Parenting Contents Archive

My baby only sleeps for Celine Dion

My heart will go on. That's it. Tried other songs, other artists, but nothing. I don't even remember how we got her hooked on the Dion, but now she's got it bad. 7 months. 7 whole months of it. Multiple times per day, no end in sight. I'm glad to have a method that works, but oh my god. Make it stop

Pretending to nurse the newborn…

So my husband has to deal with the toddler and not me. The baby fell asleep nursing about 10 minutes ago. Just sitting here pretending he’s still eating. Anyone relate?

Having no identity other than being a wife/mother

I have nothing else. I’ve been married for 15 years, I’ve 8 children from 14yo to 5mo. All I have done in my adult life is taking care of our household and children, being a good wife. I have no hobbies, I don’t have time for that. I try to make everyone happy but myself. I would lie if I say this is the life I dreamed of. I’ve never had the opportunity to think for myself, always been told what to do or think. I have never experienced anything in life. Barely had an education growing up. I just get to be a mother, wife and baby maker. Been told it was my purpose. I love my kids to death and I try to give them the best childhood possible, I want them to have goals, interests and the best education possible so they don’t end up like me.

The best tip I was ever given about parenting

I read so many books while pregnant, about childbirth and baby care and breastfeeding. Despite this, my first had a lot of breastfeeding problems, so I was contacting lactation consultants all the time. Once I was saying something like, “He’s cluster feeding in the morning instead of in the evening, like all the books say!” And the LC smiled and said, “Oh, your baby didn’t read those books?” Boom. Whole new perspective on parenting. Don’t get me wrong, baby books are great! But remember that YOUR baby didn’t read them! They’re an individual person, and you know them best, and you’ll provide for their needs as best you can.

Oh my heart!

My little boy just started smiling! He smiled at me a bunch yesterday and then at his big sister this morning! I was worried the second kid wouldn't seem as magical as the first but no, it's still amazing. It's like the lights are coming on, he's walking up and there's a person inside there. I can't wait to find out who he is.

Breast pumps!

There is nothing I've been more overwhelmed with than deciding which breast pump to get! I'm looking for any and all recommendations, criticisms, pros and cons and advice! [View Poll](https://www.reddit.com/poll/rwr9zd)

How do you tell your husband you're not as happy for the second baby as he is?

It's not that I don't feel happy at all, I'm just not as excited as I was with our first son. Our first one was planned and this one was kind of planned, but seemed to come out of nowhere. My husband is very excited and can't wait for it to start moving so he can feel. Which is GREAT. But I can't put the fear of not being able to afford this one, not being able to take care of both behind me. I'm feeling a lot of guilt because I look at our oldest and instantly think "how can he not be enough? What's he going to think? Is he going to be resentful?" It's a lot of worry and stress and I don't have anyone to really talk to about it that's close or even a mutual party. What do you think?

Everyone around me is testing positive one by one and I’m freaking out.

Everyone tested negative before the family trip. I kept my mask on (as well as my son) during larger gatherings. I can’t think straight because I’m so worried. Partner has symptoms but testing negative. Kid has no symptoms, tested negative AND started school today. I just can’t with this BS anymore! I’m going crazy 😮‍💨 I can’t catch my breath 😪🥺

When did your nipples stop leaking?!

Or am I doomed to just have leaky nipples for as long as I’m pumping/breastfeeding?!? I hate it!!! (Currently 8 weeks pp. pretty sure my milk supply has regulated!)

For many young children, sitting still and paying attention to breathing may seem downright boring. To be effective, it’s important to demonstrate to them that mindfulness is a tool, not a punishment. @edutopia @kaifull https://t.co/fDdp29qrPC

Birthday invitations

My second grader is having her birthday party soon and we got them ready last night and I went over how to hand them out discreetly as to not hurt anyone’s feelings not invited. We talked about each person and when would be a good time to hand them out etc. This turned into an entire spy movie of some sort. Mission impossible described by my seven year old. She kept thinking of these very elaborate plans to get these invites to kids. Including hiding behind a rock until her friend passes by. Like you can just quietly hand it to your friend and say “please put this in your backpack and make sure you show your parent” kids are so funny!

These budget-friendly ways will keep the kids engaged and entertained—both indoors and outside. ❄️ https://t.co/J9dzF9TUtE

THRILLED to receive lifetime achievement award for my passion:teaching parents & educators science-backed ways to instill #character in kids.TY https://t.co/pYrTEfkwDJ https://t.co/pD5lDF3jMm

Yup. Still does 🤦 https://t.co/MrPc7pn3Qy

Is any of the outdated advice from parents and in-laws actually valid??

What outdated advice have you gotten from your parents or in-laws that the pediatrician tells you is a no go? I’m wondering if any of this stuff actually worked since were all here? Or if I parents are playing with fire back in the day lol drop your advice below! I’ll start, we need to put cereal in our six week old babies bottle to help him back up. Also, we should’ve been giving him water since he was born.