As anyone with a child knows, parenting is far from an easy and simple task. Being a parent means being responsible for another life, not only financially but also morally. Being a parent means influencing the future with simple actions today. Here are some tips to help any parent shoulder the responsibility with intelligence and grace.

When it comes to trying to change kids’ bad behavior, parents should try to “walk the walk” by setting a good example. Just as most parents cannot stand the sound of their children whining, nearly all children can hardly bear parental nagging. Instead of constantly harping on your child, make a positive statement encouraging them to follow through with some action and accompanying it with a brief explanation of the consequences of failure to do so.

A great parenting tip is to not always let your child get what they want. If you let your child get what they want all the time, they’ll go through life thinking they’ll never have to hear the word “no”. Be reasonable with your child and tell them “no” when you need to.

Be sure to start teaching children that they can count on you from an early age. when they are young they will naturally trust you, but as they grow into teenagers you want them to think of you as a respected ally, not a feared dictator. It is better to get them to understand things than to demand their obedience.

A great parenting tip is to discuss with them all the dangers of taking drugs. Though they might not listen to you in the end, it’ll still be important to them that they hear it from you. By offering your honest insight, they might remember your words and act accordingly.

Look into slings and baby carriers designed for twins. They do exist, and they are fabulous. There is a learning curve for getting two babies into a carrier, but the benefits to mom and baby are enormous. Wearing your babies will allow you to get things done with your hands free, and the twins get the emotional connection and intellectual stimulation from being right with you.

Make sure you’re encouraging good habits from the beginning. Whether it’s hygiene or behavioral habits, you want to encourage your child to learn the right behaviors right from the start. It’s much easier to teach a child good habits right away than to try and get them to unlearn habits to learn different ones.

One problem for children that has been getting a lot of attention lately is bullying. If you are concerned that your child may one day be a victim of bullying, the best way to prevent that from happening is to help them develop strong social skills. Bullies, however tough they may act, are usually intimidated by the thought of approaching someone who has friends to back them up. Teaching your child how to make friends from an early age can go a long way to avoiding this problem completely.

Of course you want to bundle your little one up all toasty-warm in the winter, but be careful not to over-heat her. As parents, we tend to want to layer our kids to death every time they step out into the cold weather. Keep in mind how warm you would be, stuck in a car seat in long-johns, sweatpants, and a snowsuit. Although this may be proper attire for sledding, it might be a bit much for a ride to grandmas in the heated car.

Do not tolerate bullying. Do not allow anyone to tell you bullying is a natural part of growing up. If your child is the one being bullied or the bully, remember bullying is counterproductive to healthy psychological development and academic progress. You can intercede to make a positive difference not just for your child but for their classmates as well.

When a child throws a tantrum it is important for a parent to take action right away. The child needs to be told that the way that they are acting is inappropriate and that it is not acceptable. Once the child is reprimanded a few times they will learn that their parents mean business and will not let it go.

Live what you say, don’t just say it. Children will learn by your actions as much as your words. Show them how you would like them to behave. If you don’t want them to smoke, you have to not smoke yourself. If you’d like them to eat healthy, make the same healthy choices with them. Even kids can see right through hypocrisy!

The above tips can’t possibly cover the whole complex scope of parenting, of course, and every child is unique and deserving of individual attention — but these tips can certainly help parents stick to the proper path for raising a beautiful child into a healthy, functional, productive adult. After all, in parenting, every correct action, however small, contributes to a child’s future.

Solid Advice For Succeeding As A Parent was originally published on Spring