Build the fence. If the parents say anything tell them you plan to start doing nude yoga and expanding your show dogs to include Pit Bulls and that you hope they'll remind their children to ask before coming over.
Tell the neighbors you've been having a critter problem in both the front and back yards and are thinking of installing one of these sprinkler deterrent systems, and again, their kids should not come over unannounced.
And of course, install a few cameras to monitor your property and fancy new sprinklers.
Hey look. I had head lice for 6 years as a child because of neglect. My baby sister, who I'm raising now, had it for about 4 on and off. I know how to get rid of lice.
Comb yours and your sisters hair incessantly. If they are threatening to shave your head then comb through it yourself. Wash all your linens and such. Do a hair treatment with some over the counter stuff again, and then comb your hair some more.
The way to prevent them from coming back is pretty simple. Hatched lice cannot live for more than one day without a host, and their eggs cannot live for more than 8-9 days without a host. Easiest way is leaving your house for two weeks, continuing to comb your hair, and washing anything you brought with you in hot water.
You can also use food grade diatomaceous earth. This stuff I recommend no matter what. Sprinkle it around baseboards, under furniture, etc. Any bug that crawls across it will die. So over time with treatment and combing, any newbies will be dying off also. I don't have to deal with lice anymore but I still use diatomaceous earth to prevent roaches and other stuff creeping into my apartment. It's safe for pets and people just try not to breath it in while you're sprinkling it around.
In a pinch, rubbing alcohol will kill them too. So you can keep a couple bottles to spray on things and kill immediately.
I am so sorry you're going through this my dear. If I can help you in any way or if you have any questions, please message me.
Edit to add: the comb I mentioned specifically slices open lice eggs. the metal nit comb does not and will leave them behind to hatch later.
The reality here is that he is 4, and it really sounds like you should have a conversation with your partner (one in which they don't get defensive). That being said, my wife and I were on the same page and wanted the kids to sleep/stay in bed later...
Stoplight Sleep Enhancing Alarm Clock for Kids, Red and Blue Sports Car https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002TKLN46/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_o4UDAbSC3P6KY
If its red, stay in your bed.
You should buy your completely normal 16-year-old this book and a several boxes of kleenex.
When you're done with that, spend some time learning about "personal boundaries". Oh, and stop being a puritanical lunatic.
I'm a single mom to an 11 year old boy, and I was totally unsure of how to handle this issue as well. He would get painfully embarrassed any time I brought it up. He does have knowledge of the basics of sex, but there's a lot more to it than that (going through puberty, masturbation, proper hygiene, consent, etc.)
I bought this book off Amazon and just left it in his room, and that way he is free to peruse if he has questions without having to be embarrassed.
Check out OpenDNS Family Shield. It should be a fairly passive filtering system but it still might miss content you think is inappropriate on youtube, for example.
If you'll indulge my own opinion... Don't even bother with filtering. Just keep all computers (the kid uses) in a "public" room. Make sure it has a password set so s/he can only use it when a parent is around. Change the password once in a while, kids are very resourceful ;)
Eventually, s/he will access some inappropriate material. When you catch it, explain to him/her that it's in appropriate and WHY it's inappropriate. In my humble opinion, kids need examples from which to learn how to conduct themselves appropriately and safely on the internet.
This product changed my life. No joke, bath time was a nightmare.
Baby Silicone Shower Cap Bathing Hat, Adjustable Shower Cap Kids, Infants Soft Protection Hat Funny Safety Visor Cap Hat for Toddler Childre (Large (2-12 Years Old), Yellow) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07WCGKBW1/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_R9F42QESSPBX06KAQW9G
Brain-Based Parenting The Neuroscience of Caregiving for Healthy Attachment by Hughes, Daniel A Baylin, Jonathan Siegel, Daniel J from (z-lib.org), r/AttachmentParenting, books from Daniel J Siegel
Try concert earplugs. They're good at cutting volume but still allowing conversational speech to be understood. Here is a modestly priced one if you want to try it out without breaking the bank.
It’s supposed to be stuck! The doctor tore something when he forcefully pulled it back and that could be why the glans is purple now. You’re not supposed to pull it back to wash until the boy discovers that it’s possible to do so himself. Which could be anywhere between 2yo and teenage. I’m sorry that this happened to your son. The damage done might mean that he needs to be circumcised after all.
https://lifehacker.com/second-cousins-once-removed-and-more-explained-in-1661572056
I think as a parent, the issue for me would be your ages and the basics of the relationship itself, is it good/solid/wholesome? A true second cousin is genetically pretty far away, so I wouldn't be as concerned about 3 eyed children, and that you didn't grow up together or have that family tie would make it even less gross for me.
tl;dr: need more details.
Set up OpenDNS with either their pre-built servers or roll your own filter with them for free. It's not hard to set up, and it does pretty well. I don't know how it does on image searches, but it'll stop stuff at the domain level.
We are getting each of our kids a Kindle Fire (2 bio, 2 foster), and to handle that we are also getting a Circle to enfore the parental controlls. Amazon already has some, but we wanted something a little more centralized. I can't speak with experience yet, but I'm impressed with the demo videos I've seen. The Circle handles things as a device-level, so if your daughter is the only one on the desktop, you can use it. Otherwise, it won't do you much good.
Finally, make sure the desktop isn't in her room, but in some semi-high traffic area. Nothing beats your presence when it comes to technology. We have already talked with each other about where and when our girls will be able to use their devices, and rooms are completely off limits. Our house makes it easy, all bedrooms are upstairs, downstairs is the living space. Thus, no tech upstairs.
I really don't know what to say...this isn't one bit normal. Could you get this and use it every time you shower? I'd also say keep it in your room so she doesn't take it, maybe even in your backpack or purse.
Maybe try one of these:
AMTOOCH Baby Bath Shampoo Cap wash Shower Visor hat Prevent Water from Entering The Eyes and Ears Adjustable Bathing tub Head Hair Rinser Shield Protection Kids and Toddler (Pink) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CP8P55D/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_3YTT6NZS4D056NFNTCSD
I highly recommend Love and Logic. It shows you how to discipline your kids without yelling. My kids were born before it was a thing, but my next door neighbor went to a seminar and read the book, and it really changed how she related to her kids (her problem was that she was letting the kids walk all over her). https://www.amazon.com/Parenting-Love-Logic-Teaching-Responsibility/dp/1631469061/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=love+and+logic&qid=1621866833&sr=8-1
https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B003VNKLHA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_i_QEE9VE0QRE3QYEVAQ1XK
I had to search for an example, but we have something like this. Go a few pictures down the link to see how the closure works. This one has something like a close mechanism and a lock mechanism. If you teach the kids to just close and not lock, they should be able to go in and out pretty freely.
Your 5 year old should be able to use it even if it's got the lock part secured and your 3 year old might be able to as well.
You can replace the entire outlet cover with one that slides and covers the prongs once the cord is removed. Here’s an example: Jambini Self-Closing Outlet Covers - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B011WLTCHW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_fabc_8PhaGbDPAMFTZ
Get a portable bidet from Amazon! Those peri bottles they give you after birth are so difficult to use - you have to crank your wrist a certain way, hold it upside down, etc. This thing will be my go-to gift to toss in a basket for any new mom in my life! This is the one I have!
There are some cute programming books that deal with Minecraft and the like. I would also check out scratch - it's a very visual way to program which is easy to understand and gather the basic concepts of programming for a younger age group. Here are some links:
See what your library offers, there are book clubs and many offer e-books and free movies/music/etc.
Scratch from MIT has a fantastic coding program you can explore; if you're new to coding, its pretty cool.
There are a huge amount of free classes you can audit online for free from coursera, edx, udacity, etc. Find an area you're interested in and check out their videos. There's a popular Harvard course called Justice where you can view all their lectures and its really interesting
Youtube also has an amazing amount of quality videos to teach you skills like singing, piano, skateboarding, cooking, etc.
Khan academy is also a great free resource to get a peak at general math/etc concepts coming up next year.
Exercising is also a great thing to add to your daily schedule in summer.
Vaginal bleeding after sex is fairly common.
It's unlikely that she's pregnant, but not impossible. Get her to take a pregnancy test, and you can stop worrying.
You're really quite the dutiful Chinese son, aren't you? It's understandable (and I say that as a Chinese person), but this is a good age to break out of that mold a little bit and find stuff that you enjoy, rather than stuff that your parents want.
And your parents don't necessarily know what's good for you. That Comptia A+ certificate doesn't sound like something that colleges want to see. It's useful for getting an IT job (where you'll be too expensive compared to a million IT dudes in India). There's a big distinction between IT and computer science, and it doesn't sound like your parents know it. And it really isn't anything you need to worry about at this age.
If you actually are keen on programming/coding (or just to find out if you enjoy it), try some kid-oriented coding activities, like at Hour of Code, or Scratch, or Swift Playgrounds on the iPad.
But really, you should try out or learn different skills and potential hobbies. Like cooking, or gardening, or yoga (you can do it at home), or photography, or guitar, or magic tricks, or juggling. The list goes on and on. If your parents are like "why are you wasting time on that?", you can say that the top colleges are flooded with Asian applicants that are academically strong but otherwise kind of boring. You need to differentiate yourself.
My girl loves these truck stickables: Melissa & Doug Tub Stickables - Trucks https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07W45GY26/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_CQJR822NYHF4XGS0BJ0R?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1. They don’t stick very well because they’re pretty heavy but they float.
Also, any toy that is plastic can be a tub toy. She’ll take her plastic trucks in and we just let them dry out after.
Not all 4 year olds are like this. She may have sensory issues that overwhelm her. Or she may have had this behavior modeled for her. I wonder if a different style of parenting would work better for her - something along the lines of over the top emotional validation. This book may help: https://www.amazon.com/How-Talk-Kids-Will-Listen/dp/0743525086
I had an elective c-section (I wanted to avoid tearing) two years ago and it went beautifully. I had a spinal for anesthesia, so I didn't feel a thing. The surgery took a little more than an hour. My husband sat by my side and we had a lovely conversation with the anesthesiologist and the fellow (newbie doctor) assisting him. It was peaceful and serene. They brought the baby to us as soon as he was born and the anesthesiologist took some great pictures of the three of us, our new little family.
I was able to cuddle my son a short time later, when we were in the recovery room. By the next day, I was walking laps around the halls of the maternity unit. We went home on day four and by day five I only needed over-the-counter pain medication. I felt completely like my old self again after two weeks. As for bonding, don't pay attention to the naysayers; of course you and your precious baby will bond :)
Here's a good book on the subject and a helpful site. Best of luck, I hope your "birth experience" is as blissful as mine was!
We received so much 0-3M clothing that the babe could have worn a new outfit only once then a complete desert of clothing after 3M. I’d recommend buying in the 3-6M range because most new parents aren’t gifted a lot of 3-6M clothes.
The only important thing is buy clothes with 2 zippers (dad bias full disclosure) Buttons are the worst when changing diapers and the 2nd zipper pulls from the bottom so the babies arms can stay in the onesie. 2 zipper is only requirement- everything else to your taste. Here’s a link to a onesie with 2 zippers (looks towards the feet). Hope this helps!
I don’t know about this method, but the book “12 Hours Sleep by 12 Weeks Old” worked for me. It’s way cheaper than $80! And you’re right on time as far as the training process goes- babies really can’t/won’t sleep more than 3-4 hours per night until they’re at least 8 weeks old. So don’t fret yet!
Would highly reccomend the book- Binkie NOT for Sale
There are some children's books that might help. <strong>When Aiden Became a Brother</strong> is about a young trans boy, and is written for ages 4 to 7. And <strong>Call Me Max</strong> (the first of a series of children's books about a young trans boy) is written for ages 7 to 9.
I tutored a boy (years ago) who couldn’t easily grasp the concept of number groups (1s, 10s, 100s) until I went to a store dedicated to teaching supplies and found a block group set to help him “see” how the place holders for tens and hundreds occurred using small stackable blocks. After a lot of trial and error, we finally landed on that set. I’m sure there are similar hands-on sets available now (probably a lot better ones, given this was over 20 years ago).
Don’t give up! Each person learns in their own way and it’s SO rewarding when you see them “get it”!
Edit: I used a set like this:
Edx Education Four Color Plastic Base Ten Set - Set of 121 - in Home Learning Manipulative for Early Math - Teach Kids Number Concepts, Place Value and Volume https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B01539KPT8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_MA8M17YD54WGQT3DF3DQ
I really like Alan Kazdin's methods for dealing with situations like this. (the guy whose class you linked). The Kazdin Method for Parenting the Defiant Child was really helpful for me to understand how my actions as a parent were perceived by an angry, defiant kid.
Ok, it's pretty fringe pedagogical theory that I haven't actually read, but heard about when talking with an education professor on Twitter. I think it might be in this from this book, or at least the author. I could be miles off, I do not retain this sort of information well.
What I understand of "Parental Fragility" is that its when parents are unable to listen to or accept that their actions may be harming their children. This is a key problem when we get into the realms of radical pedagogy, because we challenge the status-quo. A status-quo that millions of people have been using to raise their children for hundreds of years. To accept these radical ideas often requires you to admit that your previous ignorance has caused many of the problems you experience when raising children, and could be directly to blame for issues your child continues to experience.
I got into radical pedagogy before having my children so have been able to start from the beginning, I do not know how it would feel to be a parent of an adult child, learning that your parental methods have psychologically tormented your children their entire lives. In these situations the response is often denial, defensiveness, and aggression. That is parental fragility.
It is a huge problem because how do we change the way people raise their children if nobody is willing to accept that they are doing anything but a perfect job?
If the music doesn't work, figure out which circuit breaker is her room and flip the switch off when they start. There's also prank "noise" makers you could leave in her room that are remote activated to "disrupt" the mood as well. And yes, this is coming from my inner 12 year old boy. I'm sure given enough time I could come up with some dastardly ideas.
Say... have any good buckets and a source of cold water on hand? :-)
Here's a book that I've found pretty helpful with my 2YO.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1499351119/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fabt1_T7UPFbRZEQ9E8
I'll add on that one of the best concepts I've found is that of giving your toddler choices and instructions on independence. My kiddo will scream about his shoes being put on his feet but I'll pull them off and he'll want the shoes back. I've found that giving him direction on how to put on his shoes, even if he can't do much on his own yet, helps with his need for independence. We also bought a second pair of shoes so he can choose which pair he wants to wear in the morning.
We got some cushy link together play mats. They dampened the noise for us and were easier on my knees. We also found a non-skid kind of one that we put at the base of the stairs. I thought they were kinds of nice.
Hey! I have an iBaby Monitor and it has all of the things you are looking for - you can set motion or noise alerts that will pop up on your phone if the baby moves or makes a noise. This have come in handy for me when I'm downstairs with company while the baby is sleeping. My phone will vibrate when the alert comes through. I bought mine on Amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/iBaby-Monitor-M6S-Digital-Android/dp/B01DQID38I
We just a wansview camera off of Amazon. We love it. Very good quality, great night vision and two way sound. It is an IP camera so we can view the video on our tablets, phones, and laptops. I think this is the specific model we got (good price and is right now half off) :
Wansview Wireless Security Camera, WiFi Home Monitor Surveillance Camera for Baby /Elder/ Pet/Nanny Monitor, Pan/Tilt, Two-Way Audio & Night Vision Q3(Black) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0148C3DRC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_L9K9zbPM5DF0J
You can get little snack pots that have like plastic flaps so the food can't fall out and the kid just reaches their hand in to grab food, can be used with pretty much anything so might be worth a look?
Edit: something like this https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00LMV9TSK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_zs0HFb7NXN931
If he has to dress up, just a simple leather belt that matches his shoes is fine. For jeans, just him a D-Ring canvas belt. They're tough as nails and go well with jeans or khaki shorts, and best of all they're super cheap if he loses it. I have some of these that I've worn for the better part of 10 years. https://www.amazon.com/Canvas-Double-D-Ring-Buckle-Metal/dp/B00EVB8AHY
My son did this too, is not autistic... We got him a blow up punching bag. One of these. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07VFG8NRW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fab_XW2DFbVS74HDF. Show your kid how to use it, look mad, growl, explain to him this is what he hits when he's angry. He will be fine. Like another poster said, he's too young to express himself so that is his outlet. Good luck!
These silk play scarves. They'll be in full swing before your kids turn two. They are capes and wrapping paper and stuffie blankets and fort walls and all sorts of things. They are my go-to one year old gifts. My kids are now 8 and 5 and they still come out all the time.
> Currently, she is 39 pounds which is overweight for 24 months. I have her wearing clothes for a 3 year old.
If she is also tall, don't worry about it too much. My DD1 was always at the 99th percentiles (top of the charts) for height and weight.
>She has a speech pathologist
Good :) Speech pathologists are wonderful. I had years of speech therapy as a child and so did my DD2. A book that really helped me when DD2 was little was "The Late Talker" https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002H8ORNO/ It will NOT replace seeing a real speech pathologist, but it may give you some reassurance and ideas to try at home to help supplement the speech therapy.
Can she communicate with you and make her desires known? Are you using any signs for things? One thing we did with DD2 was make up a picture book so she could point to things in it. Get a composition notebook and glue in pictures of foods, places, people, etc. so she can point to what she wants. Just because toddlers can't read doesn't mean thy don't recognize logos and symbols. If she wants to go to Target and get waffles, she can point to the Target Logo and then the picture of Eggo waffles. You can cut up magazines & sale ads to get pictures. You can also put pictures of people in there so if she wants to see Grandma she can point to a picture of her.
Good luck and you're a good parent trying your best to help your little one. Please remember to be kind to yourself.
Here is a stand I use for parents. Just drill the foot into the floor and attach with lag bolts....it's for 42 inch but you should be able to find a bigger one.
Ah, a bit more digging shows that this is probably a rebrand/relaunch of "Traxi" https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.traxi . They messed up their website edit, and if you go to a non-default URL like http://seescope.net/privacy it still has some of the Traxi branding and takes you to the Traxi page
Edit: OP confirmed and explained. It's a mistake not anything deliberately deceptive, and is down to the early stage development.
We got this stroller, which folds up small enough it fits underneath the seat in front of you. The flight attendants will be amazed. It’s durable enough for common city use, but I wouldn’t take it off-roading.
Also depending on your brand you can buy a car seat bag for your car seat. We did for ours and it came with backpack straps and rollers which were a lifesaver.
Assuming no eye/vision issues - this book is fantastic. I use it with kids that I tutor. It gets kids from knowing the alphabet to fluently reading in six weeks (sometimes less) if you work at it consistently for about half an hour per day.
Some blocks, but get something chunkier, not Legos unless you want to deal with lost blocks and people inevitably stepping on them. Plus, you might want them to be easy to hose down... Something as simple as this should do the trick.
These are 2 day delivery with Prime - I know you said it's urgent, but its urgent like needs to be in 1 day? If you don't have prime and this is a group effort I'm sure someone has it that is doing this and you could work with them to get this sent to the org or directly to the family? If its a family in need and a staple item like this I would guess another day or two - they would still be very appreciative.
Just google "convertible foot onesie". However most seem more like pajamas
wireless earbuds, portable charger are easy for kids with phones glued to their hands
If my kids don't give me ideas then they get stuff I think they would like and use, even if it's not like a "wow!" gift. New slippers and robe, a plush blanket, a sweatshirt, etc. My 18yo asked for a wearable blanket this year, lol.
Get the LED lights, I did those a few years ago and they were a hit. I'd look for some that have a remote and a timer.
We (well my wife at least) breast fed and, I won't lie, it was really hard work for her at first. I would encourage you to try and stick with just breast feeding for a bit longer, all the midwives we spoke to said mixing in bottles early on can cause the baby to demand only bottles. We very nearly screwed that up with one of ours, it took a few scream filled days to get them back to breast feeding.
I got my wife a nursing chair as she was struggling to get comfortable and a corner pillow. She could basically just sit there nursing and fall asleep while I did everything else.
With only 18 week maternity you'll need to express I'd guess if you want to keep breast feeding. That is also tough, my wife hated it. Hand powered pumps turned out to be the best solution for us, they are much smaller and more convenient. One of ours developed a squeak, in our exhausted state that was hilarious.
I’m really sorry that you’re in this position. I recently read this book, and it gave me a lot of insight into my own behavior as well as how I want to raise my child.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/006288378X/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_hsch_vamf_tkin_p1_i3
There are crib safety nets.
They work great! We loved ours. They have good reviews. Child was safe.
Facebook local groups might be a way to connect, but is often too remote to result in real friends. Meetup.com focuses on meeting face to face. I had great luck with meetup.com, but mostly before my son was born. I even tried to run my own group for meetings but Moms tend to be flakes, no offense, life isn't easy. You might find some real social groups on meetup but other than that you might find people promoting their own paid events. Such events may include Mommy & Me Yoga, which seems like a lovely thing to do with a 1 year old, so don't be wary of a class fee. Check if Mommy Poppins or Macaroni Kids posts updates for local kid friendly events.
My son was in daycare, so I wasn't interested in such, but there are local baby gym classes you can sign up for like 10 weeks of Saturday mornings at 9am. I know, I said Moms are flakes, and yes I was a flake too and there was no way on this side of heaven that I would show up at a class weekly. But some do. I guess. Try searching for baby gyms.
My son is 5. We did daycare. I did exercise classes. I went to local events. I went to every birthday party we were invited. I went to town event. I went to daycare events. Now I go to school events. And I can tell you that none of the relationships that I've tried to start, or that others have opened up to me to start, have really panned out to be strong relationships. I'm just saying so you don't get your hopes up. My son just started kindergarten this year, and I think, possibly, I will make 2 friends and it's just because they are literally our closest neighbors each with the same age son.
Fun, and educational. Teaches her bow to buckle, zip, etc. https://www.amazon.com/Montessori-Toddlers-Preschool-Educational-Activities/dp/B09PKXLXHS/ref=asc_df_B09PKXLXHS/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=563759672855&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=1278242822789918076&hvpone=&hvptwo=&...
I want my children to value Truth, Goodness, and Beauty.
I'm still trying to figure out how to instill those values ...
Currently, I'm trying to work my way through the topics covered in this book, "Nasty, Brutish, and Short: Adventures in Philosophy with my Kids" https://www.amazon.com/Nasty-Brutish-Short-Adventures-Philosophy/dp/1984881817 - with my 6yo (oldest of three children).
Next, I expect I'll need to introduce the idea that my child can't trust everything she's taught - even by authority figures - because they may be mistaken; or, they may be manipulating her.
Check back in a couple months on how that's going ...
Here is a Melissa and Doug magnetic paper doll type toy with all body systems and very simple drawings of breasts and genitals, showing how they are connected to the body systems. This is to go along with the idea of educating to satisfy curiosity. I’m a first grade teacher and it is very normal for young kids to be interested in body parts in my personal opinion. You’d be surprised at how mature my 6 and 7 year old students can be about body parts. We do a whole lesson on the digestive system and they really love it while managing to be respectful. Of course there are some giggles but for the most part they are just genuinely interested. I know it’s not exactly the same but I hope it eases your mind some.
We LOVED the Fisher-Price Sit-Me-Up and used it more than the Bumbo. Baby seemed to be able to move more than the Bumbo and get some balance practice that way. We got ours used for cheap. If you find an older version, you can sometimes find them with a tray in the front, which is nice to hold toys to work on grabbing.
Thanks, I will investigate the recline tomorrow. He's 22 months now but 21 months in this photo taken a month ago; he's 34 pounds now (chonk), and it's this seat which is good up to 65 pounds. It's not the seat we used when he was very small; we upgraded to this when he got above 20 pounds. The directions do say to only do rear facing up to 40 pounds.
Have you tried the website http://www.openculture.com/ ?
It's a place to start for some free learning materials, including free courses to study.
​
You may be able to access some Great Courses / The Teaching Company stuff through a local library (and you can buy and download them online, too).
​
There are also YouTube channels, just pick a topic that interests you (history, mathematics, science, etc) and watch a few videos, then find a channel you like.
for android, there is an application called block in the playstore (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.wverlaek.block).
you can set an admin password on it, and then set it up so it blocks the youtube application after x minutes. as for browser, you can use a location like qustdio to fully block it in the browser, so he uses the app, which is blocked after the time limit. you can even set this application as administrative, so they cannot delete it. it's a great app for this.
Look into Uncovering the Logic of English. It helps define English rules more precisely than is often taught in school. They have a website that can help you teach your daughter, but I've only read the book myself.
After looking through the book, maybe take a few samples of her writing and try to identify what commonalities there are in her mistakes. Address them individually.
What is he interested in these days? cars? animals? dinosaurs? balls?
Kids' interests are such powerful learning tools. Follow his interest and find relevant books, videos, games, and activities. Let me know his interests and I'll mention a few matching quality resources.
Independent of interests, we spent quite some time with our 2 kids at that age playing with chunky wooden alphabets (like https://www.amazon.com/Melissa-Doug-Wooden-Chunky-Puzzle/dp/B000F49UY8/) and their sounds; they loved it and it had a great impact on their reading and talking from an early age.
Belly bands - these gave support and held my pants up when I could no longer zipper them.Belly bands
Expensive slippers, like Uggs, or fluffy/comfy socks that she can wear in the winter and to the hospital
Preggie pops (a nausea relief candy)
You could put together a playlist of songs for the new baby that you can listen to around the house together
It's Perfectly Normal was the best book for both my son and daughter. It's explains so many things and allows for a conversation and 12 is a great time for it. As for the labia situation, all you need to say is every girl/women has a variation just like every other part of the body. I believe during puberty the labia becomes more visible and I recall back at that age being a bit freaked out by it too. Letting her know that many parts of her body are going to change and she should always feel free to chat with you openly is the best you can do. Good luck.
https://www.amazon.com/Its-Perfectly-Normal-Changing-Growing/dp/0763644846
Let her feel her nails. My sister went through a serious biting phase, towards me and I bled, so my mother gently bit my sister, nowhere close to the levels my sister bit me, but enough for my sister to realize she did not like it and she stopped. She does not realize she is hurting you and needs to recognize her game is not fun. Gentle is the key, also, maybe get one of those nice nail files for kids.
Yard games like ring toss/bean bag toss/cornhole, we play a lot of ladder ball (you'd want to keep an eye on the 3yr old with this), lawn bowling, frisbee, buy a couple of big beach balls and blow up for them to kick/throw around. Maybe something like this? https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B154JJZ2
One option would be more of a net type barrier that attaches to the posts at the bottom. Something like this pet barrier for a car, but used at the bottom of the stairs.
If you need something more rigid, something like a long piece of 1/4" or 1/8" subflooring cut to an appropriate size that slides between the bars with a couple DIY straps to hook it to the post. Maybe even attach some cheap fabric to it to prevent splinters or damage to the steps.
Milk tastes different when drunk in different ways. One of my kids will only drink milk from a straw, another won't drink milk outdoors, another will never drink milk from a straw, and a fourth will only drink milk from a disposable plastic cups.
After sampling all their different idiosyncrasies in regards to milk, I have acknowledged that there is a subtle difference in the taste of milk in all the above scenarios. None of them bother me but it obviously bothers my kids enough.
Point is, try a different straw, or a different cup, or outdoors, or a sippy cup with a cover. There are even unspillable cups these days (and here's another version). Or put a tiny bit in a regular cup and have her experiment with that.
Don't forget to prevent finger pinch with door shields! The door to our bathroom has a large gap by the hinges and as we are starting toilet training, our son will be opening and closing the door more frequently on his own.
You've had some excellent answers already but I would just focus in on getting in shape physically and getting your energy levels up as much as possible. Instead of a sandwich and crashing, go do some cardio or a workout.
The infant stage is a breeze compared to ages 2-4+ especially if you can get kiddo to sleep regularly and honestly even if you can't (this book worked for our kids: https://www.amazon.ca/Sleepeasy-Solution-Exhausted-Parents-Getting/dp/0757305601). They don't move around much, you get breaks when they nap, and if you have friends and family nearby you'll have lots of help because most people love babies. I'd recommend doing as much physical activity with baby as you can during this time (walks, baby yoga, swimming, etc.)
Where the real physical challenge sets in is when they start running everywhere, look to you for entertainment most of the time while at home, and when bedtime gets later and later and free time goes almost completely out the window. The difficulty gets turned up to 11 if you decide to have a 2nd child. When my wife got pregnant with our second, someone told me that having a 2nd child is more than double the work of having just one. I didn't believe it then, but having lived it for almost 3 years now it is absolutely 100% true.
I bought this backpack https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00U11W2C2
and it's been used since K for 4(!) years. I'm replacing it now because Child #2 gets a new one so I figured hers would get replaced too. The only thing busted is the mesh for the water bottle holder, and it's still functional at that.
https://www.amazon.ca/How-Talk-Kids-Will-Listen/dp/1451663889
I recomend this book to everyone who interacts with kids on a regular basis. It is AMAZING !
Basically, you have to make them WANT to listen. In a situation like you described, natural consiquences are WAY to dangerous, so you have to go with adult enforced ones.
One of some good gifts for toddlers is an educational toy like this play kit I randomly saw on amazon, it will help develop their social skills, motor skills, creativity, and decision making. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B098W8J8KX?ref=myi\_title\_dp
A book like Protecting your Child From Predators may be helpful, especially for your parents. It's ultimately their responsibility to teach her but many parents do not know the dangers, or where to start or how to keep her safe without telling her about things she's not ready to process. This book was helpful to me because it broke down what children should know at each age to keep them safe from sexual predators, such as knowing the anatomically correct names for body parts should be taught from very young. https://www.amazon.com/Protecting-Your-Child-Predators-Recognize/dp/0764233335
one of them is called the boys body book. I don’t remember if that one covers sexuality, but i know others did mention it.some books on amazon
You need something like this. So baby can push it around while walking. And as a plus once she's bigger she can still use it to ride on.
Get the wooden letters of M O M (M Y if necessary) from Michaels or other craft store. Have her paint them (spread out a disposable plastic tablecloth and have her in just a diaper, to contain mess) then spray it with a glossy setting spray.
When dry, dress her in a cute outfit and take a picture of her holding each letter separately. Then print the pictures and frame them in the correct order in a 3- (or 5-) section frame like this.
(Did this for my mother-in-law for her first Mother's Day as a grandmother using my daughter and niece. She loved it.)
Just a couple ideas…
A good water bottle. Preferably with a hand strap - SO convenient to be able to just loop it around your hand while carrying a baby. Much easier to take it with you so you’re prepared when you’re stuck somewhere with a baby sleeping on you. Something like this: Cactaki 32 oz Water Bottle with Time Marker | BPA Free | Leak Proof | Measures How Much Water You Drink | Best Water Bottle to Stay Hydrated All Day https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08CBJZFLV/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_8690CY7VPQS70HY8R4JY?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Comfy pajamas that easily accommodate nursing if she plans to breastfeed.
Slippers/blanket/fuzzy socks/etc. something that she views as a cozy comfort item.
You mentioned she likes video games… maybe a headset or rechargeable batteries for the controller if she doesn’t already have them? The first few weeks/couple months tend to include a lot of time spent sitting with baby sleeping on you or next to you. If she enjoys video games, she could easily play while baby is sleeping.
Good luck to you both! It’s an exciting time!
I've found Officer Gomez to be helpful. He is a school resource officer that does a lot of educating and awareness about cyber security. https://defendingdigital.com/internet-safety-advice-from-police/
The book Protecting Your Child From Predators was also really helpful. It laid out what children should know in each age group to defend against predators. Protecting Your Child from Predators: How to Recognize and Respond to Sexual Danger https://www.amazon.com/dp/0764233335/ref=cm_sw_r_awdo_4WSN067XFF0QYJGP9NT1
We bought these and have been really happy with them. First Little Readers Parent Pack: Guided Reading Level A https://www.amazon.ca/dp/0545231493/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_WGV3Y8S76D8773QPJY9D?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
The other thing we got was a magnetic board that is also erase marker. It came with all kinds of magnetic letters. Usually I make a simple word, he writes it and pronounces it. We play it like a game.
Get her a shee-wee.
Umm, no spanking is not the same as randomly hitting you. It sounds like there is zero instruction, explanation, restoration, and anything else that would be included in real loving discipline, without those ingredients "spanking" is just physical abuse. Also.... 16 is way too old for physical discipline, you are old enough that a discussion is much more appropriate. I would admit that acting out in anger was wrong, ask for forgiveness and say "hey, I don't think at my age spanking is really an effective discipline, it's more humiliating than corrective. The Bible also says that Fathers are not to provoke their children, and at this point when I get hit it just provokes me. Can we come up with a better way to teach?" Would recommend the Heart of Anger by Lou Priolo the author focuses on helping parents get a handle on their anger so they can help their children.
We have these magnetic locks and they are awesome. Our babe doesn't even try to open the restricted cupboards anymore because they literally don't go anywhere.
IMO this book's choice of language is a bit unnecessarily colorful, bordering on inappropriate depending on your tolerance. It reads like a fiction piece at times, just odd for this topic and age group. Some examples:
"the penis gets bigger because it has a lot of work to do"
"starts slowly then gets faster and faster as the tickly feeling gets stronger and stronger"
"it's like scratching an itch, but much nicer"
Don't think my 10yo needs to understand that quite yet...this conversation should lean towards objective and anatomical. It's NOT the Stork balances that a lot better.
But hey, that's just me.
I got a cartoon book that is great for starting the topic. "Where did I come from?" https://www.amazon.com/Where-Did-Come-Peter-Mayle/dp/0818402539 It works for any age and is basic, but gives you all the info to begin the topic.
I have eczema. Get a Water softener, depending on your area hard water can make a huge difference. Also there is a lotion by Melaleuca renew that helps me a ton. melaleuca renew
Definitely take the flight if you can afford to purchase a seat for your child. During the flight your child should sit in their infant carrier on that seat. Your baby will become a projectile and will having nothing to safely protect them if you have them sit on your lap for the flight (you have them in a seat in the car just in case of an accident, they should be in a seat in an airplane for the same reason). Bring the stroller, diaper bag (don't bring premix liquid formula, the rules are often a hassle to follow), and pack as much as you can in a carry on. If you get separated from your bags you will want to make sure to have extra clothes, diapers, and formula in that carry on. It's also handy to have all that in the carry on in the event of a flight delay or traffic jam once leaving the airport. The carry on absolutely saved us both times we flew with our daughter. I would ditch the travel crib and get a foldable nap mat, if you don't need a baby container. Amazon has one that I use more than my daughter (It's sold out now, but there are so many like this).
I used to display them on something like this.
I’d hang mine and my son’s faves up and put the rest in a portfolio. Some get “recycled”.
No, they are supposed yo use soft bristle kid/toddler brushes. I actually messed up here: I gave her full control too early for awhile and she wound up with a tooth that chipped because of decay I wasn't seeing, and had to have a filling (in her baby tooth...freakin ridiculous). Now she uses a spinbrush electric toothbrush so even though she tries to rush through I can ensure a thurough clean...it's one of these https://www.walmart.com/ip/Equate-Kids-Total-Power-Toothbrush-Kit-3-pc/50018586?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=0&adid=22222222228038500004&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=m&wl3=92177129897&wl4=pla-78798119432&wl5=9028540&wl6=...
Thank you! Here is the link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PC5LC8D
A reminder that the survey takes about 40 minutes. I have a few people taking it, but no one seems to finish. So give you self enough time. And thank you so much for your time!
A book that helped me a lot was The Heart of Anger by Lou Priolo The book helps tackle both anger in yourself and in your children. I think the best advise I got about anger was from my brother who is a pastor. He told me that anger is like a check engine light it indicates there's something in your thinking or feeling that needs to be adjusted. When I feel my temperature rising it helps me to ask myself two questions, "What am I not getting right now that I think I deserve? or What am I getting right now that I don't think I deserve" and " Is that reasonable?" I also find that when I let bad behavior in my toddlers go, it just builds up until I can't handle it. I find that intervening and dealing with the behavior right away keeps it from being a constant drip of irritation. Hope that's helpful, toddlerhood is hard! I have a 19mo. and 3 yo.
Tell him he’s going to wear his undies inside his pull-up/diaper at night until he can go 5 days straight with no bed wetting. The underwear will let him still feel big but when it’s wet it’ll wake him so he can get changed. The diaper will contain the mess for your sanity. My son struggled with bed wetting until he was 6 1/2. Pediatrician was not concerned “it takes some kids longer”.
Also this mattress pad: Gorilla Grip Leak Proof Washable Slip Resistant Soft Incontinence Bed Pad for Enuresis Bedwetting, 52x34, Absorbs 8 Cups, Oeko Tex Certified, Mattress Protection Chux Pads, Adults Elderly Kids White https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LR99P44/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_FFMS66VSJGWDCQ3XJA7V?psc=1
This book was incredible helpful for me. It's all about addressing anger first in yourself so you can effectively deal with it in your child.
I know you’ve gotten a lot of good advice, but if you’re having trouble convincing your wife, check out this book I found helpful
Hunt, Gather, Parent: What Ancient Cultures Can Teach Us About the Lost Art of Raising Happy, Helpful Little Humans https://www.amazon.com/dp/1982149671/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_23E1YN8VY60SBAH7PA3A?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
She talks about how toddlers actually want to help around the house and that we need to encourage and nurture this at a young age. Otherwise, like others have said, they grow up thinking it’s not their job to help.
My son is about a year away from losing his teeth.but I plan to keep them. My mom has my teeth and my brothers teeth. Our first locks of hair cut. Our imbelical cord stumps. I have those later two from my son and daughter. They make cute little keep sake boxes for them actually. My mom also has my braces but I think that is where I draw the line, probably cuz it's just metal scraps and not really a part of your child signifying a milestone.
Extra long cell phone charger. Helpful at the hospital and at home when your nap trapped. Those stick on phone holders are great too. Packages of travel tissues; I had a constant running nose during pregnancy. Travel snack packs. Can never have too many snacks. Some sort of non-spill water bottle. Link to one I like below. Great having water bottles all over the house do you don't need to getup to get water (both during pregnancy and with newborn)