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 parenting work brings. A helpful tip at the right time can make the raising a child process much easier. Continue reading to get a few tips that might solve some child-rearing problems.

You need to make a clean space on the counter where your child can lay. Allow your child to hold their head over the sink while you run water over it. Over time, this may make a toddler more receptive to the idea of being submerged or doused with water.

Though traveling can be very disruptive to schedules and routines, attempt to incorporate them into your travel plans, if at all possible. Travel can seriously stress out children, especially very young children. Maintaining the same schedule and rituals as you do at home will allow your child to settle in his or her new environment, ideally letting everyone get plenty of sleep.

You need to spend some time alone, without your kids. Ask a friend or a member of your family to watch them; even just a few hours can be beneficial. If parents don’t have time away from their kids, they often get more stressed, which increases the amount of tension in the house.

Reflective Materials

Regardless of their age, children who walk to or from school need to have retro-reflective material affixed to their person in a highly conspicuous spot, such as on their backpack or clothing. This material is also available in Velcro strips that can be easily attached and detached. Retro-reflective materials, whether Velcro or tape, make children more visible if they’re walking prior to sunrise or after dark. No matter what time of day it is, wearing reflective materials draws drivers’ attention to your children’s presence and makes road accidents less likely.

If children live in your house, you should never smoke indoors. In fact, it’s a good idea to stop smoking completely. Secondhand smoke affects health just as much as firsthand. Second-hand smoke is responsible for a multitude of health issues in a child, including bronchitis, asthma, pneumonia and other respiratory problems.

Many people do not find raising a child to be an easy experience. A natural and integral part of raising a child is gathering knowledge and advice. You never know what to expect from your kids, so being prepared is always wise. Helpful child-rearing tips are a true gem. Locate them where you can, and use them to make your life easier.