If you know what you are doing, raising a child can be the best part of your life. Read this article to learn some parenting advice that will help to make the job easier and more fun.

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. Most toddlers find this method less stressful than having their head placed under water.

Parents must be careful not to apply too much pressure when children reach their teenage years and get ready to pick a college. When teenagers feel pressured and controlled, they will often times rebel and do the opposite of what they are supposed to.

Never feed your children soda in any form, whether regular or diet. Provide your child with healthy drinks, such as milk, diluted fruit juices or plain water.

Using rules that detail exactly what is expected can help to cut back on the amount of fighting that goes on and ultimately help your children live together more harmoniously. Rather than saying “no hitting” try “touch gently” and see if this doesn’t encourage more constructive measures of interaction.

When you add children to the family, make sure that you put looking after you towards the top of the list. No matter how busy your day is, be sure to take a few minutes for yourself to get your energy back. This will make you less stressed and happier, which will benefit your children ultimately.

Change things up often by moving the toys around or incorporating new toys into a child’s toy box. Usually a toddler will quit paying attention to a toy, unless it’s one of their favorites. Rotating your toddlers toys, helps to keep them interested, without having to buy new toys all the time.

If becoming a stepparent is on your horizon, keep in mind that it will be a while before you get along with your stepchild. Many kids whose parents are separated experience serious resentment. By taking it slow and not rushing a relationship, your stepchild and you will slowly learn to get along with each other.

Children have a natural desire for independence and achievement. You can satisfy those desires and build their confidence by enlisting their help in the household chores. For example, allow your child to hand you the silverware as you empty the dishwasher. When folding dry laundry, let your child sort some of the socks. Tasks like these help them feel independent and it helps you.

If your child was adopted, be prepared to face the questions they will have when they are old enough to understand. Adopted children are always going to want to know where they were originally from, and naturally they will look to you for the answers. Be as open and honest with them as possible; lying is never the best tactic and could cause them to resent you.

As this article has described, well prepared parents find more joy in raising a child and see it as less of a chore. Using the knowledge that other, more experienced parents have already gained can help you parent your own child with more success. Try these tips and see how well they work for you.