Though some days feel long, the years fly by when raising a child. Just as you’re learning to keep your child safe and healthy as a newborn, the toddler years come along with a whole new set of challenges. Then, your child goes to elementary school, middle school, and high school.

Each of these stages brings its own set of challenges, and each child is unique. However, there are certain tried-and-true parenting principles that are needed in every moment of your child’s upbringing. If you’re preparing for parenthood, consider these helpful principles and resources for early childhood, middle childhood, and adolescence.

Early Childhood

This developmental stage is typically designated for children ages 0-5.

1. How to Get First 2-4 Years Right: Dr. Gabor Maté’s Compassionate Inquiry Workshop Summary
2. Seven Ways to Squeeze Quality Time Into an Already Busy Family Life
3. Passing Healthy Habits on to Your Children
4. Sleep Guidelines for Preschoolers

Middle Childhood

Children ages 6-12 are typically considered to be in middle childhood.

1. Discipline Tips for School-Age Children
2. Are You A Healthy Role Model For Children?
3. 10 Proven Ways to Help Your Child Do Well at School
4. Improve Your Child’s Science Skills with Weather Spotting

Adolescence

Your child will become an adolescent right around the time they become a teenager.

1. Spend More Quality Time with Your Teen with 23 Activities They’ll Actually Love
2. Shape Your Pre-Teen’s Brain and Help Them Thrive as Teenagers
3. How to Navigate the Stress That Comes With Parenting a Tween or Teen
4. What Adolescents Really Need from Parents
5. 3 Ways to Be the Best Role Model for Your Teen This Year

There’s no one right way to raise a child, and every child is one of a kind. But making time for your child, disciplining effectively, being a good role model, and staying involved in your child’s life are all essential principles to live by through each stage. The most important thing to remember is to love your child unconditionally and to do the best you can.

“Kris Louis is mom to two rambunctious boys. Her oldest is 10 and her youngest is 7. A former advertising copywriter, she recently created Parentingwithkris.com, where she puts her skills to work writing about the trials and tribulations of parenting. Kris, her husband, and two boys live in Durham, NC.”