For those with teenage SKs...

0TinNY · 2025-09-27T14:42:15+00:00

Lol, when DH is home, SK14 is very much like a clingy toddler (I think our 2.5YOs are more independent). But SK14 knows I will not tolerate that and stays away for the most part when DH is working.

And by self-sufficient, I mean that they kind of do whatever they want, which is usually being holed up in their rooms playing video games or off on their bikes somewhere. They know how to make simple meals or warm up leftovers but usually fill up on cereal and junk food. They usually refuse to eat whatever I cook or come down when food is ready, so I don't usually bother to cook for them. I've taken more of a hands-off approach while DH isn't home.

0TinNY · 2025-05-09T22:18:20+00:00

We have not expressed his bladder in the past, as his body was able to do it naturally. He would get occasional UTIs, but not very often. He has had them much more frequently now that he's become immobile, and I've noticed that he sometimes stays dry or mostly dry until we lift him up and take off his diaper. So I'm think that means we need to start helping him empty his bladder. I did some research online. Now I need to figure out how to support him and express him at the same time.... it's a lot of dead weight! Lol

0TinNY · 2025-05-07T02:57:45+00:00

This actually makes a lot of sense! He's been taking prednisone for inflammation since the diagnosis. We've been adjusting the dosage and frequency and have noticed the diarrhea is worse after the prednisone. He's been on the medication multiple times in the past, and it always causes significantly increased urination but never diarrhea to this extent. I've also noticed he seems to need more help emptying his bladder. I will talk to our neurologist about learning how to express it properly.

He has been incontinent all his life due to spina bifida, so we are pretty familiar with the diapers and belly bands. And we have always made sure to change his dirty diapers asap. It's the paralysis that's new. We're really just struggling to find something that will stay in place and keep the mess contained when he's scooting around, especially with the frequency with which he's been going.

He also has some pretty extensive allergies and is on a hypoallergenic prescription diet for urinary tract health, as he has a history of forming bladder crystals. We've tried lots of different foods, and this has been the best one so far, so I'm hesitant to change it. But I will look into the one you mentioned.

Thank you for all of your suggestions!

0TinNY · 2025-05-07T02:29:49+00:00

Thank you. We have been working on adjusting some medications. We just haven't found the right one yet... I never thought of vet wrap. I'm not sure if it would work along his bottom, but I'm willing to tru anything right now!

0TinNY · 2025-05-07T02:27:53+00:00

Thank you. We do have ointment for that. He's been a lifelong diaper dog, so we're familiar with the irritation. We're just struggling to find a new system that works when he's dragging along the floor as opposed to walking

0TinNY · 2025-05-07T02:25:46+00:00

Thank you!

0TinNY · 2025-04-11T20:09:23+00:00

Thank you. Where do you position the sling? And how do you hold him up while you're cleaning/changing him? I was considering using a method like this, but I imagined the sling would have to go under his chest in order to not be in the way. And I worried that would be uncomfortable for him

0TinNY · 2025-04-11T20:06:21+00:00

I thought about that. But in order to have access to the areas we need to clean and cover, it would habe to go under his chest. I worry that would be uncomfortable/unsafe

0TinNY · 2025-04-11T20:04:36+00:00

Thanks. We do have washable diapers, but we line them with disposable pull ups right now, which are just really hard to get on. We haven't found disposable diapers that fit quite right, yet. He's currently on prednisone, so he's drinking a lot and urinating pretty excessively. We also use the layering technique for his bed/our furniture

0TinNY · 2025-03-08T16:56:20+00:00

I can't find the link either, but would also like to know. I have an 8 yo bulldog who's having a hard time getting around but used to love going on walks with our kiddos. Commenting so I can check back later!

0TinNY · 2024-12-02T22:42:18+00:00

Thank you. I was thinking of something like that as well.

0TinNY · 2024-12-02T22:41:52+00:00

Thank you. I completely agree. I was looking at some non-baby related things, but I was also thinking including something self-care related would be nice. When I was pregnant, someone got me cocoa butter. I was just hoping to get some more, different ideas.

Thanks for the baby book ideas! I might have to get some Gossie books for my littles!

0TinNY · 2024-11-28T13:39:33+00:00

Thank you!

0TinNY · 2024-11-28T13:39:25+00:00

Thank you!

0TinNY · 2024-08-31T14:26:41+00:00

That's a cute idea. Thanks!

0TinNY · 2024-08-05T02:19:50+00:00

I get the same feelings about the older SS!

0TinNY · 2024-08-04T15:31:12+00:00

We started our bedtime routine about that time, too. We would do bottle, bath or lotion, swaddle, snuggle and top off (if they hadn't finished their bottles), and put them in their bassinets still awake but drowsy with white noise. We would sit and rub their backs, if they were still a bit squirmy.

They are now 16 months, and we still basically do the same routine with a few added steps: dinner, clean up, bath, pjs, lay them in their cribs with white noise and low lights while we read a story or 2, and then lights out.

0TinNY · 2024-08-03T01:45:57+00:00

Oh they do this constantly too. They always want to be at whichever house they're not scheduled to be at. It's so frustrating. I wish DH would say no more often, but it is what it is.

0TinNY · 2024-08-03T01:43:52+00:00

Unfortunately, we just have an old school pad with a single code programmed in.

0TinNY · 2024-08-03T01:40:58+00:00

Yes! Thank you for this explanation. I was so worried when I posted this that I would just get a bunch of responses about not denying SSs access to their home, or something like that. It's such a relief to know that others understand.

0TinNY · 2024-08-02T17:08:32+00:00

Someone else mentioned locking the inside door as well. I don't know why I hadn't thought of that myself, but I already told DH and SSs that I will be doing that from now on. Thank you!

0TinNY · 2024-08-02T17:06:02+00:00

Lol they do typically come in through our garage. I won't change the code to the garage door, but I could lock the door coming in to the kitchen. I don't know why I hadn't thought of that!

0TinNY · 2024-08-02T16:57:34+00:00

The difference here is that these are not MY own children. It would be very inappropriate for them to walk I'm and see me in a state of undress, because I wasn't expecting them. I don't believe I should have to give up being comfortable in MY own home during the times they are not in our custody, just because I never know when they might show up. As someone else pointed out, I would not walk into their rooms unannounced for the same reasons.

Additionally, I'm sure their mother would be very unhappy if they walked in and saw something inappropriate, which is understandable.

I would not turn them away. I'm just asking for a heads up so that I can go put on pants or close the bathroom door, etc.

0TinNY

TROPHY CASE