Every family gathering, work event, whatever - people ask about the kids. "How's soccer going? Getting good grades? Cute new haircut!" And it's all fine, whatever. But I can't remember the last time someone asked me how I'm actually doing. Like my mental health, my work stuff, my feelings. I know th...
Our 3-month-old has silent reflux and it's absolutely brutal. She's uncomfortable, spitting up constantly, arching her back, not sleeping well. The pediatrician prescribed Zantac but we heard about the recall and now we're paranoid. They want us to try Nexium but that's not even FDA approved for kid...
We spent $400 on this Halo bassinet and our boy will NOT sleep in it. The second we put him down he screams like we're abandoning him. We've ended up cosleeping (safely, I've done the research) which is fine but now I'm wondering if we wasted money. Did anyone's kid eventually accept the bassinet or...
We used to decide to take a weekend trip on Thursday and just go. Now I need to coordinate sitters, pack 47 items we probably don't need, and plan our entire day around nap schedules. I love my kid but man I miss being able to just... do things without a production. Anyone figure out how to get ANY ...
My boys have done like 50 birthday parties at climbing gyms but never actually taken a class. Thinking about signing them up for sessions but it's $200/month for both. Is it worth it or is this just a phase? Do the classes actually teach them proper technique or is my kid just gonna be hanging from ...
So our 3yo was doing great. Like genuinely great. Been using the potty for solid 2 months. New baby sister arrived 4 weeks ago and suddenly we're back to accidents daily. I KNOW this is normal and developmentally expected but good god it's exhausting. Just needed to vent. Anyone got actual strategie...
We're supposed to alternate Thanksgiving but my parents are having a huge family thing this year (first time in 5 years because my dad was sick). I have the kids Thanksgiving 2024 per the custody order but I'd really like to take them. My ex is already planning something with her new husband's famil...
I know this is kind of a dumb question lol but seriously asking. My son is 2 months old and I love him to death but I can't really *interact* with him yet? Like he doesn't do anything. I read to him, I talk to him, and he just stares or cries. My wife says I should just enjoy this phase but I'm kind...
My son has been asking about rock climbing non-stop since his friend's birthday party at one of those places. We're in the Portland/Beaverton area. Anyone have recommendations? Looking for somewhere that's not too intimidating, decent instructors, and ideally not crazy expensive. He's athletic but h...
Heard from another parent that my 12 year old told some kids to stop making fun of a younger kid. No drama, just did the right thing and walked away. Couldn't be more proud. He's learning what actually matters. This is what we're raising them for.
Laid off due to "restructuring" at a company I was at for 7 years. First thing I did was panic about how to tell my wife and whether we can make mortgage. Second thing was spiral about being a failure. I know logically that getting laid off happens and isn't about my worth but my brain is NOT having...
This might be the cutest thing that's ever happened to me. She made a little booklet with hand-drawn coupons like "One free hug" and "One trip to the park" and "One breakfast in bed" and my personal favorite "One I forgive you when you're mad." My wife clearly helped with the setup but my daughter d...
If you told me 3 years ago I'd be genuinely excited to spend Saturday mornings at the park watching my son figure out how to go down a slide I would've laughed. But here I am. Those used to be my sleep-in mornings. Now I wake up early because he's awake and pumped and honestly? I wouldn't trade it. ...
This probably sounds stupid but I'm genuinely proud of this. Been working on my anger stuff and last week was the first time in months I got through 7 days without snapping at my kids. Few moments where I felt it coming but actually took a breath and walked away instead. My 6yo even asked why I was ...
We just got back from a camping weekend at Ozark National Forest with my kids (5, 8, 9) and I prepared this whole meal plan with s'mores, hot dogs, chili, etc. My oldest literally brought his own PB&J sandwiches and barely ate anything else. My wife says I'm overthinking it but I feel like camping i...