Talking of having children, help?

Question

My woman and I have been talking about children in the distant future, but I am wondering if anyone has any tips on how to raise children?

Like gender specific and universal parenting tips.

Thanks!

Answer 1

My best piece of advice is to wait until you have time and money. I say time because a child needs to have parental involvement, you need to have the time to be involved with school activities, sports, etc. Well money because raising a kid is extremely expensive.

Most importantly, make sure you are emotionally and mentally ready. Although everyone here will I am sure give you their opinion and they are probably some pretty good ones you will more than likely never use a single one because every situation is different for every person and there is no guide to parenting you just take it one day at a time. Be loving, supportive, patient and go from there.  

Answer 2

To be completely honest with you, people can give you advice all day long about raising children, but take it with a grain of salt.  The reason I say this is because no child is the same, so no experience in raising a child will be the same.  Sometimes things people tell you will work, and then other times it won't.  You just have to learn as you go...that's why parenthood is a learning experience for everyone involved.  My advice would be to listen to what people tell you, and then make it your own....do what works for you.  I know this is not exactly the answer you are looking for, but no one can truly tell you what to expect when raising children, nor how to do it.

Answer 3

I have toddlers so my wealth of knowledge is limited. Plus, I've been away from them with the Army for a year.

One very valuable thing I learned was to teach your children and make it fun. Sing songs, play games. My then 2 year old daughter could count to 10 in three languages (she's up to an unknown number now) and she's picking up on sign language. My son and daughter are both into math, my son (now 2) loves learning about bugs and mechanical things (his fathers influence) and READ TO THEM a LOT.

Also, let them plunk around on instruments. It might bug you but they'll pick something up someday, and it feels good to master an instrument. (we let them fool with our guitars, drums, bass, kazoos, recorders, bongos, tambourines.) It's supposed to help in math too.

We've become big fans of Baby Einstein, it's just a cool little learning batch of goodies.

For the love of god don't let the inlaws give your toddler soda pop in a sippy cup, that's redneck beyond belief. And yes, kids get messy, but there's something wrong about letting them run about with Twinkies smeared on their face and dirt up to their calves in public. (my inlaws are IDIOTS.)

Children without teeth cannot eat balogna sandwiches (grandpa) nor should they play with Mousetrap the game (grandma) because they will choke and Mama has to do the baby heimlich. (By the way, learn child CPR and Heimlich.)

This is getting long. Basically, it's all trial and error.

Oh, and when they fall, try laughing. They won't cry their heads off for 15 minutes then. If you rush over and freak out, they will panic. Plus, you don't need an ER for a temperature of 100. You need baby tylenol. Don't have a cat until you're cool with your kids getting scratched up for attacking her.

Ummm... the end for now. LoL

Answer 4

I have just had a baby and didn't really have a clue either.  However, there are some wonderful sites you can go to for information, such as babycenter.com, babycenter.com.au, practicalparenting.co.uk.  I think the most important is that you give them as much of your time as possible and be good role models.  e.g. don't eat or do the things that you expect them not to do.  I think these days we are so focused on getting our children to be intelligent with all these flashcards and stimulation videos etc. but when they feel loved and happy, they seek out knowledge of their own free will, instead of feeling forced;  which I believe is far more beneficial.

Answer 5

I would love to answer your question in one sentence but seriously that is atleast one book full of answers.

My most usefull piece of advice would be to follow your instincts about all the advice given to you.  You will know your child better than anyone else.

I can't help you too much with the gender specifics cause I have three boys!

Answer 6

well first of all, you should raise your children from their youths on values and customs, that you and your respectable wife have. you should teach them how to be honest, the diffrence between right and wrong, and how to help others, you should always learn to set a good example to your kids, because they will always look at you as their role model, they will desperately try to be like you...so set a good example and always be their to them...