Parenting Contents Archive

I can't afford all organic foods. What to prioritize?

My daughter is one year old, and it feels like everywhere I turn, there's some toxic or suspected toxic chemical in something she uses, wears, or eats. Thinking about food, I know I can't afford (or necessarily want) to purchase and only feed her organic foods. I just can't research "big juicy natural tomatoes" for everything we eat. We eat out a decent amount, and I do Dinnerly boxes for meals a few times a week. But the rest of the time - what should I prioritize? Should I focus on organic milk whence possible vs. Non-organic? Organic meats - is organic chicken more important than beef, or vice versa? Are there some meats that I can be less concerned about? What about fruits and veggies? Which ones should definitely be organic, and which ones are of less concern? Are there other "labels" like non-gmo, farm-raised, etc, that you can provide some quality science- backed education on? Thanks!

"I don't love you"

Said to me the other night by my 3 year old when I touched a toy he didn't want to share. I told him "that makes me sad" right before bursting into tears (thanks, pregnancy hormones). Then his dad sat down with us and explained how his words hurt my feelings, and that we need to be careful what we say to people because words have power, etc. I know my son adores me, and he's generally the most loving, affectionate kid, but I'm just curious how people have taught their kids about hurt feelings and how to mind what they say, and to develop that type of emotional empathy. I didn't hide my tears from him, because I think it's important for him to see those emotions. Looking to hear stories about the heart crushing things your kids have said or done, and how you handled it. I'm sure we've all experienced it at some point!

The brain naturally centers on memory rather than critical thinking. As such, we fall to our memory rather than rise to new or deeper thinking. How then can we create meaningful curiosity around challenging content? @mmcdowell13 @edutopia https://t.co/phDbGZQRqM

📲Many parents ask us about #parentalcontrols, and the privacy setting on apps/platforms their children are using. These 'How To' Guides are a great way to learn more ⤵️ #OnlineSafety #parents

This is your reminder to order your kids' Halloween costumes early.

Shipping is all over the place lately and the stock levels on costumes looks not fantastic this year as well. I just ordered my daughter's and it's not going to be delivered until the middle of October. So, best not dilly dally!

Mom Uniform

Just brought home my daughter 2 weeks ago and have a 22 month old as well . Most days I look like absolute garbage. Any suggestions on a comfortable mom uniform that is functional , flattering and not $100 a piece ( I’m looking at you Lulu ) Looking for high waist pants with pockets but not leggings ( I own 4 pair of aligns and am over it ), tops that are forgiving and don’t look like pajamas and are larger bust friendly ? I see so many mamas at the park near my house rocking it and I feel like such a potato 99% of the time

Tips for taking care of a newborn/infant?

My Niece did a stupid and tested positive for THC when she had her baby. Despite telling her they would test her when she had the baby, she didn't believe me and thought that since it was just pot it was fine.... CPS was of course called and she has a safety plan in place. She can not be alone with baby. She has to be watched by my parents or me and my husband. As my mom is in kidney failure and my dad is having complications from stents in/around his heart, baby is often with me. Baby is a week old now, and I have had her quite a lot over this past week. We met with CPS again yesterday and plan is in place for 3-6 months or longer. My kids are nearly 11 and 9, so I am looking for some good advice as it has been so long I am basically running off of instinct. Any tips or advice, as with my parents health I could end up having her almost exclusively if either have to go to the hospital?

Ibuprofen in pregnancy

Third pregnancy here so re-researching as guidelines change often. 5 years ago it was no ibuprofen in 1st and 3rd trimesters, and ideally none in 2nd either. Now it appears none after 20 or 30 weeks and sparingly before. Any actual recent good studies? I get terrible migraines weeks 7-17 of each pregnancy which are hugely helped by daily magnesium supplements, but not entirely. Acetaminophen and other normal recs (dark room, cold towels, caffeine, etc.) don't touch them. 400mg of ibuprofen however, fixes them right up.... So looking for hard data or general advice, but I'm already aware of generic AAP and ACOG recommendations.

Friendly reminder, moms and dads. https://t.co/6Bpcl8Aqe4

“My son vividly describes his inattentive ADHD brain as an overstuffed garbage can—the lid won’t stay on, and stuff is falling out all over the floor.” https://t.co/i8yb0fDOLv #ADHD

Twitch racks up an impressive 15 million users daily. As with any online platform, predators can and do manipulate underage uses on the livestreaming site. Here's what parents need to know to keep their children safe. https://t.co/ZSV1ttXpqa

As children grow, so do their abilities to build friendships. Here's how to guide your kids as they grow and make new friends along the way! @DMWinters_PhD @PBSKIDS https://t.co/J2al69Fq7x

My 4 yo son has been sleeping in an armchair for months now, is this a problem? THANKS!

This is getting more and more concerning. We live in an one bedroom apartment. My 4 yo boy sleeps in his bed and shares bedroom with us. Approximately 4-5 months ago, he caught a cold, and started sleeping in an armchair nearby. I thought it'd elevate his head and make him feel more comfortable, I didn't intervene. Now it became a habit for him. He refuses to go to bed in the first place, and then falls asleep we have to bring him to his bed around 9:30pm. Then every midnight he gets up and goes back to the armchair. It's a comfy armchair for adult but still not spacious enough for him to sleep comfortably, at least that's my thought. He prefers the armchair anyways. I tried to ask him why he didn't like his bed or what changes I could make etc, to no avail. ​ My big concern is, would this habit pose any health risk or prevent him from growing taller, since majority growth hormone releases during his sleep and he sleeps crouching. Thank you guys so much!

Why does my son listen to me but not my wife?

I do not get it. He's 7. My wife and I don't have radically different personality types. We're both pretty laid back people, but my son will not listen to my wife. I have to step in and put my foot down it comes to homework (really that's the only thing that he's disobedient about). It's very confusing. I tell him he needs to listen to his mother, and then he does, but without that intervention, he won't. I have no clue what I'm doing different than what she does. They have a great relationship. They play together and spend a lot of time together but he won't listen to her. What do we do?

My daughters 4k friend hits when playing “family”. Should I tell teacher?

She is 4, I told her last night that She would get a consequence if she didn’t bring her plate to the sink. She responded “are you going to hit me?” I was stunned bc we don’t hand out physical discipline at our house, never have. So she didn’t learn it here. I asked her what would make her ask that question. She told me that Johnny hits Molly when they’re playing “family” at school. (Names changed) She said that Johnny pretends to be the bad guy. Most likely they’re just playing and it’s absolutely nothing. I also know kids at this age lie their little butts off. but I was a tad triggered by the “hitting when playing family”. Thought I might just mention it to the teacher as a precaution. Thoughts?