Nothing is more thrilling than becoming a parent. This article offers a handpicked selection of tips and tricks for mastering parenthood.

You do not necessarily need to spend a fortune on a nursery for your little one. Changing tables, cribs, and other baby furniture can all be purchased for relatively low prices at department stores. Also, ask friends and family if they have or know of anyone that can donate these items to you.

Ask your child to lay on your kitchen counter and wash his or her hair in the sink. This can help alleviate the fear of being dunked and their dislike of water in their face.

Transitioning between tasks can be challenging for preschool age children. Directing their attention from one thing to another can be irritating for them, and they may have a tantrum as a result.

Parents with teenagers should try to abstain from forcing their own preferences for college; letting the child decide what to do will make the teenager both happy, and responsible for their own mistake, if they believe it is one later on. When teenagers feel pressured and controlled, they will often times rebel and do the opposite of what they are supposed to.

Establishing clear boundaries and using positive reinforcement will lead to happier, more well adjusted children. For example, instead of making a rule against hitting, make a rule that only allows hugging.

Make taking care of yourself a priority when you have children. No matter how busy your day is, be sure to take a few minutes for yourself to get your energy back. The entire family will be much happier.

When driving for long distances with a toddler or young child, make sure you stop often so they don’t get bored or irritable. Driving straight through to your destination may seem like the most efficient plan, but a more leisurely approach with down time for the kids will be more enjoyable for all. Let your children play and discover new adventures along the way in parks, restaurants and tourist attractions.

If you absorb the information that has been provided in the article, you should be able to build a great foundation from which to parent in a positive manner. Just keep in mind that no one’s parenting experience is quite the same. There is no silver bullet bringing up a child strategy that is always the correct method of doing things. You are free to use your own judgment and taste to pick out the suggestions that you feel will be most helpful to you. Think about being a parent as a unique opportunity to get closer with another human being, and as a very enriching experience.