I solder quite frequently. Always wipe the tip before joints, you'll want a stand with the wet sponge on to do this with. If your doing a row of IC pins, then I just do them very quickly one after the other, but on a lot of parts I will wipe the tip before soldering them (basically any solder left on the tip for more than a few seconds goes "dull" and will make a poor joint). Also tin the tip before use by wetting it with solder then wiping on the sponge. Those kits are usually nice and simple as they are masked & tinned PCB's. Don't accumulate solder on the tip then apply it either. Touch the solder to the tip right on the component to be fixed (stick the component in from the other side with selotape or similar, or use the handy holder things). Good luck, and what iron is it btw?
Andelusion makes a good point too. The flux fumes can make you feel ill (though supposedly do no long-term harm). I use an old pc fan to suck the fumes out of my immediate area.