Parenting

Anyone else feel like they're living with a tiny tornado? My 3-year-old has recently started having epic tantrums over the smallest things. Yesterday, it was because his sandwich was cut into triangles instead of squares. 😅 I've tried staying calm and talking it out, but that doesn't always work. Sometimes I feel like I'm just adding fuel to the fire! Does anyone have tips or tricks that have worked for them? I'm all ears for any advice, or even just commiseration from fellow parents dealing with the same thing. Also, I read somewhere that giving them choices can help. Has anyone tried this? Curious to know if it actually makes a difference. Let's chat about surviving t…

i've got a five-year-old who seems to be training for the picky eater olympics. it's like pulling teeth trying to get anything green past those lips. the other day, i tried sneaking some spinach into her smoothie, thinking it was foolproof. nope, she took one sip and immediately called me out on it. how do you guys handle picky eaters? do you have any tricks or recipes that work wonders? i'm open to any suggestions, even if they're a bit unconventional. also, does anyone else feel like they're running a restaurant with the number of meals they have to make just to keep everyone happy? 😅

Anyone else struggling with picky eaters? My 5-year-old has suddenly decided that anything green is off-limits. Spinach, broccoli, even peas - it's like they're all his arch-nemesis now. I've tried disguising them in sauces and casseroles, but he's got a radar for it! I remember my own childhood when my mom used to make 'monster mash' with mashed potatoes and hidden veggies. It worked wonders back then, but my little one seems too clever for those tricks. 🥦😅 What are some of your go-to strategies for getting kids to eat their veggies? Any creative recipes or tips? Let's swap some ideas and maybe help each other out. Here's hoping for a breakthrough at the dinner tab…

Anyone have any stories relating to IVF, successful or not? Would be keen to understand and share any lessons learnt and tips. From my perspective, a few years in to the journey and as the hopeful Dad - patience, patience, patience, less so for the process but especially for your partner as they go through what can be quite a gruelling, painful, highly emotional and difficult journey. It's hard to remember that sometimes when you're both at the end of your tether.

So, I've entered the toddler stage with my kiddo and wow, the tantrums are real. 😅 Sometimes it feels like navigating a minefield and I'm just trying to keep my sanity intact. I've tried the whole distraction method, but it doesn't always work. My little one is super strong-willed, and it's like they have a radar for the perfect moment to unleash the storm. Anyone else going through this? What works for you? I’ve heard mixed things about time-outs and I’m not sure if they’re effective. Would love to hear your experiences or any magic tricks you’ve discovered. Also, is it just me or do these meltdowns always happen in the most public places? 🙈 Let's swap stories or sur…

Kids can be quite the handful sometimes, right? Especially when you're trying not to break the bank while keeping them entertained. Over the years, I've picked up a few tricks that have worked wonders. First off, never underestimate the power of a good scavenger hunt. You can theme it around nature, colors, or even shapes. It gets them moving and thinking, plus you can do it in your backyard or local park. Another hit in our house has been DIY crafts. Old magazines, cereal boxes, and any leftover fabric scraps can become something amazing with a little imagination. We made a whole puppet show using socks and markers the other day! Board games and puzzles are also gr…

hey everyone, i've been on a mission to cut down on our grocery bills without sacrificing taste, and i thought it'd be great to share some of my favorite budget-friendly meals with you all. one staple in our house is a simple veggie stir fry. we just toss whatever veggies are on sale into a pan with some soy sauce and ginger. sometimes we add chicken or tofu if we have it on hand. it's quick, healthy, and the kids love it! another favorite is homemade pizza night. we make the dough from scratch (which is super cheap) and let everyone top their own section. it's a fun way to get the kids involved and use up leftovers. what are some of your go-to budget meals? always l…

Noticed the other day that my little one isn't interested in her favorite teddy anymore. It made me realize how quickly they grow up. Do you guys go through this too? How do you handle it? Part of me wants to keep all these toys as memories, but the other part knows they'll just collect dust. Any advice on what to keep or let go? Maybe there's a smart way to decide what stays and what goes? Would love to hear your thoughts! 🧸✨

I've been trying to get my kids more interested in nature and the outdoors. Growing up, I have fond memories of exploring the woods near my house, looking for bugs and trying to identify different plants. 🌿 Now, I'm looking for some creative ways to pass on that love for nature to my little ones. We've done the usual nature walks and bug hunts, but I'm curious if anyone has some fresh ideas or activities that you've tried with your kids? Maybe something hands-on or even a fun project we can do together. I recently read about making a small garden together or crafting bird feeders, but would love to hear more suggestions. Bonus points if it includes a little bit of lear…

Ever found yourself in the middle of a store with a toddler who suddenly decides the floor is the best place to express their feelings? 🙈 Been there, done that, and got the cereal box thrown at me. Toddlers are like mini storm clouds—one minute they're sunny and the next, well, you know. I've tried a few tricks to keep my sanity intact. First, distraction is your best friend. Sometimes pointing out something interesting can shift their focus. If that doesn't work, I find staying calm helps (easier said than done, right?). Deep breaths, people watch, or counting to ten can be lifesavers. Also, setting boundaries and sticking to them is key, even if it means enduring a …

Finding the right snacks to keep kids energized throughout the day can be a bit of a puzzle sometimes. What do you all pack for school lunches or after-school snacks? I've been trying to balance between healthy and something they'll actually eat without a fuss. Lately, I've been experimenting with homemade granola bars and fruit slices. 🍎🍌 Anyone have any go-to recipes or snack ideas that are a hit with your kids? Let's share some inspiration!

So, I had one of those days yesterday where my toddler decided the grocery store was the perfect stage for a full-blown meltdown. 🚨 Anyone else been there? It was a combo of wanting candy and hating the shopping cart. As I tried to manage the chaos with a smile, I couldn't help but feel the eyes of every shopper on us. After 10 minutes of trying to reason with a tiny human who was clearly not in a reasoning mood, I ended up just scooping him up and heading for the checkout. Got a few sympathetic nods and one old lady even gave me a thumbs up. What are your go-to strategies for dealing with tantrums in public? Any tips for keeping your sanity and maybe even getting a s…

Hey all! I’ve been struggling with managing my little one’s screen time lately. With remote learning and all, it just seems like the screen time has gone off the charts. I’m looking for some effective tips on how to balance it without making my kiddo feel like it’s a punishment. Has anyone managed this well? All advice is welcomed!

Hey everyone, I wanted to share some thoughts and tips on managing screen time with our little ones. It feels like kids are getting more and more attached to screens these days, and it's a constant battle to find that balance between allowing them access to technology and encouraging other activities. I've found that setting clear boundaries and sticking to them really helps. For example, having specific times during the day that are screen-free can encourage kids to explore other interests. One thing I've tried is creating a schedule that includes a mix of screen time and other activities, like reading, outdoor play, or family games. Sometimes it helps to get them involv…

So, I've been thinking a lot about how much screen time is right for kids these days. It's such a tricky balance, isn't it? I remember growing up with just a couple of hours of TV a day and now there are tablets, phones, and video games all competing for attention. I've tried setting limits, like no screens during meals and a max of an hour on school nights, but it doesn't always go smoothly. Sometimes I feel like I'm the screen police! 😅 What works for you all? Have you found any strategies that keep screen time in check without causing a meltdown? Would love to hear your thoughts or any tips you might have. Maybe we can all help each other out with this modern parenti…

So our little one has officially entered the toddler tantrum phase, and wow, it's been quite the ride. I thought I'd share a few things that have actually helped us manage those epic meltdowns. First off, distractions are golden. If I see a storm brewing, sometimes just pointing out a bird or a big truck passing by can change the mood instantly. Also, having a special toy or book that only comes out during these moments has been a lifesaver. We've also embraced the power of choice. Instead of saying 'No' all the time, offering two options like 'Do you want to play with blocks or read a book?' gives them a bit of control. It's like magic sometimes. And let's not forget…

As much as we try to keep it under control, I think many of us parents struggle with finding the right balance of screen time for our kids. It’s intervention for free time, a saviour for keeping kids occupied when needed, but can also be detrimental in so many ways. I’m sure I’m not alone in having a little guilt every time I let the kids watch an extra hour of TV or play a video game a bit longer. And especially during this period of remote learning, when they’re supposed to be in front of a screen for school, it’s gotten even tougher to manage. So, I’m wondering - how do you fellow parents navigate this tricky balancing act? Are there any specific rules you fol…

So, I'm at my wits' end with my 5-year-old who has decided that anything green is the enemy. I swear, if broccoli had legs, it would be running away from my kid's glare! 😅 Trying to make mealtime fun and less of a battle. Tried the whole 'make it look like a face on the plate' thing, but that only worked for a day. Anyone have any magic tricks up their sleeve? Or maybe some sneaky ways to sneak veggies in without them noticing? Would love to hear what's worked for you or any fun stories of your own little food critics. Let's share and help each other out!

Ever find yourself quite unsure about how strict or lenient to be with the kiddos? Needless to say, parenting is challenging, and every day brings new lessons. I believe there’s not a one-size-fits-all parenting style. Every kid is built differently, and so, what might work for the child next door might not work for yours. It’s essentially a personalised journey. We’re constantly trying to strike a balance between setting rules and also giving them some freedom to make their own choices. Too much freedom might lead to kids who won’t respect limits and boundaries. On the other hand, being overly strict can backfire and limit their ability to explore, learn from th…

Anyone else feel like kids' birthday parties are getting out of hand these days? 🎈 I've got three little ones and every year it seems like the bar is raised higher and higher. Last year, I decided to take a step back and get creative. Instead of renting out a venue, we hosted a backyard movie night. We borrowed a projector from a friend, laid out some blankets, and popped a ton of popcorn. The kids loved it, and it didn't break the bank. Would love to hear how others keep things fun and budget-friendly. Any tips or ideas? Let's share the love (and the savings)! 😊

Hey everyone! I’m curious to know your thoughts and strategies for maintaining a consistent bedtime routine for my two year old. We’ve been struggling recently with getting our little one settled by a suitable time which is disturbing their sleeping patterns and ours! Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!

It’s a given that technology is now a steady part of children’s daily lives. Most of their education and play time can revolve around some type of screen - be it for virtual school, educational apps, or animated series. This frequent screen use can have both positives and negatives. On one hand, children are learning more about technology than ever before and it’s also a useful tool for keeping them entertained while parents or guardians get on with work or household chores. But on the other hand, excessive screen time can lead to strains on vision, lack of physical activities or even addiction. As parents, from your perspective, what’s the ideal balance of screen…

Hey everyone, I hope you’re all doing well. I’ve got a lively 3-year-old who increasingly insists on testing all my patience limits with some serious tantrum throwing. Any advice or “been there, done that” stories on how you’ve tackled these energetic outbursts would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance for any insights!

Parenting in this digital era can be challenging, particularly when it comes to screen time. Between television, tablets, video games, and smartphones, our kids are often inundated with screens from the moment they wake up to their final goodnight. As parents, we find ourselves in a constant battle to maintain a healthy balance. However, I’m curious what other people’s approaches are to this. Should we go for a strict policy, imposing set hours each day or week? Or maybe a more relaxed approach, trusting our kids to balance screen time with other activities? I’ve read a lot about it and some experts say that rather than limiting screen time, we should focus on its…

What are your thoughts about teaching your kid a second language from an early age? Some studies suggest that bilingual is more than a necessary skill in our globalized world, it can also improve cognitive skills, open cultural horizons, and maybe even lay the groundwork for a brilliant career. My partner and I have been thinking about teaching our 5-year-old Spanish alongside English. While my partner is from a Spanish speaking background, it’s important for us to know how this could affect his overall development. And, practically speaking, how other parents have actually gone about this transition with their children. Any illustrative experiences, tips, res…