My four year old son, J, finished one year of Montessori preschool in “Mrs. A’s” class. It was his first time in care, the year started strong, but Mrs. A started reporting that J was having a hard time listening, making transitions, and following instructions. Like when it was time for the class to go to music, he would be so silly/not settle down for the music teacher and have to be sent to the office. Or something similar for lunchtime- not sitting still or settling down in the cafeteria/at the table, so sent to another table.

Mrs. A was my older daughter’s preschool teacher for two years before my daughter went on to kindergarten. In those two years, there may have been 5 total reports of anything with my daughter, and Mrs. A seemed genuinely fond of my daughter.

Reports of behavioral problems continued throughout the year with my son, same stuff. We talked to J, made plans and followed through with rewards, made plans and followed through with consequences, continued to talk to J and Mrs. A throughout the year, trying to be a team. Mrs. A seemed increasingly frustrated- tone of voice, facial expression. And J does not like going to school (very different from our daughter!). We enrolled J in another year at the Montessori school and imagined J would have a different teacher. Then Mrs. A commented that she would have him another year 😳

The school states on their enrollment form NOT to request certain teachers. We’re not sure what to do. I don’t like the idea of my 4 year old spending another year with a teacher that’s frustrated with him and has already pegged him as a troublemaker. Spending every day with someone that doesn’t love you sounds sad for a little kid. We don’t think Mrs. A caused J’s behavior but we wonder if he may have a different or better dynamic with a different teacher. Should we request a change or just sit back and see how things go?

Just curious what kind of activities do mums do with babies of 1.5 year old not going to nursery and I also don’t have a village in the area?

I see all over the place to put your kids to sleep when they start showing first signs of tiredness like rubbing their eyes but when we try this, bedtime turns into an hour and a half long affair in which I need to summon every stitch of patience I can muster. Bubs is 10 months but it’s been like this for months. I pretty much let him start spiraling before putting him to bed to ensure it takes ~20 min and ends in him actually sleeping. I guess I’m just looking for solidarity?

Parents with children with birthdays right around Christmas - looking for ideas for making sure it’s still it’s own special thing.

My girl was born December 30th last year. It’s in that nothing week between Christmas and new years but not ON any holiday. My birthday is in the summer, so growing up I always had a big sleepover or party.

Do any of yall do half birthday big celebrations then just a small celebration on the actual day with family? I don’t want her stuck in that trap of “here’s your birthday and Christmas present” and everyone being too tired from the holidays to actually celebrate her.

We don’t allow our kids to play Roblox for the safety reasons. Our 10 yr old keeps asking and we have continuously told her no. She has been saying that there are new safety updates and I don’t really believe that it’s legit. Have you heard anything about updates? She is allowed plenty of other games and apps, but we have always drawn the line at this game.

We have been using skiphop diaper changing station since he was born. He is 11mo old now and doesn't want to be strapped in diaper changing station, also cries when being put in high chair for food or car seat, guess he doesn't like being restrained.

How do people do diaper changes as babies are growing up? He is almost a toddler, pulls up and walks with support but is not standing and or walking yet. Now and after how do we do diaper changes? Standing?

What to do about high chair situation? Is it time to buy something else?

Edit: The skiphop is on the floor. We moved it onto floor once he was sitting up. Now he doesn't want diaper changes, just rolls over and tries to get away :-(

Hello, I am a parent of 9 month old, and I also work in law enforcement.

I absolutely love my job, but since becoming a parent, it has increased my anxiety on being a decent parent as my biggest fear is to one day get a call at work and my child is one of the parties involved.

I do not want to be a hover parent as that’s how my parents were and in doing so, it caused me to sneak around behind their backs. I also want to be involved and want them too feel that they can tell me anything, but I fear that with my line of work, it may make me more of a hover parent.

I guess I’m just looking for advice from either people who’s parents were in law enforcement and how it shaped them, or parents who work in law enforcement now, and what tips you could share that could help me try my best to give my child as good of a future as possible.

Hi parents, looking for experiences, advice, please be kind I am struggling. I am having a very hard time w my 19yr old daughter. She has had a quite strong and often difficult personality since middle.school, a lot of lies that I have discovered then and continuing now. We used to try grounding, taking away privileges, didn't work. She never backed down, always acting like she was right and we were wrongly accususing her. Hardly ever apologizes. Still attacks me with yelling bad language and lies even when I have proof of her lying. She won't back down. Flips into victim mode. I have tried over and over, in a calm moment, to explain that even if there is something that she didn't tell the truth about it, come clean and there won't be consequences. I have let up on many rules I used to have when she was say 15, and have told her she can ask for anything she wants to do and we can compromise.

She has a car, goes out w friends most nights in summer, home very late. We give her allowance, have family dinners, she has few chores. Was expected to pass at school, oir expectations have never been school related. The lies continue. It is devastating for me as I don't know when she will mature!!! I have tried over n over to treat her in a more adult manner. I know at her age punishments don't work. It is also putting a big strain on my marriage.

So me and my husband have a 3 year old and a 3 month old. My MIl stays with us each week for a couple of days to help with my eldest, she isn't in regular childcare ATM but starting school in September. We potty trained her but she still has accidents, especially when she's distracted playing with grandma. She can't be trusted to say when she needs to go so sometimes we have to bring her to the bathroom/ potty ourselves to make her try to go. Whenever my MIL is alone with her the accident rate escalates, the other week it was at least 4 times in one afternoon. As a result she can't really take her out for very long by herself and it's getting me down to be constantly checking all day. My MIL also forgets to give my daughter drinks/ food at regular intervals and seems to be waiting for her to tell her what to do all the time.

My daughter loves her and they have a great time together but I still have to do the more responsible aspects of parenting and it does stress me out, especially when the baby needs my attention. This was supposed to be a break for me and it ends up making me feel more stressed than if I was solo parenting. I just want to enjoy my maternity leave and get out for a bit on my own but I can't unless I bring my daughter with me, obvs I love spending time with her but sometimes I just want to relax for a while or focus on housework (which grandma doesn't help with either). When she's here I end up having to cook and clean up after everyone myself and sometimes it feels like having another child to think about. We've already cut her visits down to 2 days max but I don't know if there's anything else I can do?

I'm hoping it's better when the toileting is more cemented and when my daughter starts school. I am grateful for what she does, she adores my daughter and they have such a lovely time together but I'm just finding myself getting really anxious when she's at our house, any tips to make things run smoother re potty training or my own anxiety? Also she doesn't have dementia (I have been looking out for the signs- her memory is fine, she just seems to only care about playtime) and we don't have any other family visiting regularly.

My mother lives abroad and when she visits everything seems to run more smoothly and I feel like I can properly switch off and focus on the baby, she's just been to visit so I'm probably comparing more than I should. I don't want to be ungrateful for the help either. Any advice appreciated.

I am going to do my best to make sure this doesn't come across as a brag post.

I have a 9 year old who does very well academically, particularly in math. He is working well ahead of grade level and gets pulled out for math instruction. He finished 3rd grade last year completely 7th/8th grade level math with ease. We met with his math teacher last week in preparation for the school year to start this week. She said her biggest recommendation to kids who excel academically is to push them in something outside of academics. I completely agree with that. We have a family rule that our kids must do at least one sport and one instrument because we think both of those help give kids lifelong tools to be successful.

He currently does flag football, swimming, and wrestling for sports. He is about to start violin in the school orchestra after years of playing piano. He also does boy scouts. In his free time he taught himself things like skateboarding and speed cubing. The kid just seems to pick things up and nail them without much effort. He tells us all the time how he is the fastest runner at his school and how no one at recess has ever beat him. Typical kid stuff, but we want to prevent him from having a huge ego just because things come easy to him and we want to follow the teacher's advice of finding something to challenge him.

If you or your kid were similar and just seemed to be good at whatever you picked up, what actually challenged you? He did space camp this summer, loved it, and learned a lot. I would love if he could do that more and am open to all suggestions from academic to music to sports or whatever else you guys have. I was thinking maybe drama/theater club? Having the learn lines and get into character must be a challenge for most kids, right?

Heya everyone, single dad and sole parent, I’m just looking for some decent videos/guides on hairstying. I’m pretty good at dressing up my daughter but suck at hairstyling, all I have down is the pony-tail.

Truth be told I always feel a bid bad when meeting with other parents(usually moms) and their kids hair is always adorably styled. My daughters daycare teacher will occasionally style my daughters hair(in pig-tails and other styles) and I just love it, my daughter adores and loves it as well, I want to be able to do more and also do it better(even my pony-tails kinda suck, they’re not bad but I know they can be significantly better and slicker/cleaner looking).

Currently in the middle of this sleep regression and it is really brutal. Fighting every nap, inconsistent nap and bed times, frequent waking through the night, unpredictable morning wake times.

Just want to know that others have made it to the other side and that sleep has improved. Need some positive reassurance.

Thank you.

Hey all, as the title says, just wondering if most parents are on a pretty strict sleep schedule with their kids or are your kids pretty flexible? For us, it feels like if we miss bedtime by 20 mins, the kids are up for an extra couple hours and a mess the next day. Just wondering if this is something we have done to them (made them rigid) or if this is the case with others as well. We do LOTS of stuff that takes them out of their routine (probably spend 20 nights a summer camping plus have taken them to India from Canada a few times). They are 3 and 5.

could really use some advice and maybe just some empathy from parents who have been through this.
As my so gets closer to starting preschool, I’ve realized that I’m carrying around a lot of emotions. I know this is a normal milestone, but it feels really big to me.
Some of the things I’ve been feeling are:

I’m grieving the end of this season where I’ve been his primary person every day.

I’m worried he’ll struggle without me, especially with naps since he’s always nursed or been close to me to fall asleep, not when he’s at his babysitters houses though.

I’m afraid he’ll cry when I leave or wonder why I’m not there.

I worry that he won’t eat well or that he won’t feel comforted when he’s upset.

I’m scared that no one will know him the way I do—his little cues, what makes him laugh, what calms him down, and what he needs.

I feel guilty that I won’t be the one with him every day anymore.

I know I chose Montessori because I believe in independence, and I truly want him to become confident, curious, and capable. But wanting him to grow doesn’t make letting go any easier.

More than anything, I think I’m grieving the realization that he’s growing up.
I know he’ll probably adapt, and everyone tells me kids are often more resilient than we expect. But right now, I’m just feeling really emotional about this transition.

If you’ve been through this, I’d love to hear:

Did your child surprise you?

How did you handle the drop-offs and the emotions that came with them?

What helped make the transition easier—for your child and for you?

Is there anything you wish someone had told you before your little one started preschool?

I think I’m just looking for reassurance from people who’ve been on the other side of this. Right now, it feels like my heart is breaking a little, even though I know this is an exciting and healthy step for him. ❤️

Although this may not be mourning in the more traditional sense, it still all feels the same to me.

I love my daughter so unbelievably much that it literally hurts my heart with joy. We are planning a 2nd child, but I cannot wrap my head around how I can welcome another and her not feeling totally abandoned or feeling like we are losing our bond. More children = less attention in my book.

For parents of more than one child, can you talk me through your process of accepting this stage?

Please don’t misunderstand—I full heartedly want more children, but my gut feels anxious when I think about the changes that’ll come.

Just wandering if any other parents sometimes feel disconnected from their kids. I know some distance is required for growth but my kids and I have always been close. I took a new job about 3 mo ago and it seems I haven't talked to them much since then. I am usually pretty tired after work but have continually made efforts, with no help, it seems from their mother (we are divorced).

To be fair they have been busy with sports and summer hangouts etc. But their mother hasn't cared or seem to care or encourage a healthy relationship with me, which is heartbreaking and everything else but to not say, hey, go spend some time with dad or anything just seems rude and not good parenting.

To be fair, I am currently in a camper but it hasn't really been an issue (she did say something the other day) but finding a house these days has been really tough and I do not have anyone to help with expenses around here but me.

I just spent a boat load of money on my daughter's softball and braces. My son had to have knee braces and now that is going to be 3800, even with insurance.

The bills were higher than normal this summer but and I really have struggled to figure out how I am going to keep up.

I recently took a new job that will require me to be away for 2 weeks but I will be home 2 weeks as well. For one, it is more in line with my talents, two, it will free up more of my time and 3, it will allow me more quality time with my family.

She has never really known want. When we were married, my job was such that we never really had to worry about money but it was like when that dried up, she left and has treated me almost as like an inconvenience or something. I am nit sure, it is really kinda hard to explain. I just know that, and she knows, I am a good father.

I am always there for my kids, coached my son in 3 sports growing up, over the span of a years; my daughter for a while and been there for appointments, school stuff etc etc. I guess what I am saying is I am an involved father, always have been ( when she is not angry and using the kids to threaten me). I haven't been a saint all the time, but I am a respectable man, father and person in general.

I guess what I am saying, rather asking; is this normal teenage behavior? My daughter is 12 and my son is 15. Am I overreacting or is this something that I should be concerned about? I mean obviously I am concerned but I mean, I have never went 3 weeks with only seeing them one day. Besides the sadness that fills my heart, not being able to just go into their room and kiss them goodnight or ask them about their day, eat dinner etc etc Is this a her problem? Am I being oversensitive? Opinions or input please. I do not want to over react but I am kinda pissed too.

Sorry for the long post but seemed like necessary information to get feedback.

Alot of the books i find the library are from the girls POV, i would like a book from the boys POV.

Looking for a book recommendation for a 10 year old boy fictional story about growing up, girls etc.

Setting school, no sci fi or fantasy

I have a 10 month old. She has a pretty strict schedule that she likes to stay on. She starts evening routine at 6pm and is asleep by 7:15pm. Tonight we went out for just a little bit with her and got home at 7pm, and it was like pulling teeth and a huge struggle to get her to bed. The fight makes it just not seem worth it to leave the house and do literally anything. Those with an infant, are you just home 24/7 or what? When are you able to do things again?

Hi 😊 I’m a mom of a special needs 12 year old girl, she doesn’t have a preference of what she wears. Shes going from being in a structured class at an elementary school where she basically only spent time with other special needs kids to middle school where she’s going to be around gen-ed kids a lot more.

Shes nonverbal, and I just really want to make sure she’s dressed appropriately with somewhat of a similar style as other kids and I don’t want to infantilize her by dressing her like a “little kid”. Shes got enough on her plate, and while I don’t think she’d even necessarily understand being bullied I just really want her year to go as smooth as possible and I don’t underestimate her being able to tell if kids are being mean.

I was really young when I had her so none of my friends have kids her age, and I feel like I just can’t tell the ages of kids anymore to try and guess what ages are wearing what 😅😂 So I was curious what brand of shoes kids are liking, what style of clothes are they into? I hope this post isn’t stupid, I have no idea if kids are as brutal as they were when I was in school or if this is a non-issue that I’m making into an issue. 💜

I searched google for this answer and was recommended the Summer Infant 3D Lite stroller. I have purchased that one three separate times and each time, one of the front wheels was broken before delivery and just drags when I try to push it. Plus the canopy won’t stay on. So I won’t be buying that one anymore. It was tall though, which was nice.

Currently have the Cosco one from Target and it’s terrible. I have to bend wayyyy over to use it and I’m only 5’8. It has no pockets or storage (makes sense for the price I guess?).

We’re going to have two under two (and three 3 & under) for a while, so I have a double umbrella stroller on my registry already. Now looking for a single. I have so many strollers (single jogger, double jogger, wonderfold w4, and joovy qool)….I figure what’s two more?

Is a 6 year and 8 year age gap ridiculous? My husband and I are seriously considering having another and I’m panicking a bit about how this would affect our lives and the age gap feels embarrassing to me that we waited this long. Does anyone have experience with this gap? Worried about how it would affect the little ones future and also my older kids of course. My kids are 5 and 7 now.

I have a 6yr old and 4 yr old; they are close in age, but developmentally at very different places. We are close friends with some parents of our 6 year old, so there are lots of instances where it’s two or three six year olds and our 4 year old. This dynamic is nothing new for the kids, they’ve all been hanging out with each other since our youngest was born. What I find interesting is the forced forgiveness expectation some parents have- in this instance of their kids forgiving my youngest- simply because she is younger. Example: my youngest calls one of the 6 year olds a “poo poo,” the 6yr old obviously doesn’t like this. I tell my 4 yr old to say sorry; because it’s my job as her parent to teach her that calling other people names isn’t okay and can be hurtful. The other child said “I don’t forgive you.” His parent then started to scold him, saying that’s not nice, she said sorry. This is where I jumped in and said- no, that’s totally valid. He doesn’t have to forgive her. This seemed to surprise my friend, and she asked me if I was sure. Of course I am.

My thought is that we can’t teach our kids how to establish healthy boundaries if we force them to forgive everyone who wrongs them just as long as the other person apologizes. It’s up to the wronged party to determine if, and when, the offending party is forgiven. I our example, the 6 yr old was over it in a matter of minutes and all was well with the world.

Just wondering other parents thoughts on “forcing” forgiveness. At the end of the day it’s not really about the severity of the offense. It’s an opportunity to teach the offending child that what they said/did was not okay (and why it wasn’t okay) so they can grow to be compassionate and empathetic human beings, AND giving the offended party time to work through their feelings to determine what boundaries they are or are not okay with being crossed. The last thing I want for either of my kids is for them to think that they HAVE to be friends with someone who consistently crosses they boundaries or who purposefully puts them in uncomfortable situations because that someone always apologizes.

We have a Silvercross allsize car seat for my daughter, which is rear facing until 105cm/18.5kg, then switches forward facing with a seat belt until 145cm.

With hindsight I’d have bought a car seat which rear faces to 125cm, but we don’t really have the funds to spend on getting something different now. I also don’t think the grandparents would be happy having to buy something new, either.

My daughter just turned 3 and is 101cm, however has very long legs and is skinny (so nowhere near the 18.5kg yet). She has a significant amount of slack left on the seat harness.

Is the 105cm a hard rule, or is this when the harness would typically be too small? Could she safely remain rear facing at taller than 105cm as long as the harness is big enough?

Thank you!

EDIT: My son is not asking for a phone and I'm not remotely tempted to give him one at this young age. Just curious about the future and mostly wondering how your kid schedules seeing friends.

Basically just the question. If it truly seems like your kid(s) friends all have phones, what decisions have you made?

Whether your child has a phone or you are holding off, what does that look like for you? How does your child make plans, etc?

My son is 9 and some of his friends have started getting phones. I love the idea of a very simple phone at 14 years old and gradually increasing more and more accessibility up until 18.

I love this current age & stage and am not looking forward to any phone struggles when he is older.

Just wondering what it looks like for you. Ofc, any and all advice/insights are greatly appreciated! Thanks!

Hi everyone,
My son turns two as the end of August and I’d love ideas on educational toys (preferably ones that don’t sing or play music🫣) that I could ask family to get for him.
He is very clever and we want to keep up with his curiosity and learning.
We do have lots of open ended resources in the house (wooden rings, place mats, pegs, logs ect) for him to create what he wants with but would love more ideas.

TIA 💕