Life offers few possibilities more exhilarating than the prospect of having and raising a kid of your own. This article offers a handpicked selection of tips and tricks for mastering parenthood.

Lay your child on the counter in the kitchen and lay a rolled towel under his neck; use the faucet water and put it on his 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.

When you are traveling with young children, try to keep familiar routines intact, such as meals and bedtime. Traveling can be scary and stressful for young children. Having their normal rituals in place makes the new space seem less scary and more relaxing, which will help everyone get to sleep.

Even though it is important to spend plenty of time with your kids, take time to relax alone. This allows you the keep your own identity, as well as that of being a parent.

Avoid pressuring your eighteen year old child regarding college choices. It might be your dream for them to attend your Alma mater, but you shouldn’t focus solely on that school. When they feel pressured, teens may act in a perverse manner if they feel that someone is trying to control them.

Never give any child under three years of age any type of soda to drink. Provide your child with healthy drinks, such as milk, diluted fruit juices or plain water.

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. Saying “Touch gently” gets better results than “No hitting” does.

Hopefully, the tips you have just read will give you a good starting point from which to begin a productive and positive parental career. Try to also realize that bringing up a child is unique to everyone. There is no established way to do one thing the “right way”. Use common sense when you aren’t sure which child-rearing tactic you will use. Remember that parenting is an exciting time for both you and your child, so enjoy every moment you have, because they do indeed grow up so fast.