Parenting Contents Archive

What makes up a quality preK program? According to research, it's has less to do with tracing letters and more to do with letting kids play. @anya1anya https://t.co/fwpJDgDDi3

Am I just a jerk or is this professional photo craze annoying?

Am I the only person that hates all of the professional photos that everyone gets these days? Maternity photos trying to look like a goddess, newborn photos with the baby on a leaf, Christmas photos in a fancy studio, cake smash photos with a top hat... I don't know, don't these all just seem so fake and inauthentic? I felt like a fat cow while pregnant, I've never had my baby dressed up posed on or in some weird object, we went to cabelas to get a photo with Santa, and while my son did smash his cake on his birthday, it wasn't a fancy cake and I just took my own photos (which turned out cute as hell). Maybe I'm just a grump, but I don't understand these professional photos that aren't a reflection of your real life at all? Is it just so you have something to post on social media? When my children grow up are they going to ask why we don't have a bunch of photos like these?

He wants EVERYTHING I eat

I’m sitting here eating breakfast while my kid melts down because I’m not sharing. Then I share and he spits it out on the carpet and melts down because I won’t give him another bite. God I miss eating in peace. That is all.

if you are 'done', having children, how did you know?

How did you know you didn't want any more children? Was it a conversation, a light bulb moment, or just a feeling? And does everyone feel like they don't want more after having their first? I always thought I wanted 3+ children, but ever since having my LO (he is nine months) I have been feeling more and more like one is enough. My husband wants one more, and ideally soonish, but I just don't know. Edit: spelling.

"I'm sorry someone took away your ability to bond with your baby"

T.W. SA Out of all the comments I have received about my choice not to nurse my baby, this one shocked me the most. I was struggling with pumping, lack of sleep, PPA, etc. I had gotten used to people asking if I'm breastfeeding (why do people want to know this?), and asking why I'm not nursing. I'd usually just brush them off saying I hadn't planned to and didn't want to. One of my good old friends from high school asked me why I wasn't nursing and I told her I had been SA throughout my 6-22 years, and had some lasting trauma regarding my body. Her answer was "I'm sorry someone took away your ability to bond with your baby" It seems that a mother can only bond with their child by having her breast in their mouth. That all mothers who pump and bottle-feed, formula feed, etc are not bonding with their babies. When will the shaming end? What a terrible thing to say to someone who just opened up about their past. What a terrible thing to say to someone period.

I've been napping in bed all day with my baby

And I don't feel guilty at all! Due to this growth spurt, the early stages of teething, the beginning of sleep regression, a cold he can't quite shake, and dad being on call for work, sleep this week has been rough. So instead of worrying about laundry and dishes and cleaning the house, I decided we were going to have a lazy snuggle day, and man does it feel good. Little man seems to be doing better, too! Just remember it's okay to put chores to the side to catch up on snuggles and rest.

And he's shared when the baby's due https://t.co/7ARLWO7wsf

A guide to natural contraception: https://t.co/4SDpagfStR

Any resources on the effects of daycare and a child’s immune system?

I feel like the conventional wisdom around me is that daycare is great because it exposes the child to germs which helps their immune system develop. However, my friend has two boys in day care, whom I see once or twice a week when I visit her. It seems like every time I see them, one or both of the kids has a cough or a cold of some sort or a new rash they have to see the doctor about. They’re both in daycare and have been since they were 12 weeks old (the youngest is 7 months old, the other just turned 2). In my mind, being sick that often cannot be a good thing, right? Sure, they aren’t so sick that they have to stay home, but they’re sick enough to be visibly uncomfortable. But I truly don’t know. I have so many concerns about daycare, but the constant sickness is a huge red flag for me. I’m curious if anyone has seen any good studies on this. I would be more than happy to be proven wrong!

Found a way to keep my 5 year old busy while sick

My 5 year old and I have been under the weather the past week. She’s feeling better today and needs to release some much needed energy. I on the other hand, have a very bad sinus headache and sore throat. So… how do I battle this hyper girl while also taking care of a 3 month old? I let her do my hair! It’s lasted just over 2 hours now (split up twice). I can’t believe it. My back/ neck is starting to kill from breastfeeding the 3 month old and sitting straight up in an awkward chair but my 5 year old has been so happy. I’ve had a cup stuck on the top of my head with a hairband and my hair pulled and head smacked with a hairbrush many times but this is so worth it! What a win.

Trolls on this sub?

I love this sub because the support is fantastic. However I have received a few nasty comments from trolls (I know its not from current members). Is this a common thing? Do nasty trolls venture into this sub on a regular basis? Got to say the mods are always on it, but scumbags seem to go on here (briefly) to cause upset. I just don't know why?

Could these symptoms all just be anxiety?

I’ve been experiencing chest/throat pressure and fullness, some dizziness, racing heart, and an increase in reflux (burping and some acid). Does this sound like anxiety symptoms? I’m 5 weeks postpartum and my OB thinks this is postpartum anxiety, but this all feels so real and like something is physically wrong! I had a chest X-ray and EKG and blood work that came back normal a few weeks ago.

I DID IT.

As i’m sitting here holding my son, I FINALLY realize that I am a strong person. We are in an space of our OWN. I answer to NOBODY. I now have to learn to become self sufficient, which is okay. It’s a huge NEEDED step. Thank you all for all of your support 💕 I’m currently looking for a job (anyone in here hiring??? lol 😂😂) The legal process has began to take off, i’m very excited for this next chapter. It’s already been very hard but, i know it’ll be so worth it in the long run. ❤️

Just turned 3 and not potty training. He refuses and then tantrums at diaper changes. Help

He says no when I ask. I got him underwear and he will just urinate in them. He is afraid of the toilet. I got him a seat. A child sized seat. Nope. I got him a child’s size potty and he refuses to go near it. He plays a game he will hide and poop. He then tells me he’s pooped. He then runs when I try to change him. He kicks and thrashes as I change him. It’s hell. I am getting worried and he just turned 3. I feel like I’ll spend the next year still changing endless diapers playing this game. Advice? Thanks

Grape Quarterer

I had no idea [this](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08SZBXL45/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_776BRXTFVKXDPDXG679N?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1) thing existed until this week but holy crap. My life is forever changed. It also works so well for blueberries and cherry tomatoes. They should issue one of these to every family who has a child. Sorry if I sound like an ad. This thing is amazing. I don’t work for OXO 🤣