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 are an expectant parent, remember that it is not necessary to spend obscene amounts of money on furnishing your nursery. All the necessary baby items, such as a crib, blanket or changing table, can be bought at department stores like a K-Mart or Walmart for much cheaper while still giving you high quality. You should also ask other mothers if they have anything that they would be willing to lend or give you to use.

You can have your child lay face up on the counter with their head over the sink and a towel under their neck and let them have a small towel for their face and eyes. This can minimize the anxiety many young children have when their heads are doused with water.

Toddlers should not be given any kind of soda. Provide your child with healthy drinks, such as milk, diluted fruit juices or plain water.

It is necessary for parents to get away, together or alone, apart from the children. Get a loved one to watch them, even if it’s only a few hours. Without the occasional break, parents are more likely to become very stressed. This increases tension in the household and may cause a mom or dad to snap at their children.

When a child walks to school, no matter their age, they should have reflective strips on their backpacks or clothing. Retro-reflective Velcro strips are also available. Velcro is convenient to attach and can be easily removed or put onto a different piece of clothing. Drivers will be able to spot children more easily thanks to these reflective stripes.

If there are children in the house, don’t smoke inside. You may even want to even consider quitting. Inhaling secondhand smoke can be just as harmful as smoking cigarettes. Children who are exposed to second-hand smoke experience a higher incidence of respiratory issues such as asthma, bronchitis and pneumonia.

Apply the advice that this article has given to you so that you can enjoy being a parent and all of the responsibility that goes with it. Parenting is filled with many pitfalls; however, it can be very satisfying watching your child mature into a wonderful adult.

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