Idk, I feel like everyone acts like 13 is some magic age but my 13yo is still not mature enough IMO. He forgets to eat when he's gaming, lies about screen time, and definitely can't handle social media drama responsibly. I'm keeping him phone-free for another year or two and honestly not stressed ab...
She's 12. All her friends apparently have it. I said no without even thinking about it. Now I feel bad because maybe I'm just being an out-of-touch dad? I genuinely don't understand the appeal. Is TikTok actually dangerous or am I being paranoid? Do any of you let your kids use it with restrictions ...
My co-parent and I have been texting/calling to coordinate and it's... messy. Lots of back-and-forths about pickups, whose buying what for school, etc. Saw OurFamilyWizard recommended on here a few times. Is it really better than just texting? And does my ex have to agree to use it or can I just set...
My 10yo keeps asking why he's the only one without a phone. I'm pretty sure he's not but according to him literally every kid in his grade has one. My gut says he's too young but the "everyone else has one" argument is... really hard to argue against. When did you guys bite the bullet? What age felt...
Wife was out of town for work, I had the three kids solo from Monday-Thursday. Completely panicked about what to feed them that wouldn't be cereal and hot dogs. Hit up Costco and grabbed like 4 rotisserie chickens. Literally made 15 different meals: nachos, tacos, quesadillas, rice bowls, sandwiches...
If you have a teething baby, throw frozen strawberries or mango in one of those mesh feeder pouches. Our 7mo goes CRAZY for it, it's cold on the gums so it helps with teething, and when they gum it the fruit thaws and they get actual nutrition. Learned this from a parent in our daycare and it's been...
My 9yo started asking really specific questions about where babies come from after his friend at school mentioned something. Wasn't really planning to explain actual sex ed yet but figured might as well be honest and age-appropriate rather than let him get weird ideas from other kids. Used actual w...
I've been stuck on this boss for literal weeks. My son watched me die maybe 5 times, asked if he could try, and beat it on his second attempt. I'm simultaneously proud and devastated. He's now coaching me through the next section like I'm the kid. This is what humility feels like.
Spent 3 hours yesterday searching the grass with a metal detector after my 3yo found it and threw it "really far." Didn't find it. Metal detector cost $35, my peace of mind is priceless but apparently nonexistent. Gonna try again this weekend with backup. This is fine. Everything is fine.
Real talk. I'm preaching forgiveness to my kids but holding grudges against my brother and some guys at church. My daughter called me out on it last week without even realizing it. She asked why Uncle Mike wasn't coming over anymore. I have zero answers. How do you actually live out what you're teac...
My youngest wants to "cook" but I'm terrified of her near anything hot. We did cookies and she mostly ate the dough (uncooked, I know I know). Are there actual recipes where a 4yo can meaningfully participate without me having a breakdown? Sandwiches are boring. Salad is boring. Help me out here?
My wife suggested we do this together and man am I glad she did. Every morning before school I sit with my 12 year old and we write down 3 things we're praying about that day. Then at dinner we check back in and see how God worked. His spiritual maturity in just 3 weeks has been noticeable. If you'r...
And honestly I don't even know how to bring it up at this point. It's been hanging over us. I'm not trying to pressure her - I KNOW she's exhausted, dealing with recovery stuff, touched out from the baby, all of it. But like, we're also becoming strangers? I don't want to be that guy who only cares ...
Just completed 14 hours driving to visit my parents in Ohio with my 5, 8, and 11yo. Here's what worked: - Downloaded like 5 new movies they hadn't seen - Downloaded audiobooks (Percy Jackson got us through hour 8) - Snack boxes instead of regular snack access - Stopped every 2 hours even when they s...
Just spent 45 minutes at 3 in the morning googling whether my 2-month-old's slightly irregular breathing pattern is SIDS. He's fine obviously. But my brain does this thing where I notice something totally normal and convince myself he's dying before I can rationalize. I didn't sleep for like 2 hours...