Every child is different, and there are many unique struggles that parents face. Not all parenting advice works for every parent, but no parent is alone. No matter the struggle, there is probably another parent who has faced a similar problem.

One Reddit user asked, “Parents of reddit, what are genuinely good parenting tips?”

We love how this question is phrased, because, honestly, some parenting advice is not helpful. Many parents weighed in with advice that is actually helpful. If you are a parent or know someone who is, you are bound to find at least one piece of advice in the list below that will be helpful.

1. Teach Confidence

   Joeboydotnet wrote:

   Teach them confidence as early as you can start.I know so many people that missed out on big mile stones just because they were taught to be stand off ish.

2. It’s OK to say “No”

   Written by whoisnic:

   Be the parent, your kid will make enough friends and will need you to help them navigate life. Don’t be afraid of saying no. And remember that love and forgiveness goes a long way.

3. Sympathy and Hugs

   winterwoods shared several pieces of advice:

   Give lots of hugs and “I love you”s. Tuck them in and read to them at bedtime.Also teach them to cook, clean, and manage money. And let them experience the consequences of their own actions. Respond with sympathy, but not with “I told you do” nor with bailouts.

4. Chores

   iGiveWomenOrgasms_jk added:

   Teach them work ethic when they’re young. Having them do simple chores for a small allowance, and teaching them to save that allowance can go a long way.

5. Empathy

   diedfamous wrote:

   Empathy is your best friend. It’s easy to get frustrated in the moment if your kid is acting out, but you have to remember that you are the parent. It took you millions of decisions to learn what you know now (and you don’t know enough yet anyways) and your kids are just beginning to learn how to make the right decisions. Instead of getting angry, get on their level and try to figure out what’s really going on. Often times, they just want some of your attention.

6. “Stupid”

   wrongdangle shared:

   When your kid hears the word “stupid” and asks what it means, stress how bad of a word it is and how they shouldn’t ever say it. Then all the actual bad words just shrug off and say I dunno, is that a word? Sometime down the line, that kid is gonna throw a tantrum and start yelling “stupid” over and over. You’ll realize it’s because it’s the only “bad” word they know and they’re trying to act out. It’ll be hilarious. At least it was for me. I still say “stupid stupid stupid” in an over dramatic voice just to tease my now older kid.

7. Time

   ArtisansCritic wrote:

   Spend as much time with them as you can. They grow up too quickly. I honestly don’t know where the last 3 years went. My son is not a baby anymore.

8. Sibling Rivalry

   beccabeccabobecca added:

   Do not let sibling rivalry or bickering to continue. No it does not fizzle out. Yes it breeds resentment and angry.

9. What Your Role Is as a Parent

   ForensicatingEdibles explained:

   You are not your child’s friend. You are your child’s guardian, their teacher, their care giver,.

10. Where Do Babies Come From?

    Netflixandzzz added:

    Don’t lie to them when they ask you about sex. If they’re old enough to have heard about sex and want to know what it is, respond with age appropriate answers that are factual. Don’t say “sex is something adults do” and leave it at that. Tell them.

11. Interests

    lifad77 wrote:

    take interest in what your kids care about.

12. Punishment

    CassieeCaat wrote:

    Don’t be a punisher. For me my son in only 3 and I’ve learned that when he does some thing bad instead of scolding I say hey let’s not do this let’s do this instead and sort of tell him that what he was doing before isn’t okay.

13. Spend Time Together

    Another piece of advice from CassieeCaat:

    I also really think little kids love and strive off interaction and being around others. Just take the time to be with your child and learn about them and play with them

14. “Mini Me”

    Another Reddit user shared:

    Your child is not your property, or a “mini you.”

15. “Use Your Brain”

    nikniuq wrote:

    Don’t follow advice from the internet. Use your brain instead.