Parenting Contents Archive

“Just bring the baby!” and other well-meaning-yet-ridiculous things childless people say

I have a 7-month-old son and I’m very fortunate that most of my friends either want kids or love them, so he’s very popular. However, now that I’m a parent myself, I find it some of the assumptions and things they say SO funny, especially since I had exactly the same logic before I had a kid of my own. Probably the most common one I hear is, in reference to a late-night gathering at someone’s home, “Just bring the baby! We’d love to see him!” It makes me giggle because I used to say stuff like this all the time and my mom friends were probably too exasperated to explain the concept of bedtime to me. What are some of the silly but well-meaning things you’ve heard from non-parents?

Really nervous for the sleep deprivation—any advice?

I highly value my sleep. I need 9 hours to be a functional human. I’m super nervous for the sleep deprivation and seeing the horror stories. I know it’s not healthy, but I’m just really scared. My husband is so helpful and great, but my family tells me I was a “horrific sleeper” and I’m afraid my baby will be, too (they’re very dramatic people). Anyone have advice, tips, etc? When should they be sleeping in longer stretches? I can handle waking up once a night since I do anyway now, but up every two hours will be horrible.

Women that were on the fence about having a baby, what made you finally decide that you wanted one?

I’m almost 28 and I’ve been on the fence for years now about if I want a baby or not. My partner of 8 years wants one, but I’m not sure that I do. He’s always supported either decision. I definitely have baby fever on some days and find myself wanting to have one, but most days I’m unsure. There’s things about having a child that I know I’d love, but then there’s the cons. I feel like I’ll never come to a decision. I’m just curious about those that were in my shoes and finally decided that they indeed wanted a family. What made you finally come to that decision?

I want to strangle the man with the leaf blower

Struggling real hard lately with baby’s sleep at night and putting him down for naps. I’ve been at it for 45 minutes trying to get him to nap and just as he fell asleep, a leaf blower started going right outside my window and woke him up. He’s wide awake now. I could cry 😭😭😭

What’s so great about diaper bags?

I see fancy diaper bags advertised all the time. I’m currently using a random tote bag that I got for free. I put my personal stuff in my handbag. Am I missing out here? Would a dedicated diaper bag change my life?

My ex reached out to me today.

I’m not sure if you guys still remember me but, I hope so or, this won’t make too much sense. Anyway, my ex reached out to me today. He’s offering to send me monetary support, groceries and items for his son…. He seems extremely genuine about it and has even offered to have them sent somewhere else or, me pick them up so that he doesn’t find out where I’m at. He’s also asking if he can video chat with me and his son because he really misses us. I don’t know what to do… I’m not in a position at all to turn down the help and I still miss him and love him…. I just have no idea what to do. I’m at a loss right now. I feel so fucking stupid for even considering wanting to talk to him but, what’s the harm if he can’t find me? I don’t know. Sorry this is like “word vomit” right now. This just happened so, my mind is racing right now.

I’m gonna try it

My boyfriend often times just leaves. He says good bye and gives a hug and kiss, and I assume he’s going to grab a bite to eat and hang out with his brother or w/e, but he doesn’t always say where he’s going or how long he will be. Yet I have always felt the need to almost ask permission when I leave, and only for a short period, and only if it’s for a “valid” reason. I can’t fathom just…go somewhere. Alone. Without explanation. But I really wanna go check out the garden center at my local menards. So….I think I’m going to. Let you know how it goes.

My son smells bad

How can I get my 13 year old son to take his hygiene seriously? He will not shower unless I tell him to. He will try to wear the same dirty clothes for days and when I tell him that he needs to wash his clothes after each day he argues. I buy him deodorant and clothes but it’s hard to get him to use it. Every day it turns into an argument, and in the meantime he walks around smelling like strong BO. He will even lie to me and tell me that his clothes are clean when they obviously aren’t. I’m so frustrated and tired of waging a constant battle over this. He totally thinks I’m crazy and that showering is not necessary. What can I do?

I'm ready to throw Gen Z into a fire

Obviously I'm generalizing with the title but I have set up 6 phone interviews for a weekly sitter and ALL of them ghosted me. This is not the first time. I cannot comprehend how you don't keep an appointment for possible employment or at least cancel. A person is taking time out of their day to accommodate you and you can't let them know you won't be making it?! I'm not a corporation. I'm a human being and I'm really tired of people with zero common courtesy. Sigh* rant over. And yes this has been through trying care.com and Facebook mom groups.

Anybody successfully weaned themselves from their phones?

I feel like such a hypocrite when I mutter to my 5 w.o. that she'll have to learn to function without her pacifier someday, but my willpower is absolutely shot from all the stress, and sometimes scrolling Twitter/Reddit or queueing up a mindless podcast is the only thing that keeps me from going insane during night wakings and feedings. I desperately want to avoid getting my child addicted to screens, and I hope societal attitudes toward social media undergo a massive shift (à la smoking) before she's old enough to care about it. That starts with me being present though. What strategies have worked for you all?

I love the men in my life

Today, amidst packing my entire house nearly entirely by myself, my husband and brother took the kid with them to pick up food and drop off donations. Before they left my husband said "go lay down, I'll be back later. Don't worry about the house, we got time" I'm writing this from my bed without a baby constantly grabbing me. It's glorious

Giving a newborn 'toddler formula' - good idea?

Before I go using my newborn as a Guinea Pig (you're welcome, science), has anyone here already tried giving their newborn some toddler formula? Specifically Enfagrow A+ Stage 3? I'm still currently giving her Enfamil's 0 - 12 months formula, but her older brother is on the 12 - 36 month stuff, and I'm wondering if I just had her 'skip a grade' and just share in what her brother's having, if there would be any adverse affects? I'm assuming it will give her telekinesis...and/or gas.

I did it I called the lawyer why am I crying 😭

I did it I called the lawyer to get out of my abusive marriage. I am tired of the verbal abuse and hearing all about liking cocks In my ass or having boyfriends or being stupid or thinking to hard but I'm overhear crying because I am weak and gave him an ultimatum to get mental help and he didn't take it! Like what about me is so fucking horrible that I am not worth your change?! Why do I suck so much!? I cannot cope with life right now! I hate myself!

I got peed on

Y’all. I have over twelve years experience with baby boys. I have changed diapers for more than eight baby boys. I have been an aunt to boys for six years and a mother to boys for four years. Between my sister and me, we have five boys. Today. Today, was the first time I’ve ever been peed on. AND IT WAS JUST MY FOOT. I can’t get over the amount of luck I’ve had 😂

Do babies need to get sick?

My baby hasn’t been sick yet and the older he gets the more I wonder about if it’s a problem for his immune system. He is up to date on vaccines of course so there’s that but I’m curious about this.