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Q
Huntington, WV
Hello, I have a problem with my son constantly wanting to put his fingers in his mouth. I know this might not seem like a big deal to some people, but for me, I can't stand it. I try to tell him how germs will get in his mouth and make him sick. But, he reply's with "I can't help it" and you know how boys are, they like to get into everything, so his hands don't stay clean. I'm constantly saying "Aiden get your fingers out of your mouth." I don't know what to do anymore, any advise would be great!
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Q
Chicago, IL
does anyone have advice for raising an only child? lately i have been feeling quite overwhelmed with my child's (5 y.o.) demands etc. any words of wisdom would be helpful.
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Q
Phoenix, AZ
My 6yr old daughter has been potty trained since she was 2. This last year she started wetting herself. She claims she just doesn't want to quit playing/watching TV, etc. She says she knows when she needs to go but chooses not to. My husband and I have tried just about everything we can think of. Our families tell us to ignor it and she will stop, guess again. We tried that and she started doing it multiple times a day. We are so frustrated by it and no one we know seems to understand. They don't understand why it is so frustrating. We don't let her go anywhere without us now becuase she will do it on other peoples furniture or in their cars. Any advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
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Q
Bloomington, IN
My 13yr son is in the 6th grade and it is getting alot harder for me to hold my ground with him He has adhd and is on meds but don't seem to be helping anymore. He seems to me to be angry with anything that is said to him. I always have him do the same things everyday so their would't be a new suprise in his day but when i say it is shower time you best be getting out of the way because he will start yelling and hitting or kicking any thing in his way. He takes alot of this out on his father to. If I say something that makes him mad he will not get angry with me he will get upset with his father. He lies to me about homework untill it is the night before it is due then he will want me to do it for him I will not and never have done his homework for him. I have had him in counsuling before but they tells us their is nothing else their but adhd. I have had him tested to see if he needed special help in school but he passes that test. I guess you can say i need to figure something out because i can no longer deal with father and son yelling and screaming anymore..... So if anyone has ideas that could help please let me know.
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Q
Pueblo, CO
My 13 month old beautiful baby girl has started to show signs of separation anxiety. If i leave the room she runs after me crying and clings onto my leg. We also met some friends at a restaurant the other day and she would not sit in her high chair and only wanted to sit on my lap. This just started about 2 weeks ago. I wanted to know if anyone had any suggestions on how to help her ease through this phase. Some of my friends have suggested i take her to a daycare setting for a couple of hours per week. Also how long does this phase usually last? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
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Q
Appleton, WI
We have this neigbor boy who is 9 and asks my husband and I if he can do chores and earn some money, so we took him up on it after oking with his mom. He does our cat box three times a week, and if we are out of town, he feeds the fish. Over the last month, he has been totally slacking, and I don't know what to do. He will dump the litter, and take it out, and tell us he's done, and then we find out there is no new litter in, or that he did it while we were gone, which used to be ok, but now he does it that way on purpose alomst seems. He doesn't sweep up and this last time i don't think he even did it... but the scoop was in the filthy litter box. He is verbally disrespectful as well, he never says thank you, he gets $2.50 for the litter box( each time), and $1.00 a fish if we are gone, so $5.00 for feeding fish for a couple days... Today he said "Where's my money" and he told me the other day that my husband is lazy, but seriously, I feel like an evil person, but I feel like this kid got exteremy rude lately!!!
I want to "fire" him but don't know how, or what... His mom is a good friend of mine who also watches my daughter while my husband and I are at work. The rest of the family is not like that, and he does have ADD, so I feel bad for him, and seriously don't know what to do. I know that he should learn respect for grown ups and stuff, so as a mom I feel horrible, but I also am not sure how to talk to someone elses kid about the behavior thing and the not doing it right thing. I have showed him over and over and if I'm home I will check and have him fix everything, but I am at work 90% of the time... please, any advice will help...
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Q
Columbus, OH
I have always had one constant in my life, and that is my old high school boyfiend. Sorry if this is long, but I would just like some unbiased advice. OK, we met 15 years ago in high school. We dated throughout HS, broke up, then reunited again when we were in our early 20's. What broke us up was my fault. He wanted marriage and kids, and, at the time I didn't. I guess you could say I broke his heart. I always thought the grass would be greener on the other side, which is so wasn't. He is such a good person and has every quality a woman would ever want, but I screwed up, and, at 31, I know that now. About every 2 yrs or so, we would somehow meet up again, but we haven't dated since the late 90's. He last called me back in '05, and, I never called him back. I knew at the time he had a girlfriend, and I was in a relationship, so I thought it would be best to just let things go. Well, I guess you could say he was the one who got away. I know that he was madly in love with me, and I felt the same way, but the timing was always off. I firmly believe he really is the one for me. Well, like I said, he last called me back in '05. Just last week, I happened to bump into his sister. I was always very close to his family, so it was great seeing her. She told me something devistating....a few weeks ago, he had to have his foot amputated. He went in for routine surgery a few months back, but developed a stauf infection. Long story short, he had his foot removed. He is still with the same girl he has been with since back in 2001. She mentioned his now girlfriend has been pushing marriage, but she said to me, 'you know there was only one girl for him, so I don't think he'll be getting married.' She said she'd tell him she spoke to me, but that his girlfriend is the real jealous type. My dilema is this....I want so badly to talk to him....if nothing else, to tell him I am sorry and that I am here if he ever needs anything, but I am torn. I don't want to cause any problems, yet I am so drawn to him. I have been thinking about asking his sister point blank if I can call him, but I don't want to seem, well, like a stalker, or obessed. Honestly, though, I can't stop thinking about him, and, truth be told, I would love nothing more than a life with him. I don't want to look back and think 'what if' yet, I don't want to intrude on his life. Anyone been there??
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Q
Dallas, TX
I need help! I have a 28 month old son who is still on the bottle. He only wants it when he's sleepy. Any other time, he prefers cups. He's still not sleeping through the night. So when he wakes up, he wants a bottle and goes right back to sleep. I've tried rocking him back to sleep and just toughing it out, but I don't like being up all night either. My other issue is potty-training. How do you potty-train boys? I have two other children, both girls, ages 7 & 4, and I never had problems with them (both were off the bottle by age 1, potty-training was a breeze, and they slept through the night at early ages). So is it a "boy thing"? Is it harder with boys than with girls? I am open for any ideas and suggestions.
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Q
Omaha, NE
My daughter is 8 1/2 mos and still isn't crawling? People that I talk to say she should be by now. I am starting to worry. We try everything to get her to crawl but when she gets on her tummy she gets frustrated and cries. Any suggestions?
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Q
Cleveland, OH
I just started working full time and i am feeling very guilty about it. how can i get over that feeling? my family really needs me to work full time. my kids go to a daycare wednesday, thursday, and friday and i feel bad about it.
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Q
Harrisburg, PA
I have NO energy at all. I also am having a hard time eating. Is there anything that I could do, take or drink that will help with either of these two? I gave up coffee and sugar for the most part, and eating is just hard to do because i feel like i am going to get sick each time i do. My Dr. told me to stay away from hot foods and eat cold. that helped a little, but not enough. please, if anyone has any advice let me know. Thank you!
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Q
Orlando, FL
I ordered a pair of sneakers (fashion, not athletic) for my 8 year old daughter. She loves them, but the top part of the heel rubs and hurts her ankle. I suggested doubling up on socks and only wearing them around the house for a while to break them in. Does anyone else have any ideas on how to soften this part of the shoe, or if there in a insert or something that we could use?
Thanks!
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Q
Providence, MA
Hi Moms,
My son is 2 1/2 and ever since we moved him into a 'big boy' bed he wakes between 5-6 in the morning. He is an excellent sleeper, always has been. He goes to bed at 8 and doesn't wake up til the morning. When he was in his crib he used to wake anywhere from 6:30-7:30, which was great. We moved him into a bed a few months ago and now he's up and raring to go at roughly 5:00a. I am fine with it during the week because I have to get up around then to get ready for work but getting up at 5, 7 days a week is no fun. Any tips you want to share on getting him to sleep in would be greatly appreciated!!!
Thanks!
A.
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Q
Dallas, TX
My husband and I have recently become close to our neighbors, and we are really wanting to help them out but in a way that they don't feel offended. The husband just lost his job 3 weeks ago, the mom works at Blockbuster, they have a 5 year old and one due in less than a month!!! Not one time have they asked for any help and are staying positive about everything. I just read on another thread about the angel food missions, and I was thinking about doing this for them since the food would be in right around the time the baby will be born.
My question is: Do you think this would be appropriate, or do you think they may feel offended? What is a good way to go about it so they don't feel like a charity (so to speak)? Any advice is great!
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Q
Boston, NH
Hello all! I am having the problem of having 3 year old twins at home and am currently expecting another little one in June. My 3 year old daughter is having an allergic reaction to something in our home and we haven't yet figured out what. Her grandparents are being a little overbearing that we need to do more to find out what is causing her to cough uncontrollably when she is in her room. Also, she had an ear tube fall out last week and is now experiencing drainage from the ear. After speaking with her otolaryngologist, he recommended that we put drops in her ears 3 times a day and to contact him again on Tuesday if the drainage from her ear does not stop. Her grandparents have put in their 2 cents worth that we should contact her local physician on Friday if the situation does not improve. I am getting very frustrated with the whole situation of grandma & grandpa not respecting any boundaries that this is my daughter and that I am already following the advice of one of her physicians. ANd being pregnant seems to have exacerbated how quickly I get frustrated. ANY SUGGESTIONS PLEASE????
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Q
Janesville-Beloit, WI
I have been married for 5 years. My husband moved out 2 weeks ago and we are probably heading down the divorce road. My 6 year old is having a horrible time. She's not eating , sleeping, socializing, she is weepy all the time, having nightmares. How do I help her through this. It is breaking my heart.
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Q
Norfolk, NC
I am watching this 4 yr. old on Mondays and Tuesdays. His mom asked me to help her potty train him. I have a 3 yr old son who is potty trained already and was potty trained by 2 1/2. I have been training him since the end of last school year. During the summer I didn't have to watch him. I got him back this school year and he is still not all the way potty trained. He goes potty for me but he will not go #2. His family is not helping me at all cause they leave a diaper on him at all times. I have had about enough of it. Do you think it is wrong of me to give up on trying to potty train him? I have told them he doesn't want to wear a diaper anymore but I guess they just don't care. Would you happen to have any ideas how I can help him to learn to go #2 in the potty?
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Q
Detroit, MI
Hi knowledgable ladies! My 3 year old knows exactly what the toilet is for and will use it just before a bath but not on his own. If I put him in undies, he poops and pees in them. Should I just wait a month or so and really try or should I try now? My husband would be the one to train him since he is laid off right now. I have told him that when he gets the urge to use the potty but he really shows no interest. Any good advice? I know nature will work its wonders but what can I do to speed it along? THANKS in advance.
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Q
Harrisburg, PA
I just recently found out I am pregnant and I was wondering if anyone had advice on how to quit smoking. I have tried and I just can't seem to put it down. I would try replacements like gum or the patch, but aren't those just as bad?
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Q
Williamsport, PA
I been thinking months of becoming a Surrogate Mother. I have the perfect family, a husband, 2 kids (1 boy and 1 girl). We are happy. I like to help people. I am now trying to see what others think of it. My husband says it's up to me. That doesnt help much, I was hoping he would say more. So, I am asking others. Thank You.
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Q
Philadelphia, PA
Hi, i was just wondering if anyone out there has switched their babies from formula to milk earlier than 1 yr old ?? we have 9 month old twins who are eating their jar food very well & some light table food but lately when we give them the bottles they are more or less playing with them..I know they are not getting their 24 ounces of formula most days..Is it ok to switch them this early or should we be persistant with the formula..any advice?
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Q
Madison, WI
My son is currently 21 months. And we don't need to have in a big bed yet, but I am due in June with our second. And there will be some more time after that because we will have the baby in our room for a month or two or maybe longer... Either way I have a really hard time picturing my son in a big bed. We already have a twin bed, actually two of them, so we were not planning on getting a toddler bed. But it just seems so big for him. I was wondering what other mom's have done, some people have said to put the mattress on the floor, put the the bed in his room with a crib. But any suggestions would be helpfull, thanks!
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Q
Minneapolis, MN
We are expecting our third child in January! We will need to have our two girls (now ages 14 months and 3 years) move from having their own rooms to sharing a room so the new baby has a room. I'd like the girls to be used to sharing a room by the tim ethe baby comes-so they aren't having too much change at once. My questions are: when should we do the switch and any ideas on how to make it fun for them? thanks in advance!
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Q
Chicago, IL
Hello, I just found out that my sister and brother-in-law lost their baby. She was about three months pregnant. I saw posting a while ago asking for advice on this, but I can't seem to find it in the archives so I thought I'd ask again. I haven't talked to them yet because they asked for a few days alone (she was given medicine and sent home to go into labor). That sounds bad enough. I thought they would care for her in the hospital. Anyway, was wondering if words are enough, or would it be appropriate/inappropriate to send flowers, a card or anything else? I feel like I want to do more, but I know sometimes one just can't. I'm curious as to what others have done in the same situation. Thanks so much everyone.
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Q
Pittsburgh, PA
I'm looking for any advice or tips on getting my 18-month old boy from his crib to a toddler bed. (It is a conversion crib) My husband and I plan to do this within the next few days. This morning I woke up to jumping noises, and when I went in there he was...hanging on to the side, laughing, and saying, "Bounce High, Bounce High!" He was getting up so high, that if he would have lunged over, he would have been out. (probably on his head!)
All of my friends waited until their kids were 2-3 years old, and didn't have any problems. My concern is that he will not stay in the bed, and in turn have his sleep disrupted. He is generally good at napping and bedtime, but sometimes will stand there and protest for a couple minutes before he'll lay down. Some have suggested to me to get a "crib tent", but I'm not sure I like the idea of those.
We don't have a video monitor, (only audio) but I am thinking about getting one now. My big question is, If he gets up and starts to get into things, how long should I let him mess around before I go in and try to get him back to bed? Or, if he really protests staying in the bed, should I just leave him in the room to cry it out?
Any stories of how other people did it will be greatly appreciated!
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Q
Fresno, CA
I am doing an essay for a class about how real mothers survive the drastic change that being a mom is to their self-image. I need advice on how you take time for yourself, without your children, while maintaining a good balance of time with your children and husband/partner. Any type of advice will be helpful...just the things that you do for yourself and how you keep your cool in situations that might cause you to stress out, such as the sleepless nights, teething, etc. Thanks so much!
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Q
Seattle, WA
This is really not a request for advice, but just a topic I hoped to open for discussion.
Today I was reading another member's request asking advice on how to offer a newborn a bottle and its responses. I was discouraged to find many of the responses almost chastising the parent's choices, rather than offering advice. I am not sure about all the other moms here, but I joined this site looking for support and advice, NOT judgment. We are all parents and we all are going to parent different, and yet we are able to come together to this website to discuss the one thing we have in common, being mommies. For me, I recognize that the way I parent my son is my choice. And, it is rightfully MY choice. However, on occasion, after making a choice, I may come here to ask advice on how to follow through with that choice... or for information from other moms who have made the same choice. What I wouldn't be coming here for is judgment from other moms who didn't make the same choice as me. Being a mom is challenging enough without the added stress of criticism from people who think their way is better. That being said, doesn't it make more sense to just not respond to somebody's request if you don't agree with their choice on an issue? Or, at least, if you must respond, do it in a constructive way? And, if you do agree and you have something positive or encouraging to offer, then respond?
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Q
Boston, MA
My once easy to go to bed and sleep through the night 2 1/2 yr old is no longer able to fit into this category in any stretch of the imagination. The problem started about 3 weeks ago. He caught on to my husband laying with our older son (5) at bedtime (a habit I was not happy about but was what came about and worked). So our 2 yr old wanted me to lay with him, when I would say good night -he would then cry for daddy.....and so on - this process became progressively worse. We decided it was time to try and nip this in the bud and changed the routine with our older son by slowly easing our way out of his room (end of bed, door way, hall way) - there were a couple of nights of screaming but we have been successful with our older son. Unfortunately, nothing seems to be working with the 2yo. We tried the supernanny thing of just bringing him right back to his room when he came to the door, etc....would do this for an hour and he just found it funny and would giggle. I just have no idea how to break this cycle. My poor little guy isn't getting to sleep until about 10 - 10:30 most nights...he woke up today with dark circles under his eyes. He does still nap....and I really don't think ending naps is the answer for him yet. Any advice that worked for you would be GREATLY appreciated!
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Q
Atlanta, GA
I feel a little silly sending this, however I think it might help! I have always been a little bit of a quiet person (until I get to know people), however I have never really had a lack of friends. I am now 30, happily married with a 2 year old little boy. I work full time and I am finding myself with no REAL girlfriends. How can I meet people in similar situations? When I take my child to play groups I sort of feel silly with the other moms/parents. I don't have anything to talk about! Does anyone have any advice??
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Q
Denver, CO
My parents are treating my kids as built in play dates for their other grandkids. the only time they want to be with my children is when they are taking care of the other kids. They never have time for them at any other time. And to top it off when the grandparents and the grandkids are together the other grandkids are treated to hugs and kisses and my kids don't get them, they are basically ignored. My grandmother treated me the same way and I hate to see it happening to my kids. I am not being over sensitive to this because it happened to me, as my daughter is the one that brought it to my attention, she is six.
I am wondering what I should do about this. My parents are not really talking to me so I do not think that they will listen to me if I mention this.
AVT
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Q
Detroit, MI
I have a 14 month old son who when he goes to sleep, bangs his head on his crib (not lightly either) he can shake the house. He also slams his head into his high chair and now when he sits on the furniture he bounces his head and body off of the furniture. We have started placing him on the floor when he does this to let him know that its not acceptable. He laughs when we tell him "no" or to "stop". He will bang his head to the point that I'm scared he's going to injure himself. Even in bed he bangs his legs (bounces) them on the mattress. Its hard to tell sometimes if he's banging his head or slamming his legs. Other than the head banging he's a pretty good baby and he is very intelligent and interactive. Any one have the same issue or have any advise. The pediatrician says that he will probably grow out of it.
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Q
Minneapolis, MN
I am trying to wean my son off his beloved pacifier. He is very attached and as soon as I make a little progress he goes to my grandmothers house (she is his child care provider) she gives it back to him and even attaches it to his shirt so he won't lose it, Now it seems like he is more attached than ever. I am looking for the best approach for him and granny.
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Q
Stationed Overseas, AE
I am interested in learning African dance.
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Q
Minneapolis, MN
Any suggestions will be great! My almost 18month old daughter still chooses not to walk And I put emphasis on chooses! Oh, that little girl can and has been scaling furniture before she was 1 yr. Can climb on furniture and down (in fact she climbed up onto a sun chair and on the kitchen counter) she can walk behind push toys, but often thinks of this activity as a game and will stop shortly afterwards! As soon as we try walking with her by holding on to her hands-legs buckle knees come up and frustration settles in. Now keep in mind my little angel is not your typical 17 month-she weighs about 28 lbs. So standing holding on her little hands while she's buckling her legs and is complete dead weight is not an easy task! I haven't been too concern for the fact that my son didn't walk until he was 18months, but the difference is he always tried-we see no effort in her.
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Q
Albany, NY
Hi all, my son is going to be 3 in June and he still wears diapers! About a month ago he was all about going on the potty, both #1 & #2. I never forced the issue, just made it available in every way. I put the little potty seat out and I put on on the big potty with a stool in front of it. He prefered the little on that sits on the floor. Everytime he would go he got very happy and we would give him m&ms...he expected them everytime he went which was fine with me. We were doing great for like 3 weeks. He would wear diapers to bed and also thru the day along with pull-ups and always just take it off when he had to go. Now all the sudden he gave up! He does not want anything to do with it anymore. Im not forcing it. Ive heard stories of traumatizing children by forcing them to use the potty. I feel like were going backwards. Any suggestions?
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Q
Beaumont, TX
My daughter is going to be 3 at the end of September. She still sucks a paci at nap time and at bed time. She knows that big girls don't suck paci's b/c I try to tell her that all the time and her responce to that is that she is a little girl, she's not a big girl yet. I told her that on her 3rd birthday that we are going to get all of her paci's and throw them all away and there was going to be no more paci's and I am not going to buy anymore b/c once you turn 3 you can't suck a paci b/c you are a big girl and big girl's don't suck paci's. About a year and a half ago my grandmother passed away, and my daughter got this idea to send all her paci's up to heaven to the babies. Should we just throw them in the trash of tie them to balloons and let them go "up to heaven to her granny"?
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Q
Auburn, AL
My Daughter will be 3 in June and she has been completely potty trained for a year now. For some reason, the past couple of weeks she has had many "accidents". Today, she even did a BM in her underwear. This is not like her. She knows better than that especially since she has been out of diapers for so long. I am not sure what to do. Is this normal for children to do this? If so, how can I get her back on track?
R. S
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Q
Boston, MA
About a month ago my two girls ages almost 3 and almost 1, and myself had to move back to my mothers house. Both girls have pretty much always been great sleepers except when sick or teething. However since we have been back here my 3 yr old has not slept the whole night in her bed. Shn wakes every night between 12-3 and refuses to go back to sleep in her bed, since it is late i bring her back to bed with me. Any ideas on how to end this without making her cry it out. The loss of sleep has done a number on both of us.
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Q
Sacramento, CA
My 3 year oly had very bad eczema all over her body. She HATES getting lotion put on and screams while my husband does it ( I can't even be in the room). ANyone have any ideas about making this an easier situation or another "cure" for the dry skin?
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Q
Eugene, OR
I am a stay at home Mom of 4 the kids are 16, 12, 9 and almost 4 the "Baby" is a wild women!
She has been a little bit spoiled I think, she is a sweet little girl but do one thing she does not like and she turns in to the devil.
I am with her alone every day and when its just her and I, I tend to ignore her little fits or I put her in time out she comes out with a more mellow attitude but as soon as the other kids come home from school all hell breaks loose she does not understand how to share she does not like her brothers using what she calls HER TV to play the xbox she kicks hits scratches slaps screams and her brothers I think egg her on a lot I catch them and they say oh we arent shes being mean.........When they are all home on the weekend I wake up with a head ache and go to bed with one if she says they can have some thing she doesnt want she then changes her mind as soon as they have it its like having a tornado in the house all the time and I am losing my patients.
Dad works 24/7 so when hes home he still doesnt do much in the way of discipline he gets after her a little bit but then feels bad and goes and holds her and loves on her so she calls Daddy and her big brother her "SAVERS!" because when I set down a rule and try to enforce it they save her from me she runs to them when she is in trouble.
She even hits and kicks me and screams in my face and calls me MEANER!
When she does this I very calmly take her to her room and put her in her time out spot she screams and thrashes so hard she turns beet red and some times while she is thrashing she hurts me.
She slams doors and throws things and tells people what to do this some times even happens in stores and I have to remove her and take her home even if I am not done doing my shopping.
I even considered SUPPER NANNY!
I need help with this child I love her and I know we were wrong to spoil her the way we did (she is our last child and we did not even think she was going to come there were alot of complications for us trying to get pregnant and then they told us she was not going to be healthy at birth)
So when she was born there was not a thing wrong with her and she has been our little miracle baby!
Any way if anyone has any ideas for me on this I would really like to hear them.
Thanks T. S.~
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Q
Tallahassee, FL
My almost 4 year old (next month) was HORRIBLE to potty train. He was doing really well just after he turned 2 and then I got pregnant with my second son. I was REALLY sick during the entire pregnancy and he saw me vomit in the toilet ALOT even though I tried my best to hide it from him. He completely stopped potty training and refused to go anywhere near a potty. He grew TERRIFIED of the potty and whenever I asked him why he was scared of the potty he would tell me "cause potty made Mommy puke". Talk about Mommy Guilt. Well we moved into a new house about 6 months ago with all new potty's that he has never seen me get sick in. I was able to get him to pee in the potty pretty easily. He has had that one down for several months now. And he was pooping in the potty for a couple of weeks. But now for about the past 3 months he just WON'T poop in the potty. My husband and I have tried bribary with trips to the beach and to Wild Adventures, M & M's, a prize box, letting him pick out his own "big boy" underwear...EVERYTHING!! I have even had him throw a couple of his pairs of underwear in the trash thinking that might make him realize that if he poops in his favorite underwear then he can't have them anymore.
HELP. Anyone have any other ideas on how to get him to poop in the potty. He is supposed to start VPK this fall and he can't unless he is fully potty trained. I'm just at the end of my rope and am out of ideas. Any and all help and advice would be greatly appreciated.
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Q
Little Rock, AR
My son will be three in November and has really just started talking in full clear sentences. He spent this past week with his grandparents and yesterday when he came back I noticed that he is starting to stutter pretty bad when he gets a little excited. He didn't do this before he left. How normal is this?
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Q
Atlanta, GA
I have a very demanding job and it is hard to spend time with my son during the week. Since I'm a single mom, I have to work all day at work and then come home and do all the house work. I have gotten behind on everything, including quality time with my little one. I try to make up for what I don't do during the week on the weekends, but this weekend a friend of mine has offered to take my son so that I can have some alone time. Does this make me a bad mom? It's not min son's fault that I have so much do and I feel like I am punishing him when I need a day to myself.
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Q
Los Angeles, CA
Hello, my husband want's to spend a lot of money on a present for his sister, but, she will NEVER use it! I'm mad because, all day I take care of his daughters and I haven't even gotten a christmas present! He says that because she gave him a couple of shirts and the kids some toys, she went all out. Haven't I gone all out??? Giving birth to twins??? Shouldn't he be more worried about getting ME something expensive?
He is never home! I do all of the house work, all of the cooking, and cleaning, and childbirth! I feel invisible!!!
Please let me know, honestly!
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Q
Oklahoma City, OK
I feel very stupid for posting this but I caught my boyfriend doing a search on yahoo personals. Would anyone else be devastated about this?
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Q
Dallas, TX
My dd's friend called and asked for her to come over to play so I said yes. She has been there before. The mom and I made plans for me to pick up my daughter @7:45 pm b/c the other mom wanted to go to a friend's house after the play date.I was under the impression that the girls were at the mom's house b/c the mom said that she was going to a friends house later after the play date. I called at 7:30 pm to let them know that I was on my way and there was no answer. I called again at 7:45, 7:50, 8:00, 8:10 and 8:15 no answer. So I went over to pick up my daughter. There was no one home, lights off and everything. So I tried calling the mom's cell phone and no answer and no voicemail for me to leave a message. Long story short she took my daughter to her friend's house directly after picking her up at me home. She never went back to her house. My dd does not have a cell phone as my husband and I think that an 8 yr old does not need a cell phone. My dd called at 10:00 pm just as my husband and I were about to call the police. She said that she was ok and that she was at the mom's friends house. I was furious and scared at this point. I had no idea where my daughter was. Yes I do take some responsibility here in that I should have told my daughter that any time that she goes with friends that if the plans change she has to call me and tell me, but I have NEVER had some parent just decide to take my daughter some where after being picked up for a play date at their house. The mom was very defensive about my being upset that she took my child some where without my knowledge or consent. She asked me if I trusted her to take care of my child. At this point I was flabbergasted at the events. Am I crazy or what. Would any of you other mamas felt the same as me? TYIA!
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Q
Dallas, TX
I think there is something wrong with me. I am a stay at home mom with an amazing husband and a wonderful year and a half old son. Lately I just find myself feeling a bit sad. I am thinking back to the time I was single and could go out and have fun. I get bored easily, dont want to cook, clean, or do anything else. I have nothing to be sad about and quite frankly my life is great. Anyone else feel like this or should I call the shrink?
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Q
Chicago, IL
Hello Mamas! So first a little bragging (I'm very proud today)- my 2.5 yo daughter went on the potty today for the first time. She asked to go potty and went on the big girl potty with no ring or anything (she said no little potty and no to the ring). She peed a little bit wiped herself and then flushed all with no prodding. And then ran around the house laughing and yelling "Elli big girl potty!" I'm making it a big deal with her (we're having a special dinner tonight to celebrate- all dishes chosen by El- mac n cheese with hot dogs and cupcakes with pink milk and we bought pretty girl pull ups) so she'll stay excited about it and hopefully that will make her want to go again.
So now my questions- how often do I take her to sit on the potty? Every half hour, every hour, should we just move into the bathroom? For how long (a week, a month, until she's 5 (kidding)?) Or do I wait until she tells me she wants to go? Once we're on the potty how long does she sit? I mean she's not going to go every time we sit on the potty right? So should we sit for like 15 minutes or longer? Should I have her just in pull ups or should she be in diapers sometimes too? This is all new territory to me... How do I do this? Every time I think I know what I'm doing with this Mom stuff... something new comes up that I have no idea about. LOL
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Q
Dallas, TX
I am "attempting" to potty train my son who is 2 1/2 years old b/c he seems to have a very clear understanding of poo-pee etc? However, everytime I put him on the potty or stand him up against his boy urinal, he respond NO, NO way! What can I do....I so need some tips here on how to get him to the next level of at least trying.
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Q
Augusta, GA
MY SON IS 2 AND NOW TAKING OFF HIS CLOTHES AND WETTING AND POOPING IN THE FLOOR ISNT THIS A SURE SIGN OF BEING READY FOR POTTYTRAINING? IDEAS ON POTTYTRAINING WELCOME... HE DOESNT LIKE TO SIT ON THE POTTY, HE CANT GO 3-4 HRS LIKE SUGGESTED WITHOUT HAVING AN ACCIDENT IN HIS PANTS, HE DRINKS ALOT SO HE GOES ABOUT EVERY HR AND 1/2..
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Q
San Antonio, TX
I guess that I have spoiled my first one a little TOO much!! She has slept with us in bed since she was born which I know is a BIG no no!! But it just happened. My second one won't sleep at all if she is in bed with someone. But I have a toddler bed and everything all set up for my 3 year old I have tried laying in her room with her reading to her until she falls asleep then going to be, but like 30minutes later she is walking around the house crying looking for us? What is a good plan to get her in there and get her to stay? Thank you for your help!!!
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Q
Orlando, FL
Thanks for all who gave advice on how to get to know the
neighbors when we move...
Right now, I have a bigger issue to deal with...
My 9 year old son does not do well with change with even
the smallest little things, so he is FREAKING OUT that we
will be moving. At first, while we would drive around
looking at houses, he'd joke about it, like he'd say, "I
have a great idea! How about we just stay where we are and
not move at all?" But now we are getting closer to it
actually happening (we'll be amking an offer soon on the
perfect house-- wish me luck!) and he is staring to realize
that we really will be moving and he's not OK with it. My
husband had a talk with him about it when they had some
alone time and my son just cried and cried and hid in his
room and didn't want to talk to me about it. I know all the
things you can do to ease transition for a
toddler/preschooler (like let him color on a box and
decorate it with stickers and let him do some of his own
packing, for example). But my son is a nine year old third
grader. He has always been a deep thinker and very
analytical. He is over-thinking every little thing and
goodness knows what's going on in his poor little head. The
other night, he couldn't sleep and he came out of his room
to ask me if we moved to that new house we're looking at,
where would we go if there was a hurricane (we have a
hallway in our current house that you can close off, and
that's where we spent the night for hurricane Charlie.) I
explained that we'd hang out in the hallway of the new
house and it was OK that there wasn't a door to close off
the hallway. He seemed OK with that answer, but I'm
awaiting the next question. My kids will attend the same
elementary school, so that's not an issue. There are no
kids on our current block that he plays with (there are
only younger kids and older people), so it's not an issue
of leaving friends behind. I need some advice on how to
convince him that moving is a good idea. After we move and
start to get settled, I know he'll be fine-- but I want him
to stop stressing ahead of time and start being excited
about the idea like the rest of the family.
Any advice???
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Q
Springfield, MO
I was just wondering if other moms ever experience what I am... I am constantly thinking about the possible bad things that could happen to me. Mostly when I try to sleep, I think about what would happen if something serious happened to me in the middle of the night and my daughter would wake up the next morning and have nobody to take care of her. She could be alone for hours and nobody would ever know it. My fiance works out of state during the week, so it's just me and Haley. I find myself not sleeping and then paying for it the next day because I don't have the energy to do anything. It's more than just at bed time though. I live on a semi-busy rural road and to get to my mail box you have to cross the road. I don't go check the mail during the week because I'm afraid I will get hit by a car and my daughter will be all alone. Why am I doing this to myself? Any advice would be great!
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Q
Chicago, IL
My son is 22 months-old and a very happy kid but typically gets up at 5:15 every morning! I have tried to making him stay in bed until 6:00 or giving him some milk to see if he falls back asleep. He just sits there and shouts out, "Mommy, where are you?" If you put him to bed later he still gets up at the same time. Nothing helps. My husband and I are so tired. Our friends with kids the same age sleep much, much later. Any suggestions or do you think we just have an early-riser?
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Q
Savannah, GA
My 12 year old boy still wets the bed. We have been to the Doctor's and they say he will out grow this. He sleeps in goodnites but that don't stop the bed from getting wet. Any ideals to stop the bed wetting and also something else he can sleep in to stop his bed from being wet everynight.
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Q
Dallas, TX
Hi everyone, I moved here a few months ago from Boston and was wondering if there are other moms on this board from up north? This weather has been depressing, I am pregnant again and am having a hard time getting used to things here. Would welcome the opportunity to chat about back home with someone in a similar situation.
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Q
St. Cloud, MN
Hello,
I am reading the book Taking Charge of Your Fertility and I was wondering if any of you use FAM? I'm almost done with the book and still a little confused. I'm not really understanding where to draw the line..... And even some of the charting seems a little confusing on paper....
My question is: Should I just go ahead and start charting next month or do I re-read the whole book and try to get a better handle on it? Does it get easier as you go? We're actaully interested in using the method to GET PREGNANT, so I guess it's not a huge deal if I don't totally understand it from the beginning??? Right?
Have any of you gotten pregnant using this method? Any other thoughts or comments on FAM? Thanks for your help.
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Q
Columbus, OH
I have a freind who is looking to move her daughter from the infant car seat to the strap-in / harness type booster. I didn't find much help from Consumer Reports on those particular models. Does anyone have any suggestions or recommendations, either good or bad, on models they have used?
Thanks so much for all your help!
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Q
Chicago, IL
A couple of nights ago my neighbor 2 doors down had a very bad house fire. She is fine, but her home suffered severe damage (no smoke detectors!) She is elderly but her daughter and SIL live next door. I am looking to do something/send something for the my neighbor. I am sure she has been taken for some clothes as I am sure most of hers need to be de-smoked, but maybe a new robe and slippers? Christmas cookies? Gift card? I want to be helpful and nice, but I just dont know what would be appropriate. We are not close. We have spoken a couple of times in the past 2 years we have lived here. I really do not know her daughter or SIL but for saying "Hi" as they are pretty private. Any ideas? THANKS.
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Q
Chicago, IL
I am struggling with keeping my oldest son’s clothes stored and accessible when it comes to my younger son being ready to use them. I am always missing seasons and sometimes never locating some clothes at all and missing the size entirely. We don’t have closets large enough to hang everything. Any ideas on how to store these clothes so we have them at the right time and right size? I am expecting another boy and this whole issue is just about to start again. Any suggestions would be much appreciated!!
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Q
Houston, TX
I wanna know what you think I should do?I have feelings for my ex boyfriend and I still care about the father of my child but we argue alot.The more we argue the my feelings get stronger for my ex,the only problem is I haven't spent that much time with my ex at all.My childs father is cool sometimes but I think he has someone else even though we spend time together.I don't go out but he does and he has been caught 2 times already.I just don't know what to do cause I don't want to hurt the father of my child,and I don't need him to hurt me either.
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Q
Springfield, MO
Saw an ad on here "Mamasource" for a diet I believe it was a diet for Idiots, not my name theirs. Says you can ut off 9 lb of stomach fat every 11 days --- you download the plan, of course not for free but $$. Just wonder if anyone has done this and what results.
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Q
Seattle, WA
Help!! I have a very srong willed, Aries red headed 2 1/2 year old son. He has a touch of asthma and when he gets a cold he tends to cough soo hard that he has in the past made himself vomit. The doctor had given me some prednisone liquid to give to him to help loosen up the tightness in his lungs when he has a cough. Here is my problem....see the 1st sentence!! I will admit this stuff does not taste good at all and we had some flavoring added to it hoping that it would help....it doesn't make that much of a difference. We have tried everything to get him to take this medicine (and others when he is sick) we have put it in cup, in a syringe, in juice, in soda, in yogurt and he can taste it and he won't finish whatever it is in. We have tried to squirt it in the back of his throat, the side of his mouth, blowing in his face and plugging his nose and he will make the rasberry noises while spitting it out the whole time....or he will pretend like he has swallowed it and then spit it out(too smart for his own good!) or if we completely fight him to take it then he is generally pretty upset and ends up throwing it back up. Does any one have a other suggestions on how to get a toddler to take medicine that they really need that doesn't taste that great? any ideas would be greatly appreciated...we are at our wits end fighting him and also heart broken to see him cough soo hard and he won't let us help. Thank you, J.
P.S. we also have a nebulizer and an inhaler and he fights those just as bad!!
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Q
Columbus, OH
I gave birth to my first child just over 5 months ago and have been struggling to keep my milk supply up!
I went back to work when my daughter was 8 weeks old and was hoping to exclusively breastfeed her for several months. My supply seems to be adequate, most of the time, when I nurse her, but when I pump at work (3 times/day) I only get about 1-1/2 - 2 ounces each time. My first several weeks back to work I was pumping at least 3 ounces each time.
I've been told the more often you pump/nurse, the more milk you'll produce. I haven't found this to be th case for me. I even added an extra time of pumping at night after she goes to bed.
Does anyone have any suggestions? Am I simply "drying up"?
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Q
Chicago, IL
We're thinking that we might want to try WOW internet service & phone service since they're rated first in the consumer report - just wondering if anyone is currently using them and have bad experiences? I work from home a lot so need a really reliable internet service provider...thanks!
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Q
Chicago, IL
My daughther is going to be 2 and she is in 24 months and 2T and I really don't have any money except for bills and I'm struggling right now to buy clothes for spring and summer for her. This year has been so hard for us and she justs keep growing. If anybody can help us, I would appreciate it, I have never been brave enough to ask for help, but I really need now. Thank you
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Q
Stationed Overseas, AE
Hi there, I was wondering if anyone has ever been to or stationed at Schinnen in the Netherlands? We don't PCS for another year or so but we're putting in our preferences for our next duty station. I've been on their website, but I was looking for any personal experiences. I know that there is no school on base and the kids go to an international school. Any info would help. Thanks!
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Q
El Paso, TX
I was just wondering if there were any other Mothers that lived in El Paso, Texas also. If so, please contact me. Thanks so much. God bless you all.
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Q
Chicago, IL
I guess I don't really have a question with this, I am just sort of complaining about the fact that it is so hard to think about selling your home when the market is so bad. Anyone else in this position? Have you had a lot of showings on your home? How long have you been on the market? It is tough to think about keeping your home show ready with a little one and all his toys around!
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Q
Dallas, TX
Hey Moms! I have a six month old little boy that has outgrown all of his clothes 0-6 months and there is A LOT!
I am looking for someone who REALLY needs the clothes and baby items. I am willing to give it all for no cost.
Also I have a Fisher Price aquarium swing that has the music and sounds, swings side to side and front to back, and also the fish swim around and it has a light show. This swing saved my life for six months but now Kyle is too big. I would like to sell it for $40 I bought it for $65 only 2 months ago so it is good as new! :)
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Q
Dallas, TX
OK Mommies, I have a problem here and was wondering if any of you have had the same issue and your solution.
I have a Honda CR-V, a 4 year old daughter who is in a booster seat, a son 3 days from his 1st birthday (and sitting forward) and I am pregnant with another son who is due in Nov. We were going to go ahead and install the forward facing seat, move the booster seat to the middle, since it does not have latch attachments there, and keeping the infant rear facing seat on the one side that it's been on (since it will have to go back in a few months anyway).
There is just (by the skin of our teeth) room for all three seats, however, it creates buckling issues for the booster seat. The way the part that the seat belts buckle into are made, the middle buckle is covered by the booster seat. We thought no big deal, we can just flip the side one right next to it and latch the belt into it since it's not used due to the other car seat using the latch belts. Well, that doesn't work because the seat belt latch for the middle is slightly shorter than the ones on the sides, and therefore will not latch into the side buckle. We thought we would look online at AutoZone, O'Reilly's and Honda for a seat belt extender of some kind, but apparantly that is a comtraption that doesn't exist.
I know the obvious answer is to get a bigger vehicle, but we are just 5 months from paying the CR-V off and were really looking forward to having that extra money available, especially since we are expecting a 3rd child.
Have any of you had this problem, and found a solution? Or does anyone have any suggestions that I might try out?
Thanks Mommas!
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Q
Philadelphia, PA
I was hoping some of you "MOMS" could give me advice on patience. Could you give me some insight on how you cope with it? I have a beautiful 26 month old son and sometimes I wish I had more patience for him. I feel I am a good mother but patience is something I need to work on. Anyone else feel the same way??? thanks! Any and all insight would be appreciated.
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Q
Washington DC, MD
her since birth. I have literally slept with her since she has been born because it has been easier. So I thought. I have a 1 1/2 year old also. Big sis. waits for me to get baby to sleep so I come and lay with her. Then baby wakes in the night 2 to 4 times as well. Big sis. still wakes 1 or 2 times and looks for me if I not there in her bed when she wakes. I am just looking for encouragement on having hope that she would be able to learn to sleep on her own without traumatizing her. I have a plan to try sitting by her bed and gradually moving out kind of thing. Thanks for any info. :)
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Q
Denver, CO
HI! I was wondering if anyone out there had every heard of the 3 day potty training method? I found a link to it off the Pampers website and have been getting numerous emails about this ebook that you buy and download. Im skeptical about anything that I can't see before I buy, but was wondering if anyone had ever tried it. I want to start seriously working with my 30 month old and would love to do it as quickly and painlessly as possible but not sure if salty foods and sweet drinks are how I want to proceed. Thanks for any help!
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Q
Chicago, IL
My daughter decided to do a Picasso on her sister's Bumbo seat with a black pen and I can't get the marks off. Does anyone have any ideas on how to remove pen marks from rubber? Thanks!
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Q
Minneapolis, MN
I have some clothing and toys etc that I'd like to donate to someone who REALLY had nothing...rather than taking it to the thrift store just so they can make a profit. Does anyone know of a battered women's shelter in St. Paul?
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Q
Phoenix, AZ
does anyone know of a work from home thing that doesnt cost any money to get into???
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Q
Dallas, TX
My sister and I are currently researching what it takes to start a small business. We are interested in talking to anyone who might have experience in starting a small business. I will share more details when we talk to someone. We would just like to get some solid advice and ideas on how to start things. We want to talk to someone who has been successful and is willing to share ideas. Thank you!
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Q
Minneapolis, MN
I'm really interested in getting the radian80. One for it's safety and the other is that I don't want a huge car seat that takes up the whole back seat. I'm just worried if it's going to fit rear facing in a regular sized sedan. If you have any experience with this seat please let me know.
Thanks
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Q
Dallas, TX
I have a 9 month old son and my unemployment just ran out. I'm trying to figure out a way to work from home without doing Mary Kay, or cold calling, etc. I would like to make $300-400/week. I have a degree in Telecommunications and was working on my Master's in Human Resources before we had our son. I love staying home with our baby but would like to help with the finances as my husband already works six days per week. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated! :)
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Q
Chicago, IL
I'm curious if anyone watched the show? Has anyone said no to having there children not be given the MMR shot?
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Q
Chicago, IL
We have been blessed w/such quite tenants below us. They recently moved and a young couple moved in a toddler. We do not mind their ages or the child at all. However they must have "get togethers" every other day that run till sometimes 12:00 a.m. It is driving me crazy. I like my quite time after my kids are put to sleep which is 8:00 p.m. We are a young couple too w/2 small toddlers and a 7 year old. We can make noise, a lot, through out the day but as soon as 8:00 hits, you could drop a pin in our apt. I mentioned this to the landlord once when they first moved in because they were so loud and I don't know what steps to take next. What are the renting laws in IL and when are "quite hours" considered? I don't want to fued w/my neighbors. But they need to be a little more considerate.
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Q
Chicago, IN
Hello,
I would love some advice on my almost-two year old. She is constantly apologizing! If she did something to apologize for, that would be one thing, but she hasn't (that I know of...). She will just randomly come up to my husband, me or her grandma who watches her a few hours a day and say "Sorry Mommy," or whatever. I feel so bad when she does this! What should I say to her? I have been saying "You didn't do anything wrong," but should I say more? I just don't want her to get a complex...
Thanks!!
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Q
Reading, PA
My oldest daughter, kindergarten age, is signed up for a gymnastics class on Fridays from 1-3. My husband doesn't get home that early so I'll need to take the 2 younger kids (2.5 yrs and 9 months) to class as well. The instructors told me it is my choice whether to stay in the observation area for 2 hours or to go back home. I hesitate to leave her there alone because of the possibility of injuries (I had several waivers to sign!). Is it considered appropriate at this age to leave them for a 2 hour class where there is such potential for injury? I'm thinking it's equivalent to soccer practice or midget might football practice, etc. This isn't school where most of her time would be spent behind a desk, it's balance beams, uneven bars, trampolines, etc. However, if I stay, what do I do with the 2 little ones for such a long time?
Thanks,
K.
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Q
Dallas, TX
My home right now is in a state of streessful of changes. The dog has thrown in its two cents in protest of the changes to added to the stress. It has peed all over my bed. Unfortunatly, tossing the mattress is not an option, or it would have already been gone before the dog got to it. There is no money to be had of any sort. How do I get my bed clean and as fast as possible?
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Q
Indianapolis, IN
I am hoping someone might have a option for me to try. My oldest son will be starting Kindergarten this fall. I work full time at my job and also have 3 other children. I am attempting to get my oldest son transfered to the school that is in my babysitters school district. But the principal seems to be giving me the run around and I do not think he is going to grant the transfer. If the transfer does not go through I will be forced to quit my job of nearly 10 years to stay home and make sure he gets to school and home everyday. My children have been with their current child care provider since the birth of my oldest son. I do not want to uproot my children to another sitter to accommodate the school district that we live in. Besides what sitter would take on 4 children at one time ages 5, 3, 1, and 4 months. i am at a loss and afraid that I am going to have to quit the job I love. It is not often you hear someone say the love there job.
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Q
Boca Raton, FL
My son is almost 3 1/2 and does not care about potty training. We had to take him to a gastroentenologist because he was with-holding his BM's and therefor was very constipated. We did an enema and cleaned him out. He says his tummy is all better and I think it is so now I'm trying to get him on the potty. I feel like I've done something wrong. He is supposed to go to my new school with me but can't now because he is not potty trained. I've tried stickers, letting him go in his big boy underwear, even letting him go naked (which he hated!). He cries and constantly tells me no thank you when I ask him to use the potty. I feel like a failure!!!!!! HELP!!!!
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Q
Dallas, TX
Moms, I do not know what to do. I feel very frustrated and need some direction in regards to my "terrible two" 2 yr old. I love my son with all of my heart but I feel like a bad mother. All of this new behavior started when the time changed AND I had surgery on my right foot so it's hard for me to keep up. Yes, things are a little different, but he does have a Daddy here too. He's refusing to nap, and it takes him hours to go to bed at night. He climbs out of his crib not even five minutes after you put him in bed. It's most difficult on me because I'm supposed to be resting my foot. Instead I have to get up and try to put him back in bed. I have put one of those door knob covers on the inside of his room today to get him in his room to nap. Some how he got that off the door and came on out. I also put up the baby gate in front of his door which he can climb over if he wants to, but I've raised it up a bit. What do I do? My son needs his afternoon nap. At school after lunch he goes right to his nap mat and takes a two hour nap - he used to do that at home too. I'm lost and upset at all of it. Please give me some answers. Right now I hear him in his room - it sounds like he's destroying his room.
Update: I got up to check on him because he was quiet and I was really hoping he was in bed asleep. I found him sitting on TOP of his changing table playing with powder and toddler toothpaste, which he had everywhere. Just looking at him he looks so tired. I really do want whats best for him.
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Q
Grand Junction, CO
My son just turned 13 months and still takes a bottle 4 times a day(morning, noon, evening and before bed). During meals and throughout the day he does take a sippy cup with either water or juice. Recently I've had friends tell me I should take the bottle away from them because that is what they did with their children before they were turned 1. I don't put my son to bed with his bottle, but he like to sit and cuddle with his elmo and have a bottle of milk before we get ready for bed. He has been taking a sippy cub since he was about 6 months old, but like the soothing the bottle gives him. Any advice out there on what ages you took your little ones off their bottle would be greatly appreciated.
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Q
Abilene, TX
I cannot remember how high the temp is suppose to be before it is considered time to take them to the ER. Does anyone know?
My son is 4 and he is at 103.6 and only 3 hours into Motrin (I just gave him Tylenol).
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Q
Tampa, FL
This may be long winded, so I apoligize ahead of time. My 16 month old has figured out how to throw what I think are tantrums. Let me give you what happened. First, she was starting to not feel well on Tuesday of last week. Wednesday I kept her and her brother home from daycare. Then, our grandparents came down from up north to visit for a week or two. Wednesday she was fine with them, a little standoffish, but it was her first time seeing them since she was born, so it was exepected. Then Thursday morning, when we came out and she saw them, she threw an all out fit. Screaming no, no, wanting me to pick her up, and wailing non stop until I did. Then she was fine. This went on all day long except for a few play spurts here and there. Went to the doctor, she had strep. Now, ever since then, she throws these fits and wont let anyone touch her except me. Not even daddy, who used to be her favorite. I finally determined, I think, that these are tantrums and i let her "get over them" without picking her up. For the most part, she has warmed up to the grandparents and will even play with them, but the first time she doesn't get her way, there she goes! Is this normal? How in the world do you handle this. My son, who is almost 4, didn't go through this, so this is all new to me and I am going crazy. Any advise or thoughts would help please. It is almost embarassing. I dont want to take her anywhere in fear she will have a meltdown! I wound up taking them back to daycare instead of leaving them home with gramma in fear she would do this all day with them. I had stayed home until today and am back at work now. HELP!
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Q
Sacramento, CA
Every year I get a gift from my daughter to her Daddy for his Birthday. This year I am out of ideas. Something small and inexpensive. Any ideas?
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Q
Houston, TX
My son had baby acne as most infants do, but his case was a little worse than my daughters and it lasted longer it seemed too. Now he has scars from it, quite a few. It is very noticeable, but I don't really care cause he is gorgeous to me. My question is will it fade over time? Has anyone else had their baby's skin scar as a result of this and did you notice fading after time or did it stay the same. As I said I am not worried that much about it and don't really notice it unless someone points it out. Any advice and opinions would be appreciated!
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Q
San Diego, CA
I think my daughter has baby acne, she is 8 months and it came along few months ago, i thought at first it was heat bumps, but its still there. is there anything i can or should put on her to lessen them? Thanks
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Q
Dallas, TX
Hello Mammas! I have an unusual request, but I thought this might be fun, and everyone deserves a good laugh! I love the section in Parents magazine about baby bloopers, it features funny things kids say and do. I cannot get enough of it, so I was hoping you could share your more memorable moments with us.
I will share a few of mine about my oldest daughter...
When she was 3 my husband did alot of work on our house in his spare time, he was always fixing things. One night we were sitting around the table eating dinner and the light bulb blew out. She looks up at the light and says, " Daddy fix it, BANG! BANG! BANG!"
Also, when she was 3 she would sometimes be VERY persistent about things, and sometimes I would tell her no, and spell it out N-O! Well that really backfired on me because, my mother took her out one day and my daughter was really frustrated because she was trying to tell my mom something, and my mother did not understand what she was saying. She looked sternly at my mother and said, " Gram, look at me, look at me, G-P-K-Z-Y." Needless to say, my mother still did not understand what she was saying LOL.
And last but not least... When she was 5, we were returning from a family vacation to Disney World. We drove there and back from Texas. It was pouring down rain, and everyone was tense because you could hardly see anything, and we did not want to pull over in unfamilar territory. My daughter looks up to the heavens and says, " God, could you turn it down a little." That one still gets to me, even today. Whenever things are stressful and crazy with my life I think God could you turn it down a little, you don't have to turn it off, just turn it down.
I hope you enjoyed those little pieces of my life. I cannot wait to hear some of the cute things your kids are saying and doing! Thanks!
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Q
Portland, OR
i know alot of people cringe at the thought of seeing a new born with ear rings, but i just feel it is better to get it done when she is so little that its not a play thing to her. i really want to get my little ones ears pirced before she is three months (doc said it was better earlyer) but im not sure where to go, any suggestions of a nice clean place would be really helpful. I dont want to take her to Clairs and have some high schooler chewing bubble gum sticking a needle tho my infants ears. Im looking for somewhere that has very trained people at doing babies ears. If you have any places in mind or any stories about your own adventures with this topic i would love to get imput. thank you all!
(as for the tatto comment, maybe when she is six **insert rolling eyes here**)
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Q
Seattle, WA
so makenzie (7 1/2 months) has started to pull herself up on things..the legs of the highchair, the bars on her crib, etc.
she can get up to her feet, and then she falls.
when shes not in bed i can keep an eye on her and usually catch her before she falls.
but theres not a whole lot i can do when shes in bed. and she doesnt have a normal crib with crib mattress...its like a compact crib, and the matress is more like a pad..so when she falls im really worried about her hurting herself.
we're in the process of trying to find the money to get her a fullsize crib, but in the meantime does anyone have any ideas about how to soften her fall or something?
EDIT: ive checked craigslist, and theres not really anything in our price range. unless theres free ones i missed. im not sure really where we're gonna get the money for a crib, things are super tight right now. and we just converted alexis' crib to a toddler bed earlier this week
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Q
Atlanta, GA
My 5 month old was doing good about sleeping during the night until 2 weeks ago. He use to get up every three to four hours but the past 2 weeks he has been getting up every hour. At first I thought he was hungry so after about three days I started him on cereal (breast feeding full time otherwise). He went back to the usual schedule over the weekend and then Sunday night he start getting up every hour AGAIN! I work full-time and feel it is important to nurse when I can but every hour is crazy! Is he attention seeking or just really hungry??? I am a new mom so what should I do???
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Q
Chicago, IL
Hi moms, I have quite a few baby items (clothes, blankets, car seats, swings) that I'm no longer using. Everything is in good condition. I would like to donate them to an organization that gives the items to those in need (not sells them, like Goodwill). I'd prefer a non-religious organization, such as a women's shelter or homeless shelter. I live in the North Shore, but would be willing to drop the things off somewhere. Thanks.
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Q
Houston, TX
This may sound like the most ridiculous request but it is on my mind so I thought I would ask. My little man is about to be one and just won't leave his socks on when he goes to bed(or any other time for that matter!) Anyway, I don't give him a blanket or anything and even if I did he would flop out of it in two seconds. So I just think that maybe his toes will get cold during the night. Am I being overly concerned? I mean I am sure some child before mine went to bed barefoot. I personally hate having cold feet when I want to sleep so maybe that is why I don't like the idea of him sleeping without socks. Even when I put him to bed in pjs with feet, he tries to pull them off, so I guess he is ok with it! Anyway if anyone has ever had this issue or has any words of wisdom, I would sure appreciate it. Thanks!
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