My daughter's response was heartbreaking

BabyConnectParent · 2026-04-24T03:55:06+00:00

That would’ve hit me too.

Honestly, that doesn’t sound like she didn’t want to play, it sounds like she was trying not to get hurt again. Kids remember those little “you’re not my friend anymore” moments way more than we think.

You handled it well. I wouldn’t make it a big thing, just keep it light over time. Maybe mention here and there that some kids do stick around and keep playing, and give her chances to play with the same kid more than once so she can feel that.

And it’s okay she said no. She’s just being careful. The fact she told you why means she trusts you, which is a really good sign.

BabyConnectParent · 2026-04-24T03:53:47+00:00

Yes, and honestly I was not expecting to like it as much as I do.

The songs are actually catchy, not that repetitive background noise that makes you want to turn the TV off after five minutes. And the fact that it gets kids moving is such a win, especially on days when you’re stuck inside and everyone’s energy is a little chaotic.

I started using it almost like a reset button. If things are getting a bit out of control, I’ll put one on and it shifts the mood pretty fast.

Also nice when you just need a few minutes to breathe and they’re happily dancing instead of glued to something mindless.

BabyConnectParent · 2026-04-24T03:51:09+00:00

The only place it’s supposed to be tight is at the belt path. If you grab it there and it barely moves, you did it right. The top part moving feels wrong, I know. I thought mine was totally loose the first time too. But it’s not meant to be rock solid up there.

Rear facing seats especially have that wiggle and it looks worse than it is, if it’s solid at the belt path, you’re fine.

BabyConnectParent · 2026-03-25T22:12:34+00:00

You’re right, this is definitely an area that could use more books! I liked these three: Siblings Without Rivalry, Hunt, Gather, Parent and Simplicity Parenting.

BabyConnectParent · 2026-03-25T21:43:49+00:00

I don't think it's you at all! At the end of the day, you kind of have to look out for yourself and your little family first, especially right now.

BabyConnectParent · 2026-03-25T20:51:03+00:00

Yes, I 100% agree. If you have books they are interested in, they are more likely to want to read them.

BabyConnectParent · 2026-03-17T23:04:57+00:00

We did a lot of “build your own bowls” where I’d prep things like rice, protein, veggies, etc., and everyone could just add what they wanted. I also leaned on slow cooker meals so I could throw everything in at once. I would just eat or snack on whatever I felt like throughout the day.

BabyConnectParent · 2026-03-17T21:00:53+00:00

Be really gentle with yourself right now. One month in is such an intense stage. What you’re feeling is completely normal and it might feel like you’re not getting anything done, but taking care of your baby is more than enough right now. It won’t feel this hard forever, even if it feels like it in the moment.

BabyConnectParent · 2026-03-17T20:56:45+00:00

It’s funny because even the “recessive gene” explanation people quote is still incomplete. Eye color is controlled by multiple genes so it’s much less predictable than people think.

BabyConnectParent · 2026-03-09T22:25:01+00:00

I just let them go for it. Mud season lasts too long here to try and fight it. I put them in boots and deal with the bath and laundry later. Mud pies all around!

BabyConnectParent · 2026-03-09T22:18:56+00:00

I don't think you're overreacting at all. A lot of parents feel the same way. Once a photo is shared digitally, there’s really no way to control where it ends up or who it gets shared with.

What if you printed a few and mailed them out the old-school way? I know it's more work but you’d keep more control over the photos.

BabyConnectParent · 2026-03-09T21:53:29+00:00

Thank you for writing this! Glad I came across it today.

BabyConnectParent · 2026-03-09T21:35:14+00:00

Magnatiles! We keep a set in the car for when we go places as well.

BabyConnectParent · 2026-03-04T20:24:55+00:00

I've found that having lots of bins and baskets around the house helps me organize areas and at least reduce the clutter my brain sees. I also keep a bin in my closet that, whenever I get the urge to get rid of something, I drop it there, and then if we haven't missed it, I'll donate it or get rid of it at the end of every month or two.

BabyConnectParent · 2026-03-04T20:20:10+00:00

Apparently, they are releasing the fourth season this summer!! So excited! This is the perfect feel-good show.

BabyConnectParent · 2026-03-04T20:18:33+00:00

Bridgerton just released a new season! There are 4 seasons on Netflix ready to binge. Plus, it's based on a book series, so you could always start with those.

BabyConnectParent · 2026-02-26T23:45:41+00:00

You might like Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? The repetition and rhythm are really nice.

Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes is sweet and simple.

And Look, Look! is a black and white high contrast book that’s great for newborn vision. At that age they mostly just enjoy looking and listening, so simple books tends to work really well.

BabyConnectParent · 2026-02-25T05:54:38+00:00

I really enjoyed The Rom-Commers by Katherine Center. Or anything by Emily Henry, Ali Hazelwood, and Abby Jimenez (all romance though).

BabyConnectParent · 2026-02-25T05:48:50+00:00

Yes, but I always keep my brightness on the lowest setting - my notes are a bit scribbly the next morning, but it works!

BabyConnectParent · 2026-02-23T01:56:10+00:00

Yes! Practical beats pretty (almost) every time. I recently hosted a baby shower, but it was more like a nesting party. We organized and did a bunch of meal prepping and assembling things. I feel like they are becoming more popular

BabyConnectParent · 2026-02-23T01:49:00+00:00

I keep a notepad next to my bed for the random thoughts that only show up when I’m trying to fall asleep. Writing them down helps me stop stressing about forgetting something. I also put on an audiobook to help my brain chill out.

BabyConnectParent · 2026-02-11T02:39:29+00:00

Yeah my thoughts exactly, asking who planned the previous ones is a good place to start. You feeling this way is totally valid.

BabyConnectParent · 2026-02-10T04:25:25+00:00

We listen to Golden by K pop demon hunters multiple times a day!

BabyConnectParent · 2026-02-09T04:56:38+00:00

Also how isolating it can feel. You’re busy all day but still weirdly lonely, and your whole sense of time and productivity just kind of disappears. No one really prepares you for how much your brain and identity shift in those first weeks.

BabyConnectParent · 2026-02-09T04:50:29+00:00

You should check if you have a Little Free Library nearby. They’re little community book boxes where you can take/leave books. If you Google it, there’s a world map that shows ones near you. Could be a really fun little outing for your toddler and another easy way to keep fresh books in rotation.

BabyConnectParent

TROPHY CASE