@ Randoms - April

[loira]

rupertpenny, my DD still hates public washrooms and she's 6. She also won't use the bathroom at school - she just holds it all day I guess? I don't know what the school issue is, since she's told me the toilets have quiet flushes, but with other public washrooms it's definitely a noise sensitivity - she was terrified of automatic flushes and hand dryers. We had to buy her noise cancelling headphones just so she'd go in with us. She's gotten a lot better about it, but it made potty training really difficult. We had a system where she could wear "travel pull-ups" even 6 months after she was fully potty trained at home. We also had a travel potty but it was pretty small and I imagine she would have outgrown it by 4.

[wawa]

Sizzli caught a stomach bug, hit Wednesday night. Thought we were in the clear last night and then it got shorti. And now I'm sitting here convincing myself my stomach is not upset.

Uuuuyggffffhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh




Eta- I was not convinced. *Sigh*

[karinothing]

If my children could stop throwing up on airplanes that be great

[mbcdefg]

DD (almost 5) has developed such an attitude lately. Usually after a day of doing fun, nice things for her. I don’t really even look forward to weekends anymore because it’s just become a challenge to figure out to keep her entertained, get energy out, fed/rested on time, and staying patient when she screams at me or blows raspberries when I ask her to do something such as NOT rubbing her hands all over her dirty sneakers and then shoving her fingers in her mouth.

I grew up with parents who’d shove me into a wall and scream in my face if they even imagined that I’d arched my eyebrow at them in the wrong way, so I’m really having a hard time dealing with this. I’m trying very hard to train myself out of the longtime mindset that a kid needs to be 100% obedient at all times. Ugh.

[secretagent]

My kids are sad we aren’t seeing any kids for the spring holidays. My family is really small and my ILs live across the country. This really bummed me out this morning.

Related I need to figure out how to make local friends. We moved here a decade ago and made some casual friends pre Covid but for various reasons we’ve lost touch. I have a lot of social anxiety but also feel lonely lately and need to figure out how to invite people to my backyard or something. We moved in late 2020 and largely for Covid reasons didn’t really meet any neighbors.

[StrawberryBlondie]

Apr 16, 2022 15:37:14 GMT -5 mbcdefg said:

DD (almost 5) has developed such an attitude lately. Usually after a day of doing fun, nice things for her. I don’t really even look forward to weekends anymore because it’s just become a challenge to figure out to keep her entertained, get energy out, fed/rested on time, and staying patient when she screams at me or blows raspberries when I ask her to do something such as NOT rubbing her hands all over her dirty sneakers and then shoving her fingers in her mouth.

I grew up with parents who’d shove me into a wall and scream in my face if they even imagined that I’d arched my eyebrow at them in the wrong way, so I’m really having a hard time dealing with this. I’m trying very hard to train myself out of the longtime mindset that a kid needs to be 100% obedient at all times. Ugh.

Sounds about the right age for that. DD had a period where she was just unbearable after we did fun things.

IDK if this actually helped or if this was the "right" thing to do but more than once we threatened to never do X fun thing again if she continued to behave that way.

[mbcdefg]

Apr 17, 2022 19:19:29 GMT -5 StrawberryBlondie said:

Apr 16, 2022 15:37:14 GMT -5 mbcdefg said:

DD (almost 5) has developed such an attitude lately. Usually after a day of doing fun, nice things for her. I don’t really even look forward to weekends anymore because it’s just become a challenge to figure out to keep her entertained, get energy out, fed/rested on time, and staying patient when she screams at me or blows raspberries when I ask her to do something such as NOT rubbing her hands all over her dirty sneakers and then shoving her fingers in her mouth.

I grew up with parents who’d shove me into a wall and scream in my face if they even imagined that I’d arched my eyebrow at them in the wrong way, so I’m really having a hard time dealing with this. I’m trying very hard to train myself out of the longtime mindset that a kid needs to be 100% obedient at all times. Ugh.

Sounds about the right age for that. DD had a period where she was just unbearable after we did fun things.

IDK if this actually helped or if this was the "right" thing to do but more than once we threatened to never do X fun thing again if she continued to behave that way.

I think DD took a bit longer to get to the “threenager” phase and that’s what we’re dealing with now. I absolutely understand that this is a challenging age, and that holidays are extra tough because of so much stimulation plus a change in routine, but it sucks when holidays turn into a hassle. A lot of holidays and weekends just leave me wishing I can get back to work on Monday, ICK.

I was all set for an awful day because she opened her Easter basket from us this morning - along with baskets sent by a relative and one from a neighbor - and almost immediately started whining and complaining. We had an hour’s drive to a family member’s house and luckily she fell asleep on the way for a decent nap, and spent the day happily playing with her cousin of the same age. Came home, did our usual bedtime routine and she fell asleep right away.

[eponinepontmercy]

DD came down with a cold on Saturday afternoon, and went through 3 boxes of tissues by Sunday night. We weren't even home for most of Sunday. I don't know how to explain to her that she doesn't need to blow her nose this much.

She's home for spring break this week. Having the tv on all day may kill me.

[thedutchgirl]

Apr 13, 2022 12:26:53 GMT -5 StrawberryBlondie said:

I just learned that a woman I graduated high school with has 3 grandchildren.

We're 41 years old.

This has made me examine that this is technically grandma-eligible age with no teen pregnancy situations involved and I'm not dealing with that information well.

I'm 44 and pregnant with my first, and I don't know why it never occurred to me till this moment that he could be my grandchild if I'd started earlier. I am NOT looking forward to someone mistaking me for his grandma in a few years.

Thank goodness I can get Botox again when this pregnancy is over!

[pixy0stix]

I'm glad we never have to do the tonsil/adnoids out again. That was rough.

[eponinepontmercy]

DD got a full face of makeup and her hair done for my sister's wedding on Friday, and I think it might have been the best day of her life. While we were taking pictures before the ceremony, she looked miserable because her feet were killing her from her heels. My sister asked what was wrong and then told her to just go change into her converse. She wasn't the only bridesmaid to switch to reception shoes before the ceremony.

She had so much fun, and I loved watching her dance and play with my cousins' kids. She was so social and happy and smart and funny. I was so proud of her.

[wawa]

Apr 25, 2022 10:15:35 GMT -5 eponinepontmercy said:

DD got a full face of makeup and her hair done for my sister's wedding on Friday, and I think it might have been the best day of her life. While we were taking pictures before the ceremony, she looked miserable because her feet were killing her from her heels. My sister asked what was wrong and then told her to just go change into her converse. She wasn't the only bridesmaid to switch to reception shoes before the ceremony.

She had so much fun, and I loved watching her dance and play with my cousins' kids. She was so social and happy and smart and funny. I was so proud of her.

she looked SO GROWN UP in the pictures.  You also looked fantastic by the way.  Looked like a fun wedding. 

[Velar Fricative]

Yes, your family looked amazing eponinepontmercy!!

[eponinepontmercy]

Velar Fricative, wawa, we clean up really well.

[wawa]

Parenting etiquette question for people bad at social skills (me, I am people) - A kid in Shorti's class lives on our dead end street (it's a lollipop, we're on the stick, she's at the top of the circle - if there wasn't a hill in the way I'd be able to see their house from the end of my driveway). We've probably met her parents once or twice over the 10+ years we live here at the bbq a neighbor used to host, but beyond a wave as we walk by, don't know them.

The kids decided at school they needed to play together, and asked me to arrange a playdate. That being a whole chore I decided to kick it old school and just sent my kids down there to see if they were around when we had a really nice day earlier this year. Classmate and her siblings were home, came out to play, the kids played outside in their yard for HOUUUUURRRSSSS. They did it again yesterday, but this time my kids came back after half an hour or so to get snacks and water bottles and brought classmate with them. She hung out in the driveway chatting with me (I was outside doing yardwork) while mine ran in to get stuff and said that her mom has said that she wants to get to know me. To which I said, "hey me too!"

So...umm...am I supposed to walk down there with my kids next time and actually meet this woman? I am, right? Is it weird that I haven't already? (they've just been playing outside, I told my kids I wasn't comfortable with them being inside since I didn't know them) Also I'm having some minor paranoia that my kids don't know when to take a hint on when to leave, so I kinda want to feel that out and make sure she's ok with them being down there. Their yard is more fun than ours - their part of the street has less traffic and their driveway is bigger and i think they have a playset out back. Lots of scooter riding and chalk coloring has been happening.

[Velar Fricative]

Apr 25, 2022 12:29:21 GMT -5 wawa said:

Parenting etiquette question for people bad at social skills (me, I am people) - A kid in Shorti's class lives on our dead end street (it's a lollipop, we're on the stick, she's at the top of the circle - if there wasn't a hill in the way I'd be able to see their house from the end of my driveway). We've probably met her parents once or twice over the 10+ years we live here at the bbq a neighbor used to host, but beyond a wave as we walk by, don't know them.

The kids decided at school they needed to play together, and asked me to arrange a playdate. That being a whole chore I decided to kick it old school and just sent my kids down there to see if they were around when we had a really nice day earlier this year. Classmate and her siblings were home, came out to play, the kids played outside in their yard for HOUUUUURRRSSSS. They did it again yesterday, but this time my kids came back after half an hour or so to get snacks and water bottles and brought classmate with them. She hung out in the driveway chatting with me (I was outside doing yardwork) while mine ran in to get stuff and said that her mom has said that she wants to get to know me. To which I said, "hey me too!"

So...umm...am I supposed to walk down there with my kids next time and actually meet this woman? I am, right? Is it weird that I haven't already? (they've just been playing outside, I told my kids I wasn't comfortable with them being inside since I didn't know them) Also I'm having some minor paranoia that my kids don't know when to take a hint on when to leave, so I kinda want to feel that out and make sure she's ok with them being down there. Their yard is more fun than ours - their part of the street has less traffic and their driveway is bigger and i think they have a playset out back. Lots of scooter riding and chalk coloring has been happening.

It's not weird that you haven't done this already, but yeah, I'd just go over when the kids are playing and introduce yourself and ask if everything is okay re: them being there. 

[Velar Fricative]

DD1 is playing competitive hockey this spring. The league is a mess. Up until recently, they weren't scheduling games until just days before and I can't deal with that. But DD1 seems to enjoy it, although I feel like she just thinks we want her to play no matter what (we keep telling her to make sure she knows she can quit anytime after a season is done). We'll just ride the wave but I'm worried about how sustainable this will be given that we'll want DD2 to do activities she wants to do too and we both have full-time jobs. Not to mention, not seeing family and friends as much sucks after we couldn't see them for so long due to covid.

Also, she's a goalie. So.much.pressure.

[eponinepontmercy]

Velar Fricative, my brother was a hockey goalie all through high school (and soccer and roller hockey before that). It was always so stressful to watch.


If you lived closer to him, I'd set you up with some coaching.

[osulori]

Apr 25, 2022 14:02:44 GMT -5 Velar Fricative said:

DD1 is playing competitive hockey this spring. The league is a mess. Up until recently, they weren't scheduling games until just days before and I can't deal with that. But DD1 seems to enjoy it, although I feel like she just thinks we want her to play no matter what (we keep telling her to make sure she knows she can quit anytime after a season is done). We'll just ride the wave but I'm worried about how sustainable this will be given that we'll want DD2 to do activities she wants to do too and we both have full-time jobs. Not to mention, not seeing family and friends as much sucks after we couldn't see them for so long due to covid.

Also, she's a goalie. So.much.pressure.

Oh man, the pressure.  AJ started playing goalie more during indoor soccer this winter and thank goodness he can handle the pressure because I can't. So much stress.  Now that we're back to outdoor he'll play it if they need someone but there's a couple kids that are really good at it and like it a lot so he's happy to be third or fourth in line (plus he likes forward and midfield better). We're with you on the multiple kids and activities and FT work issue-thankfully Z is too young now but she won't be forever and yikes. I have a feeling we'll be relying on teammates' parents' for rides some of the time (for AJ at least).

[Velar Fricative]

Apr 26, 2022 9:23:38 GMT -5 eponinepontmercy said:

Velar Fricative , my brother was a hockey goalie all through high school (and soccer and roller hockey before that). It was always so stressful to watch.


If you lived closer to him, I'd set you up with some coaching.

LOL, thanks! BIL plays hockey recreationally and is a goalie too, so it helps to have someone in the family with experience. She literally just raised her hand when the coach begged for a goalie about a year ago and that was it. I think basically she got tired of skating and likes to chill in the net when the play is in the other zone lmao.

[eponinepontmercy]

Apr 26, 2022 9:50:36 GMT -5 Velar Fricative said:

Apr 26, 2022 9:23:38 GMT -5 eponinepontmercy said:

Velar Fricative , my brother was a hockey goalie all through high school (and soccer and roller hockey before that). It was always so stressful to watch.


If you lived closer to him, I'd set you up with some coaching.

LOL, thanks! BIL plays hockey recreationally and is a goalie too, so it helps to have someone in the family with experience. She literally just raised her hand when the coach begged for a goalie about a year ago and that was it. I think basically she got tired of skating and likes to chill in the net when the play is in the other zone lmao.

I'm pretty sure he started playing goalie in soccer so he didn't have to run as much and he ended up really good at it.

[Velar Fricative]

Apr 26, 2022 9:40:48 GMT -5 osulori said:

Apr 25, 2022 14:02:44 GMT -5 Velar Fricative said:

DD1 is playing competitive hockey this spring. The league is a mess. Up until recently, they weren't scheduling games until just days before and I can't deal with that. But DD1 seems to enjoy it, although I feel like she just thinks we want her to play no matter what (we keep telling her to make sure she knows she can quit anytime after a season is done). We'll just ride the wave but I'm worried about how sustainable this will be given that we'll want DD2 to do activities she wants to do too and we both have full-time jobs. Not to mention, not seeing family and friends as much sucks after we couldn't see them for so long due to covid.

Also, she's a goalie. So.much.pressure.

Oh man, the pressure.  AJ started playing goalie more during indoor soccer this winter and thank goodness he can handle the pressure because I can't. So much stress.  Now that we're back to outdoor he'll play it if they need someone but there's a couple kids that are really good at it and like it a lot so he's happy to be third or fourth in line (plus he likes forward and midfield better). We're with you on the multiple kids and activities and FT work issue-thankfully Z is too young now but she won't be forever and yikes. I have a feeling we'll be relying on teammates' parents' for rides some of the time (for AJ at least).

Yeah the rides seem to be key; DH has given rides to other kids already and I'm sure our time will come when it's needed for DD1. 

She gave up a couple of bad goals the other day and I always just worry her teammates will get mad at her. So far, that hasn't been the case but man, it's hard to watch.

[pixy0stix]

Is giving a gift card for a local plant nursery to teachers for teacher appreciation day one of those gifts that people won't use? I did Target gift cards for xmas.

They have a whole themed week with gardening as one of the themes. Even if they don't garden, the nursery has other trinkety stuff, or a houseplant.

[secretagent]

Apr 25, 2022 12:29:21 GMT -5 wawa said:

Parenting etiquette question for people bad at social skills (me, I am people) - A kid in Shorti's class lives on our dead end street (it's a lollipop, we're on the stick, she's at the top of the circle - if there wasn't a hill in the way I'd be able to see their house from the end of my driveway). We've probably met her parents once or twice over the 10+ years we live here at the bbq a neighbor used to host, but beyond a wave as we walk by, don't know them.

The kids decided at school they needed to play together, and asked me to arrange a playdate. That being a whole chore I decided to kick it old school and just sent my kids down there to see if they were around when we had a really nice day earlier this year. Classmate and her siblings were home, came out to play, the kids played outside in their yard for HOUUUUURRRSSSS. They did it again yesterday, but this time my kids came back after half an hour or so to get snacks and water bottles and brought classmate with them. She hung out in the driveway chatting with me (I was outside doing yardwork) while mine ran in to get stuff and said that her mom has said that she wants to get to know me. To which I said, "hey me too!"

So...umm...am I supposed to walk down there with my kids next time and actually meet this woman? I am, right? Is it weird that I haven't already? (they've just been playing outside, I told my kids I wasn't comfortable with them being inside since I didn't know them) Also I'm having some minor paranoia that my kids don't know when to take a hint on when to leave, so I kinda want to feel that out and make sure she's ok with them being down there. Their yard is more fun than ours - their part of the street has less traffic and their driveway is bigger and i think they have a playset out back. Lots of scooter riding and chalk coloring has been happening.

100% do it. I am super awkward and have no idea how to meet neighborhood parents and this sounds like the solution to my social problems, lol. I'm excited for you!!

[Dznyprnces]

Apr 26, 2022 10:27:50 GMT -5 pixy0stix said:

Is giving a gift card for a local plant nursery to teachers for teacher appreciation day one of those gifts that people won't use? I did Target gift cards for xmas.

They have a whole themed week with gardening as one of the themes. Even if they don't garden, the nursery has other trinkety stuff, or a houseplant.

Possibly. I personally would not use it (I’m a teacher). I kill all plants, even ones that are supposed to be hard to kill. My team gave me a Lilly when my dad died last month and I’m trying desperately not to kill it (and failing).

[StrawberryBlondie]

Apr 26, 2022 10:27:50 GMT -5 pixy0stix said:

Is giving a gift card for a local plant nursery to teachers for teacher appreciation day one of those gifts that people won't use? I did Target gift cards for xmas.

They have a whole themed week with gardening as one of the themes. Even if they don't garden, the nursery has other trinkety stuff, or a houseplant.

I usually did a gift certificate to a liquor store so I'm probably not a good judge of what's appropriate in these situations. 😉

[pixy0stix]

Apr 27, 2022 0:18:45 GMT -5 Dznyprnces said:

Apr 26, 2022 10:27:50 GMT -5 pixy0stix said:

Is giving a gift card for a local plant nursery to teachers for teacher appreciation day one of those gifts that people won't use? I did Target gift cards for xmas.

They have a whole themed week with gardening as one of the themes. Even if they don't garden, the nursery has other trinkety stuff, or a houseplant.

Possibly. I personally would not use it (I’m a teacher). I kill all plants, even ones that are supposed to be hard to kill. My team gave me a Lilly when my dad died last month and I’m trying desperately not to kill it (and failing).

Yeah, I worried about that, too. Target it is!

[jamaicam]

My 8 year old is the smallest kid on the pitch yet frequently ends up in goal at his soccer matches. He has no fear and will throw himself after everything so that helps. He is often the goalie as when their coaches asks he volunteers as 'Mum, if we have a bad goalie, we will lose. So I better do it.'

Clearly, he has a high opinion of his talents!

[TR]

Apr 27, 2022 13:15:56 GMT -5 jamaicam said:

My 8 year old is the smallest kid on the pitch yet frequently ends up in goal at his soccer matches. He has no fear and will throw himself after everything so that helps. He is often the goalie as when their coaches asks he volunteers as 'Mum, if we have a bad goalie, we will lose. So I better do it.'

Clearly, he has a high opinion of his talents!

LOL so humble. I love it, though. You gotta be confident to be a goalie!