All parents can benefit from a bit of advice at one time or another. This article will address some of the hard situations that arise when parenting children. You may find some of the tips helpful the next time you have a hard situation to handle.

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. You could also ask family or friends if they have any nursery products that they are not using.

Do not give a toddler or infant any kind of soda. Serve your little ones drinks that have nutritive value, such as low-fat milk, water and small amounts of juice.

If there are children in the house, don’t smoke inside. Actually, maybe you could quit completely! Secondhand smoke can cause just as many problems as smoking yourself. Children who are exposed to second-hand smoke on a regular basis are at greater risk for developing respiratory illnesses, asthma and cancer.

Establishing clear boundaries and using positive reinforcement will lead to happier, more well adjusted children. “Touch gently” puts a positive spin on a rule that prohibits hitting.

On a long road trip with young children, make regular stops to keep your children from going stir-crazy. 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. Restaurants, parks and rest stops that have areas where your children can play, are ideal places to stop to let them run around a bit before continuing the journey.

Young children naturally want to have independence. Therefore, if you give them things to do around the house, you can help build their confidence. Having your child help you unload a dishwasher is a good idea. When folding dry laundry, let your child sort some of the socks. The tasks will help them feel as though they are being independent, while giving you a hand.

Encourage your children to join an after-school activity, like sports or a club. These activities enable your child to develop social skills, meet people with wider interests, and grow in maturity. All of these skills will be important throughout his or her life. Also, keeping busy with these activities keeps them away from engaging in negative ones.

Because there is no manual that explains how to raise children, all parents need help at one time or another. Everyone is occasionally faced with parenting situations that seem to have no answer. The parenting tips in the above article will most definitely help you navigate through tough raising a child challenges. Put this valuable information to good use!