Being a parent is the greatest gift in the world. This article contains tips designed to help you be a better parent in these challenging times. The journey of a parent requires your dedication, and you’ll find advice here that will help you make it even through the bumpy turns.

Your children are always watching your behavior as a map for how they should behave. It’s important for your kids to feel that what you say is true and that they can trust you.

While your kids need your time too, you still need “you” time. This helps you keep your individuality, while also being a great parent.

Transitions are hard on preschoolers. They tend to become frustrated and have temper tantrums when they must change tasks quickly.

Don’t smoke at home when you have kids. Even better, quit smoking. Secondhand smoke can cause just as many problems as smoking yourself. Second-hand smoke puts children at risk for lung ailments including asthma, bronchitis and pneumonia.

It is important to realize that stepchildren do not always like their new stepparent right away. If you are becoming a stepparent soon, it is important to keep this in your thoughts at all times. It is possible that the children are resentful because they want their parents to be together. 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 need for independence. Give them household chores so they will feel the sense of independence that they need. Allow children to help put away dishes, clean toys and choose their own clothes for the day. When putting the laundry away, have your child sort one pile of socks. These type of tasks will help them develop their independence while helping you around the house.

If you have adopted a child, be ready to answer a lot of questions that might come up when they understand what this means. 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.

Any child can benefit from the camaraderie and self-worth gained by playing a team sport. Giving your support and encouragement at your children’s athletic activities gives them a foundation of fond memories and builds character for a lifetime.

If you want your children to have a healthier diet, take all of the junk food out of the house. Without junk food in the house, your children are far less likely to beg for it. Make it a point that sweets and other junk food are only for certain holidays, including Halloween and Christmas.

Remember that not every child is an extrovert. Some kids tend to be a little shy, but that is alright. If you see that your child is not exhibiting any social interaction, you may want to intervene. If you are concerned that your child may be too withdrawn, it may be a good idea to have them seen by a doctor to rule out any medial/psychological issues that may be present.

Sometimes being a parent can be a difficult task, but with the advice in the article you should be better prepared to make good decisions. Pay close attention to what you have learned here, so you can appreciate the gift you have given to the world. Enjoy your foray into the world of parenting, and keep the tools you got from this article close at hand.