No matter how good you think you are at child-rearing, you can always use some good advice to improve your skills and give your children the best chance in life. The sound advice found in this article can give you a real advantage in dealing with the complex issues you may face every day to be the best parent you can be to your children.

Clear off a space on the kitchen counter, lay your child back on a rolled towel, and run water from the faucet over the hair and scalp. For many young children, this practice will be less fearful for them because they won’t have to worry about having water dumped over their heads or having to dunk their heads under water.

While devoting time to your children is important, taking time for yourself is essential, too. This restores your own well-being, which means you will have more to give as a parent.

Infants and toddlers should not consume soda, diet or otherwise. Instead, choose beverages that provide nutrients, like milk, juice without added sugar, and water.

Take a break once in a while. Set up a regular play date or a weekly visit with the grandparents, so that you can have some alone time. Tension often arises after parents have gone too long without a break from the kids. As tension rises, so does the stress of the household, which can cause everyone to be unhappy.

Making it clear that you expect your children to use positive words and communication, while leading by example helps your children to deal with the inevitable sibling issues. “Touch gently” puts a positive spin on a rule that prohibits hitting.

When taking a road trip it is important to take breaks often so that children do not get too cranky. It may seem like getting to your destination fast is most important, but odds are that a slower trip will be far more enjoyable for you and the kids. Have fun stopping at parks or play areas so children can tire themselves out.

Toddlers have short attention spans, and are easily amused, so switching up the toys in their toy boxes can help to keep them amused with the same old toys. Usually a toddler will quit paying attention to a toy, unless it’s one of their favorites. Your toddler will regain interest in their toys if they are different every day and this will make it so you don’t have to buy as many.

Bring items that you know will be of comfort when you travel with small children. A vacation can be a major disruption to the routine of a child, so if you work on keeping their routines in place and having something comforting for them, it can make it a lot easier. Having a familiar blanket or favorite toy can help your child to be more comfortable in an unfamiliar place.

After reading this article, you should be able to put into practice a lot of good child-rearing techniques. You can always learn more about being a good parent.