The day your son or daughter was born was likely one of the happiest days of your life! You will never feel such a connection as the one you have with your children. Apply these tips to communicate with your child and build strong connections.

If you are pregnant, avoid spending large sums of money on nursery equipment. It is possible to buy high quality cribs, changing tables, blankets and other baby paraphernalia for much less money at department stores like Walmart. Many times, friends and family members have nursery gear that they no longer use, that they might be willing to lend or give to you.

It is important to consider the message that you could potentially be sending your child. Children respect honesty and will be more apt to trust you.

It is difficult for young children to embrace change. An abrupt switch from on activity to the next can induce stress, and it will end in a melt down.

Parents with teenagers trying to decide on what college to attend, should not pressure them to choose the college parents want them to go to. Teenagers don’t like to feel like they are controlled by you, and may often do completely the opposite.

No baby or toddler should ever drink soda of any kind. Provide your child with healthy drinks, such as milk, diluted fruit juices or plain water.

You can make a natural teether by putting carrots, pickles or a cucumber into a mesh teether to soothe a child who is teething. Chilled gel rings do also work, however, a tasty foodstuff is much more likely to hold your child’s attention while they are seeking relief. Your child will get better relief during the day if he can chew longer.

By setting firm, yet positive, boundaries and rules for your children you can avoid a lot of family discord and everyone will get along better. Affirming words such as “Touch softly”, can help children react positively to correction instead of phrases like “Stop hitting!”.

If you adopted your child, be ready for your child’s questions once he or she learns about being adopted. Adopted children are always going to want to know where they were originally from, and naturally they will look to you for the answers. Lying to your children about their origin will lead to a lot of resentment once they find out.

Look for a “family line” when going through airport security checkpoints. They can be found at most airports. Take your time and do not try to deal with people that are impatient. Everything must be x-rayed, and that includes car seats and the children’s shoes.

Get your child involved in sports or other activities outside of school. Your child will acquire better social skills and the ability to make deeper friendships, both of which will be very important throughout adulthood, too. Also, keeping busy with these activities keeps them away from engaging in negative ones.

If you have a good relationship with your children when they are still little you will have a better one when they get older. Put the above tips to use to start building that relationship today.