The early years – tips for how to make them count

Ask any parent of young children if it is easy to raise kids, and you are likely to get a similar answer; very challenging and very rewarding. This is because parents of young children face many challenges, from maintaining work/ life balance to managing technology intrusion in your children's lives. Here is a guide for understanding the top three challenges and the best ways to cope.

Work/ life balance.

One of the biggest challenges is maintaining a work-life balance. It can be difficult to find time to spend with your children when you are working full time. You may also have difficulty finding child care that is affordable and conveniently located.

There are a few techniques that can help make it easier.

Try to set aside time for both work and family. This may mean getting up earlier to get some work done before the kids wake up or working after they go to bed.

It can also help to have someone else watch the kids while you get some work done. Even an hour a day can be a big help to get some chores done.

Another technique is to make sure that you take breaks to spend with your children during the day. This can be hard if you feel like you're always working, but it's important to remember that your children need you too.

Finally, it's important to ensure that you're not spending too much time on your phone or computer when you're with your children. Try to put away devices when you're with them and focus on interacting with them instead.

The role of technology in your children's lives.

Another challenge that parents of young children face is the encroachment of technology in their lives. There is a growing concern that children under the age of 2 are exposed to too much technology. This is because young children are still developing their cognitive and social skills, and too much screen time can interfere with their development.

Additionally, research has shown that exposure to screens can lead to sleep problems, attention problems, and increased aggression in young children. Therefore, it is essential for parents to limit their child's screen time and make sure they are engaging in other activities that promote healthy development. This means limiting children's time watching ALL screens – from mobile phones to computers and TV. By limiting screen time, aside benefit is that you can spend more time with your child during these formative times.

Discipline:

This remains one of the top priorities and challenges for parents as it is difficult to know how and when to discipline appropriate for the child's age. In general, these tips will help you navigate these tricky waters.

1. Give them short and clear instructions. Don't overcomplicate what you want your child to do with many "details," especially when they are two years or less.
2. Be consistent with your rules. It is easy to give in to a child that is acting up if you are in a social situation. While understandable, it is counterproductive to help your child manage difficult situations that inevitably arise.
3. Use positive reinforcement instead of punishment.
4. Encourage communication and explain things to them. Instead of just demanding a child complies with your instruction, try to explain simply why the behavior you are requesting is important.
5. Be patient and understanding. This is tough as children can drain anyone's patience, so it's understandable if, at times, you do lose patience. Don't give up, and don't be too hard on yourself.
6. Offer choices whenever possible. Instead of demanding a child put on the shirt you picked out for them, let them choose from a limited set of options. This gives them confidence that they have a say in their lives.
7. Avoid power struggles as much as possible or, said another way – pick your battles. Treat tantrums like coughing fits in young children. Think of them as just an episode that will pass - not something to punish since a child this young do not have the capacity to manage intense emotions.
8. Keep a sense of humor as it will help you get through some of the rough patches.
9. Take breaks when needed by seeking out support from other parents. To see your struggles as not outliers but part of everyday life will be comforting and empowering.

From diapers to dating – raising kids is both joyful and challenging. In the early years, parents are focused on fundamental growth and socialization skills, but the goal is always the same - raising happy, healthy, and well-adjusted children. While daunting at times, it will be one of the most satisfying accomplishments of your life because you will see how your children grow and develop into their own unique selves. That is the best reward any parent can hope for.

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