Parenting Contents Archive

Why are grandmas so interested in newborn eating/bathing/sleeping routines?

FTM mom here and wondering why mom, MIL and aunts are SO interested in knowing how often our LO eats, bathes and sleeps? He’s a newborn so the answer never changes, he eats every 2-3 hours sometimes more, bath 3 x a week and sleep patterns vary widely every day. It feels like a trap especially when MIL (judgmental) always asks without fail. Like what’s it to them? It’s not interesting information, it hasn’t changed with a new generation of babies and there’s not much we can do to influence sleeping OR eating for a newborn? We cater to his queues and he’s healthy and thriving and relatively “good”. Anyone else experience this? The constant questioning of variables largely outside of our control is just weird and annoying.

So disappointed

I am genuinely so disappointed with the amount of times a mom posts in here and other subreddits about how much they have on their shoulders and how unwilling the dad is about taking things on. I struggle with this too, but it’s so discouraging to see how often it happens. I’m well aware it’s not everyone, but there are too many posts where the mom says they get up every morning, do every night time wake up, every feeding, every diaper change, do all the appointments while also cleaning and cooking for the family. It’s so disappointing and makes me feel seen but also discouraged. Why is it like this? I want to be super clear that I know not every dad is like this, and I’m not generalizing dads or men. Just looking at how many posts similar frequent this sub.

Am I just being difficult/ dramatic?

My girls are in a competitive cheer team and the program wants the girls to do a car wash in a couple months as a fundraiser. I don't want my daughter's participating because there's a sexual connotation with cheerleaders doing a car wash in the media and they are required to wear their practice gear to show they are a team. Their practice wear is Spanx short with a sports bra or tank top with the team's name on it. I don't think it is appropriate I told some of the moms this and they said I'm being over dramatic they are just kids doing a car wash for their team. Am I just being difficult/ dramatic?

My Son actually picked me!

So for starters, I am a working Dad with 2 amazing boys (3 years and 9 Months) I work about 74 hours (Mostly Nights) so I don't have much time with my boys because I often leave before they go to bed and return home before they wake up. The few times I am home for bed time, my oldest will only let my Wife put him to bed. Every other moment I have that I can spend with my kids belongs to my kids. Last night my son crawled into bed and when he realized I was home, he immediately snuggled into me and refused my Wife. He actually chose me. I was ecstatic. I ended up sleeping in and barely making it to work on time, but it was worth it. Thanks for listening.

Sadness of baby growing up

It’s killing me my 7 month old is growing up. No one ever told me about the sadness that goes with them growing up, I want her to be a baby for ever. My husband said to me once she sprouts teeth we will never see her lovely gummy smile again 😭😭😭 I just can’t!! Does it get easier?

I’m a horrible mom.

I’ve yelled at my nine month old baby all day to shut up. He’s a fucking baby and I’m yelling at him to shut up. I hate myself, but I’m at the point where I looked up adoption agencies. Am I going to do it? No, but I looked it up. I’m exhausted mentally and physically. I want to kill myself. I want to go back in time and never get pregnant. I haven’t caught a fucking break since 2014. Like wtf. I used to be a Christian, but I don’t know if I believe anymore because I’m living in my own personal hell. Even if I do believe, I hate God. Why would he give a poor innocent baby to me? I can’t even get my shit together. He must love to see people hate their lives. I don’t want to resent my baby but I do. I’m a horrible mom. I’m sorry.

Survived first grocery run with LO

Partner was at a dentist appointment and we were almost out of formula, some other stuff we needed too. LO is 8 weeks old and we haven’t gone out anywhere except on walks around the neighborhood or to see family. I was soooo nervous, praying this isn’t the time he gets fussy for no reason especially with a long line ahead of us at check out. This dude was cool as a cucumber. He was so focused on everything else, all the people walking around us. It was kind of endearing watching those little curious eyes seeing the world around him ☺️ First time out with him alone and he’s alive and didn’t have a meltdown…I think I did pretty good lol. This dad is definitely going to crack open a beer later after bed time to celebrate 😂

I’m an emotional wreck about my firstborn daughter starting kindergarten ?

Is this normal ? I think if her starting kindergarten and my stomach hurts and I cry. I can’t imagine being away from her 5 days a week. She’s is in her second year of preschool. Her first year she went two days a week for 3 hours. This year she’s going 3 days a week two full days, 9-3:15 and one half day 12:30-3:15. I’m worried she won’t be able to handle the hours and long week. I wish we had half days still. She does have gymnastics once a week. She still sleeps with me (I know bad), I’m just freaked out. I also have a 3 year old who will be starting preschool this fall and he straight up says I don’t want to go to school mommy. Any advice or anyone feel the same ? What can I do to prepare her I k ow getting her in her own bed is important for sleeping better and taking on the day. Thanks in advance

Anxiety usually comes from the “what ifs.” The fastest way to get out of that spiral is to help children ask different questions and plan action. @KaraNewhouse https://t.co/gjYV3NGJsq

A guide to meditation for kids: https://t.co/UXHSwnjZMC

Baby First Aid?

Hi everyone! I’m wondering, what kinds of things do you put in your diaper bag for first aid reasons? Of course we have antibiotic ointment, band aids, and hand sanitizer. But, what else? Is there some kind of baby epi-pen I should be aware of? Obviously I don’t want to be in a situation where I need it… but more than that I don’t want to be in a situation where it’s needed and I don’t have it. Send me your recommendations!

Traditional Family Recipes: Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe via @ParentingPatch https://t.co/EVRE27cZ3B #recipe #souprecipe

Toddler smoothie combos. Let’s get creative.

My little one has recently taken to smoothies. They seem to be the perfect “my gums hurt, but I’m hungry” solution for afternoon snack while we erupt our molars. What are your go to smoothie combos? I’ve never been a smoothie person and so I’m throwing random frozen things in a blender, lol. Kiddo likes things like avocado, beans, peanut butter, carrots. Kiddo will eat sweets, but only when paired with less sweet (no apple sauce plain, berries need peanut butter pairing, fruit in yogurt, etc.) except smoothies appear to be okay sweeter than finger foods. Favorite fruit appears to be dragonfruit or kiwi or cranberry. Adventurous kiddo will try a bit or two of anything, and is clear with the “no, thank you” after a couple bites, and so I’m up for trying weird-sounding combos of fruits & veggies.

Cradle cap in children

My boys never really had cradle cap as babies, but I’ve noticed now that my 4.5yo (L) has a few spots of it on his scalp at the moment and our almost 3yo (W) has a huge chunk of it on his scalp. Does anybody have any products to recommend to help tackle this issue in children who won’t necessarily sit still to comb it all out? L has very thick curly hair, and W has very long, fine curls, so we’ve found oils are a bit of a bitch to completely wash out! Any tips please? TIA! (For further info, they use children’s / baby shampoo about once or twice a week, and don’t suffer with any skin allergies.)

We tell them how good they are and they light up, eager to please, and try to please us some more. These are the children we should really worry about. -@alfiekohn, #parentingtips