funnily enough, not everybody finds being a parent to be easy or a natural instinct to them. Educating yourself and seeking out information from others is all part of raising a child. Children are not easy to deal with, and any parent can benefit from the experiences of others. Useful tips on bringing up a child can come from anywhere, but they are always helpful.