Just put them in a bubble.

I’m coming down with whatever plague my kid has, which was inevitable because she coughs and sneezes in my face regularly. The other night, she stuck her thumb in my mouth. The thumb she sucks.

You’re doing great. These tiny humans are very stressful and can be very difficult. It’s hard for everyone when they have limited means of communication. You are human, with human reactions. Be gentle with yourself.

And you probably shouldn’t throw things at them.

For sure. I told her that she didn’t have to, it’s not her job or chore. She’s 4, for context. I just want her to pick up her toys at the end of the day 😭

Mostly though, I want her to know that I appreciate her, and that I notice the little things.

What do you think would have been helpful for you growing up?

I like to tell my husband about various things our daughter does when I know she’s probably listening. “She helped me with dishes, I didn’t even ask. She just came over and said she wanted to help, so when I asked her to dry a pile of bowls, she didn’t even hesitate. She was so careful and gentle and so thorough.”

Heading Home With Your Newborn was probably the only useful one I read.

One interesting thing I noticed was that What to Expect and Mayo Clinic’s Guide and whatever else I read were really verbose whereas whatever book my husband had (targeted towards fathers) were more straightforward and to-the-point.

Goodness that’s awful. How is your sister doing after all this time?

I don’t put batteries in them if I have the choice.

Sounds like she’s getting her sleep needs met… During the day. 😬 It’s a phase but I’m sure feels like eternity. You can caps naps, add white noise, make sure she’s warm enough, erc. Maybe introduce a lovey if you’re comfortable? I’d start with capping naps.

Are there any indoor playgrounds near you?

You’re doing great. They’ll eat when and what they need! Your kiddo is eating better than me. I had two cookies.

How old is this infant and what is this infant being fed?

Plans are a bit subdued due to COVID. One family member is currently in the hospital as a result of some symptoms.

They’re excited. They want stuff wrapped in certain colors so I can’t wait for their disappointment tomorrow lol

Maybe they just need snuggles. 🤷‍♀️

What calms them?

They’re up every 20 minutes? What do they seem to need?

They’ll be ok, I have hope.

Don’t even get me started…

I just don’t want to be the number one reason they’re in therapy as an adult.

My 2 yr old peed on two of her daycare teachers today (so far), so your last line made me laugh out loud.

Ah yes I see that now. Missed it before.

If you’re seeking feedback, that needs to be clear.

I’ll clarify: Are you advertising here with this post?

Are you advertising?

Mine would LOVE to turn into a mermaid!

… My FIL just asked me if this is actually true.

Yes, FIL. I wanted to ask him how much he even helps, because sitting on his phone in my living room watching sports commentary videos every week isn’t contributing positively to my kids’ lives.

Locking this because nothing productive or positive is happening in the comments.

I sure hope.

It probably does help to quantify, though I suspect all the numbers in the world wouldn’t change some minds.

Man, did they really need a study for this?? Seems pretty obvious but I guess not.

Let’s see, what are points of stress? Costs of living, raising children, time…

Yikes, nobody needs that kind of scramble at the last minute.

Done!

Water in her ear.

Ohhh ok. I don’t think the vinegar odor would linger despite not really being able to rinse it out.

A Fels naptha bar may be your friend too.

Nah vinegar is great for removing odors, or even just used as a fabric softener. Does not make clothing smell like vinegar. Obviously you rinse it out.

Worth noting that this did not work when they were infants, especially not for my oldest.

Somehow, simply touching my kids helps calm them down enough to sleep. Now my four year old reaches for my hand at night. Am I trapped for a while? Yes. Do I mind? Not one bit.

Dinner. I don’t even know why.

My 2 year old treats them like stickers but for any pain she has. Or just to stick on her forehead.

You’re doing it. One day at a time.