What you need to know about parenting

It’s challenging, stressful and is the biggest responsibility you wil ever have, but becoming a parent is also so rewarding. Here are some top parenting tips for you...

Raising a child is the most important thing we will do in our lives. The responsibility for another life is huge. We suffer with them through every sore throat, scuffed knee, tantrums and disappointment. But we also get the reward of sharing in their successes and moments of joy.

Most of all we just want to nurture them and ensure nothing gets in the way of them realising their dreams.

But sometimes it can all seem overwhelming. We can worry too much about getting it right – fearful that we’re missing something that is vital to our child’s upbringing.

The good news is there are more options for your child than ever before – and more information to help you on your way.

Here we give you a rundown of what you need to know about that vital role of parenting.

Baby equipment and toys

When it comes to babies it’s always safety first. Anything they play with, sleep in or interact with must be free of choking risks and sharp edges. Make sure there are no removable parts which could be picked up and swallowed. But make the things they use bright, colourful and stimulating.

Babies react to the environment around them and their brains are fired up easily. Sing to them and read to them. It will make them happy and clever!

Childcare and education

These days there are many different options for your child’s early years care. Nurseries can be both indoor and, increasingly, outdoor. You can also choose in many cases for your child to go to a nursery that’s attached to the primary school they will be joining. Government funding will cover up to 1,140 hours of early learning and childcare a year (around 30 hours a week in term time) for three and four-year-olds. Some two-year-olds are also eligible. Once they are at school there are after-school clubs and childminders who can look after your child outside of normal school hours.

Health and fitness

The NHS advises that children should get around 60 minutes of physical activity a day for good health. That can be all at once or in short, regular bursts. There are many ways to get them active from games of tig and time in playparks for smaller kids to riding a bike, swimming or joining a sports club for the older ones. With meals it’s recommended to avoid overeating. With young children start with smaller servings and let them ask for more. Make sure they get five portions of fruit and veg a day, and keep things like sweets, cakes and biscuits for a treat.

Hobbies and holidays

Kids are spoilt for choice these days when it comes to hobbies and holidays. The amount of clubs and lessons available means they can do everything from learning the violin to becoming a black belt in martial arts. The family holiday sector is constantly expanding too with choices ranging from piratethemed resorts to specialist sports camps and all with a huge line-up of fun activities too. Almost all family hotels and resorts will also offer a kids club that will allow parents some time to themselves.

Pets

Consider a pet for your child because there are many benefits of welcoming a new addition into the family. As well as enriching your child and their development, it also teaches them about love and loss.

“Raising a child is the most important thing you’ll ever do.

Parenting can be tough at times but with all the help out there it’s important to remember, you’re never alone. In this supplement there are a number of organisations and businesses to assist you on your parenting journey.