Life offers few possibilities more exhilarating than the prospect of having and raising a kid of your own. Following is some advice to aid you in the art of child-rearing.

Do not give a toddler or infant any kind of soda. Instead, choose beverages that provide nutrients, like milk, juice without added sugar, and water.

It is critical that you have personal time, free of your children. Get a loved one to watch them, even if it’s only a few hours. Parents can become overwhelmed by stress when they do not have any time for themselves and that can have a negative affect on the entire household.

Having positive family rules can help reduce the amount of fighting that goes on in your house, and help your kids get along better with each other. Rather than saying “no hitting,” for instance, tell children to “touch gently.”

If you are traveling long distances in a car with young children, you must be sure to stop often to keep the kids from getting bored and cranky. While it might be tempting to try to get to your destination as quickly as possible, taking a more leisurely approach results in less fussing from the backseat! Take your travel breaks at restaurants with a place for the kids to play, or parks and open areas with plenty of grass for them to burn some excess energy.

After adopting a child, be prepared for answering questions eventually. Children who have been adopted are curious as to how they came about in this world. Eventually, they will want some answers, and you’ll be the person they’ll turn to. Try not to hide the child’s biological family from them, they’ll most likely hold a grudge towards you for doing so.

Use the security line that is meant for families when you are at the airport with children. Generally, they can be found at most larger airports. This way, you can take your time and you will not have to deal with other impatient travelers. Just know that the family line requires that you pass everything you bring through an x-ray machine.

Any child can benefit from the camaraderie and self-worth gained by playing a team sport. Going to your child’s games will be a great occasion for bonding and will show your child you care about their passion.

Hopefully these tips give you some ideas about child-rearing. It should give you a small foundation to think about and to build upon. Remember that parenthood is different from one family to another. There is not an exact right way to parent in certain specific situations. Try the tips and use whatever works best for you. Children grow up before you know it, so take the time to enjoy your children during this exciting time.