Parenting Contents Archive

What's the safest way to make a room smell nice?

I'm currently pregnant and have a 2-year-old as well. I will start by saying I know artificial perfumes (phthalates) are not great, and in many contexts essential oils are not great, particularly if they're too concentrated or vaporized in a manner where the oil itself can be inhaled. But there has to be something! I don't wear perfume, I clean mainly with vinegar, and we have a few hepa filters running around the clock in our house. But with a cat and a toddler running around and constantly making a mess, sometimes I really just need a room to smell *pleasant*. Any evidence on the least harmful nice-smelling products? Can reed diffusers be okay? Certain candles maybe?

A smoky small-town rodeo arena might seem like an unconventional place to learn about supporting boys’ emotional lives, but if you pay attention, lessons are everywhere https://t.co/ErxgTfbiOi @boypodcast @NextGenMen https://t.co/V1A10grhE0

Kids need coping skills to reduce stress & to PRACTICE them so they can use w/out guidance. Helping kids create Calm Down Spots can help. Learning to self-regulate is core to #resilience & crucial in today's uncertain,#anxious world.#parenting https://t.co/1moWheZrql

Husband ugh.

Anybody else super disgusted and finally fed up over how it seems to be that your husband seems to be the ONLY one in the household who never has to work on anything, has no consequences, and doesn’t even see a need to apologize for any part played in this shitshow we call life (raising a family). I am so unbelievably at my wits end at this point. And he actually is surprised when he catches me flipping him the finger in the corner of his eye. He knows I cry because if I don’t I might actually act out on my anger. So I hold it all in and I am the failure. It’s a flabbergasting existence that never ceases to end. I feel so much hatred. Not needing advice just commiserating.

⚠️ It's important to help children to be careful with the information they share online. These Talking Points for #parents are a good way to start the conversation, and to encourage them to be selective with the information and images they share. ⤵️ #OnlineSafety

If you've just started weaning your baby, here are some easy homemade food ideas to inspire this next step https://t.co/b1gzjj4A8G

Mindfulness programs are still polarizing in some U.S. schools. Yet meditative practices are central to holistic education expert John (“Jack”) Miller’s work in Canada and across the globe. @amylevaphd @GreaterGoodSC https://t.co/t9ubAXdTyl

My daughter's classmates accept her for who she is

My daughter is 4 and she is mostly nonverbal and autistic. This year we enrolled her in a Catholic preschool two mornings a week on top of her afternoon special Ed preschool. She has a one-on-one there with her, and though it was a rough adjustment, she finally likes going. This week, her teacher showed me a photo of her cuddling in the reading corner with another girl. Usually she avoids other kids at all costs, but she apparently took this girl by the hand and led her over to read books with her! And every time we drop her off, all the other kids call her name and are so excited to see her. They all share their toys and show her how to play with them. I was so afraid she would never make any friends or interact with her peers, but I think she'll be ok. Thanks to all the parents out there raising kids who accept and love other kids as they are! Please keep teaching your kids about different abilities as they grow older. It really makes a difference to kids like mine.

what happens if we don't sleep train during the 4 month regression?

The internet tells me our baby will never sleep well again (they never really have)... are there families who haven't sleep trained and their babies learned to fall asleep on their own?

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Advice for a parent with a toddler who has ADHD

Hello, my daughter is 3 1/2 years old and after many appointments and evaluations and assessments my daughter has been diagnosed with ADHD. I am wondering if I could get some advice on how to get her to sleep, she sleeps maybe 3-4 hours a night and she is all over the place when she is awake none stop you would think she would tire herself out but it’s like it’s the opposite she’s never tired. Any advice from parents with children who have ADHD on how to get to her sleep and any tips on how to get her to listen (stop screaming, hitting, kicking and throwing things?) she does those things all the time

cheer me up..what's your favorite coffee?

It my birthday this weekend, my house is a disaster, I think my marriage is circling the drain because he wants sex all the time and I work a demanding full time job, am dealing with health problems from being in the ICU last year, we have two kids, one who needs to go to a specialist for some newly developed medical needs, a sick cat..and so he pouts, gets snappy and says "I'm done.." Help me spend my free birthday coffee on something new and exciting? What's your favorite fancy coffee drink?

Let’s make a playlist!

I’ve got my LO (5w) wrapped up in a carrier and we’re dancing around the house to my favorite songs. Music makes me emotional anyway but some songs just hit differently now that my son is in the world. It got me thinking… we have birth playlists and playlists to keep our kids occupied but do any of you have playlists dedicated to the love you hold for your kids? Are there any songs that speak to your experience as a parent? Maybe there’s a song or two that reminds you of your child’s personality? Share your favorites here. Let’s make a playlist!

Elf on the shelf...

So last year for Christmas my son was only 3 weeks old so we didn't do much to celebrate, this year he'll be 1yr 3 weeks and we are going to celebrate celebrate. Here's my question is it too soon to get an elf on the shelf? Also Christmas lights, how careful should I be when taking him to see them? Obviously layers and blankets if it's cold but over stimulating is a worry. Anything helpful you can share on how to celebrate first Christmas season would be much appreciated.

Military Service Made Me a Better, More Resourceful Parent https://t.co/6sqbrtmObv by @Dadcation of @ATLDadsGroup #CityDads #dadlife #VeteransDay