Having children and caring for them is one of life’s most exciting and fulfilling adventures. What follows is some tried and true advice to guide you through the maze of parenting.

If you are expecting a little one soon, resist the temptation to spend all of your money on baby products. Some department stores, such as Walmart, have high quality items at affordable prices. You can get everything you need for a fraction of the price by shopping at one of these stores. 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.

Always consider what verbal and nonverbal messages you are giving your child. Your children should be able to trust you.

When traveling with a small child, try to keep the same bedtime and mealtime routines as you have at home. Young ones and babies will feel the stress of travel more than you realize. To assist your child in feeling comfortable while traveling and ensure that all members of your party get a good night’s sleep, be sure to observe established bedtime rituals.

Preschoolers often have a difficult time with transitions. It can be stressful to make an abrupt switch from one activity to another, and your child’s behavior may suffer.

Make sure never to get a toddler or child soda of any kind. Give your baby nutritious beverages, like milk and sugar-free juices; water is also important for proper hydration.

Reflective Materials

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. Retro-reflective materials, whether Velcro or tape, make children more visible if they’re walking prior to sunrise or after dark. No matter what time of day it is, wearing reflective materials draws drivers’ attention to your children’s presence and makes road accidents less likely.

Each child is different from the next. Specific actions you take may yield results in one child, but get an opposite response from another child. Every child responds differently to punishments, as well as rewards for good behavior. Do not try to follow a cookie cutter format when raising your children, instead experiment to find what works best for them and you.

Do not neglect yourself and your needs. Even if you’re having a stressful and hectic day go ahead and take some time to relax, you want to re-energize yourself. When you are relaxed and happy, your children will feel that way too.

It is natural for children to crave independence, so assigning chores and responsibilities around the house boosts their confidence. If you are washing the dishes, ask your child to dry them for you. If you are working on your laundry, give the little one some socks to sort. Small tasks help them to feel like they are autonomous while also helping you.

If you are an adoptive parent, be prepared to answer questions when your child is old enough to know they are adopted. Adopted children are naturally curious about their birth parents and even why they were adopted. At some point, they will come to you for answers to their questions. It’s best to be honest about your child’s biological family, because lying about it may cause strife in your relationship when your child inevitably learns the truth.

By reading the above outlined suggestions and advice, you have a concrete foundation to build on for your positive child-rearing experience. There is no exact plan for being a parent that fits every persons lifestyle. The right choice can change from one parent and child to another. Use what advice pertains to you, and do whatever seems to work for you. Try to appreciate every bit of time as a parent because, before you know it, they won’t be children anymore.