Has anyone actually tried one of these Gabb phones? They're designed for kids - no internet, just texting/calling and like basic features. My 11yo doesn't need internet on a phone, just wants to be able to call us and text friends, and this seems ideal but $200+ feels expensive for something that ba...
Took 8 weeks when our second was born. First week back at work and it felt like I'd been gone 8 months—projects shifted, org chart changed, my team had resolved problems without me. Nobody said anything directly but the vibe was weird. Wasn't expecting that re-entry to be so disorienting. Did anyone...
My ex and I finally agreed on switching from 5/2 to 50/50 starting next month. We're both nervous about how to tell the kids (7, 10, 13) without making it seem like a huge deal but also acknowledging it's a change. My 13yo is definitely gonna have opinions lol. Are we supposed to tell them together,...
"Are we there yet?" in various formats for 8 hours straight. Packed snacks, tablet, books, everything. Nothing worked for more than 20 minutes. By hour 5 I was considering just opening the door and letting him run alongside the car. Somehow made it but swore we're flying next time even though it's m...
Been struggling with this for years with my two boys (9 and 12). Finally figured out a system that doesn't make me want to scream: - **School days:** 1 hour max, after homework is done - **Weekends:** 2 hours, but they have to earn 30 min by doing chores or reading - **No screens 1 hour before bed*...
This seems to be the debate that never ends. My parents spanked me, I turned out fine. But my wife is totally against it and says there's better ways. We haven't done it with our kids but sometimes when they're completely defiant I'm tempted. Looking for some biblical perspective on discipline that ...
Got passed over for Director. Feedback was that I'm "not as committed" because I don't do happy hours, I leave at 5pm, and I haven't taken on extra projects. Meanwhile my colleagues without kids stay till 7, go to every social thing, take on more. It's not explicitly because of my kids but... it's ...
So my 14yo daughter mentioned that some girls at school are doing one of those challenges where they film themselves without parental permission and post it. She said it's "just dancing" but ngl I'm worried. I asked to see what she's doing on TikTok and she shut down completely. Now I'm that dad but...
Tried the "no screens at dinner table" rule like a month ago. Made sense on paper - more family time. In practice? My 7yo complains the ENTIRE meal, my 5yo gets antsy, and my wife and I end up stressed instead of relaxed. Last night I caved and let them watch a show on their tablets at the table. Di...
My 7yo will eat basically nothing I make but I've noticed if HE makes it, he'll eat it. Started letting him help with actual cooking instead of just measuring stuff. Last week he made quesadillas and ate THREE slices. We did homemade pasta yesterday and same thing. It's more time-consuming but tbh t...
Had kind of a wake-up moment last night. I was stressed about missing my son's soccer game because of a work deadline. Venting to my wife about it. She said, 'He doesn't care if you're there, he just wants you not to be angry about work when you are.' Hit different. Now I'm wondering how much of my...
Update: We switched to Google Family Calendar last month and it's genuinely made everything easier. No more "wait, do I pick up Thursday or Friday?" texts. She can add dentist appointments, I can see school events, kids can see both of our schedules. It took like 20 mins to set up. Not gonna lie, I ...
Looking to get into smoking meats but don't want to drop a grand on a pellet smoker right away. Anyone have experience with those barrel smokers from Walmart or should I save up for something better? I've got a decent grill already but want to try low and slow smoking for some ribs.
Everyone talks about side hustles as if you have free time. I tried freelance writing for a few months thinking I'd make extra money. Reality: I'd work 8-6 at my main job, come home, be present (or try to be) until kids bedtime at 8, then work until 10-11pm. Made maybe $4,000 over three months. Bu...
Do NOT use the baking soda and vinegar volcano recipe from that one Pinterest site if you actually care about your kitchen. My 6yo wanted to do "volcano day" and I scaled up the ingredients because I thought bigger = more impressive. Nope. It went EVERYWHERE. Red food coloring all over the white cou...