Parenting Contents Archive

For the moms burning out without support, go to the YMCA

The YMCA is cheapish, they have payment programs and grants. They will watch your baby for up to two hours a day, included in your membership and you can go take a HOT SHOWER, or sit in the sauna or hot tub if they have one or even some have massages you can book, or you can be like me, and go sit by the pool and get vitamin D and just recover or you can take a yoga class with other adults which like… I hate yoga but omg talking to other people. Just bring a diaper bag, know that it’s easier every time you go, and enjoy it. And then take the mental health it gives you, and go confront the issues that are causing you to feel so burnt out.

Teen daughter going to a beach party

My daughter is just finishing grade 9, and has been invited to her first high school party. It's on a beach (read *no adult supervision*), and it's BYOB. She knows the drinking is not entirely safe, and I trust her completely. BUT she's still a kid and I'd like to warn her about the worst of the dumb things that could happen when she's hanging out with kids who might be up to four years older than she is. Obviously, her group of besties need to stick together (no girl left behind!) and she needs a covered cup/bottle for whatever she does end up drinking (no taking open drinks from people!) What else do I need to talk to her about?

Debunking Robert Kennedy Jr. and Joe Rogan

A friend has decided, upon hearing Joe Rogan’s podcast with Robert Kennedy Jr., that he will not vaccinate his two young kids anymore (a 2yo and infant). Just entirely based on that one episode he’s decided vaccines cause autism, and his wife agrees. I am wondering if anyone has seen a good takedown of the specific claims in this podcast. I know there is plenty of research debunking these theories overall, and I can find a lot of news articles/opinion pieces on this episode, but I’d love to send him a link that summarizes just how wrong this guy is point-by-point from that particular episode, since this is now who he trusts over his pediatrician. I’m having trouble finding anything really specific to this episode and Kennedy’s viewpoints in particular.

Will I be judged for taking my newborn out in footie pajamas?

We're headed to the doctor and honestly changing him into a onesie, pants, and socks feels daunting. Can I just leave him in his footed pajamas (they have stars and sheep on them - they're clearly pajamas lol) or is that a social faux pas?

I'm a millisecond away from losing it.

I'm a SAHM with 2 kids, a 7 year old and a 4 month old. My 4 month old currently has me in a chokehold. He needs to be picked up all day everyday or he'll cry like the world is ending, on top of exclusively breastfeeding, not by choice he refuses to take a bottle. His sleeping schedule has been the same since birth 1-2 hours at a time. Husband barely help on his day off he will have my son for 5 seconds before throwing him back at me. Even when he's taking a nap I still have to attend to my 7 year old and house chores, no break whatsoever. Adrenaline worn off PP kicked in... I'm living in actual hell.

Ex is upset that I won’t watch HIS son

So my ex, who is the father of our two kids, is upset that I won’t watch his son. His son is from a previous relationship. Obviously when we were together, it was fine. We lived together. But now, we are separated. I am not going to keep doing this. Now he’s up for a job opportunity and wants me to take care of his son early as 6 in the morning. No. I already have two small kids to take care of. Now he’s trying to be manipulative and say “well if you’re not able to watch him, I won’t be able to make that money and provide for our kids” Tf? Don’t try that shit. This is crazy and I just needed to rant. The child’s mother lives 45 minutes away and he chooses not to hold her accountable. Just ridiculous.

Should I put sunscreen on my baby for short strolls in the yard?

Question, should I put sunscreen on my son even for short 5 min walks around the pool and strolls in his stroller? Stroller walks tend to be longer and I keep the hood down but he still gets sun on his legs so sometimes I put the sun shade as well to cover all of him. He tends to not like this as he can't see out. I didn't grow up wearing sunscreen. I'm biracial black, darker tone and was told black people didn't need it. So, I didn't learn until much ater that I did need it. I tend to only put it on my face unless I'm hiking, swimming, spending hours outside etc. But he is white, much lighter than me so I don't want him getting burned or worse.

Do your kids like “your” music?

My kiddos have created a Spotify playlist of stuff we all like. It’s awesome sharing music from my teen years with them! Some favorites: Save a Horse, Ride a Cowboy 🤠 Big & Rich Bad Romance - Lady Gaga Amish Paradise - Weird Al Blue - Eiffel 65 Follow Me - Uncle Kracker My younger son loves country, so we also listen to a lot of Joe Diffie, Alan Jackson, Toby Keith, Brooks & Dunn, etc. Do your kids like your music?

Thumb sucking

I have 2 little thumb suckers, 2.5 years old. They suck their thumbs intermittently throughout the day and night. You can totally tell by their teeth they’re thumb suckers. Is this something I have to intervene on? Do they grow out of this? Everyone that has an opinion on this, seems to think hot sauce is best way. I just can’t take anyone seriously that tries to punish a toddler that is trying to self soothe with hot sauce. What does science recommend? What are your experiences?

Why can’t it be enough?

I’ve posted before about how I was accepted into the LPN program. It’s still a NURSING program. I still sit for the NCLEX. Yet I haven’t had anyone, except customers at my job, to be genuinely proud. I just broke the news to my dad & his response was “well RN BSN is still your goal right?” I’m 22. I’ll be a 23 year old nurse… let me be excited. Be proud of me… please. I feel so much shame surrounding the program I got accepted to and I don’t feel good enough. Has anyone experienced this or something similar…? I need a pick me up.

Idk what to do

My dad filed to take my husband to small claims court. I told him he would do this. My dad has been calling and texting him and he just completely ghosts him. What do I do? I hate this what do I do

Explaining neutering

My son is 7. He talks about his mom being pregnant with him but hasn't considered the steps leading up to it or how the birth occurs. He just thinks you "get pregnant" somehow and the baby is in Mommy's stomach. His mom got him a male kitten a few months ago who got neutered today. He will be back at her house on Monday and the cat may still be recovering. I'm wondering how any other parents have explained this to a kid with a similar level of understanding of the process? If he asks why the cat had surgery, what do we say? I'd rather not open the whole can of worms just yet. Any experience or ideas? Or so we just say he had a surgery that's no big deal and leave it at that? I can't imagine he'll accept that vagueness but maybe worth a try?

How to overturn a school board?

Hi all, I’m looking for advice on how to overturn a school board decision. Recently, the board passed a decision for an early start time for elementary (7:45am). None of the parents I spoke with were aware this vote was taking place. I feel like an email or call to the superintendent will go on deaf ears. What are some other actions I can take? I’ll go door to door for signatures if that’s what’s needed. Thanks for any advice!

Managing daughters 1st phone.

The mother of my 12/13 yr old daughter and I are split. The mom wants to get her a phone. Both of us have an iPhone but my daughter wants to get an android phone that’s affiliated with a K-pop group, Stray Kids. My question, is it easier to manage your kids phone if it’s the same as your own (iPhone and iPhone)? Also, what’s your opinion on when kids should have social media accounts? Thanks!

How to make last day of school special

My kid is in first grade and tomorrow is their last day of school. We are also moving soon so they will not be back to the same school next year. The moving decision was made recently so we did not have a lot of time to prepare them before school ends. I was just wondering if there is anything we can do to make the last day a bit more special, and to help with the transition to the new school easier. I’m grateful for any input!