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

If you are expecting, don’t blow two months’ salary on nursery equipment. Items such as cribs or changing tables can be purchased at lower prices through classified ads or stores such as Walmart. Friends and family members may be willing to donate items that are no longer being used.

Be sure to take time for yourself and away from your kids. Set up a regular play date or a weekly visit with the grandparents, so that you can have some alone time. If parents are not able to have some time to unwind, they will become highly stressed, which is not good for anyone in the family.

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. It is easy to attach and remove the material from these items when it is purchased as strips with Velcro backing. This is so your child is more noticeable to crossing guards and drivers, especially earlier on in the morning.

You should never smoke in your house, whether you have children in the house or not. Actually, it would be best to stop smoking altogether. Secondhand smoke can cause just as many problems as smoking yourself. Children who breathe second-hand smoke are more likely to develop asthma, pneumonia, bronchitis or other respiratory issues.

Establishing clear boundaries and using positive reinforcement will lead to happier, more well adjusted children. Rather than saying “no hitting” try “touch gently” and see if this doesn’t encourage more constructive measures of interaction.

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. Although you might prefer to arrive at your destination as soon as possible, your children will not be as fussy if you take your time. 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.

Even though it is such a common experience, raising a child is not a process that comes naturally to many people. Gathering information and soliciting advice is a natural part of the child-rearing process. Anyone can gain from the knowledge of others when it comes to the complexities of child rearing. No matter what its source is, useful parenting advice is likely to be appreciated by almost any parent.