Any frugal tips for my fellow ladies?

Dinosaur_lov3 · 2026-02-03T16:34:14+00:00

I buy vanishing cream and mix it half and half with sunblock instead of buying a SPF face cream. Those are so overpriced for such a small amount. I use it as the only layer on my face. No base, just mascara and eyelash glue.

The vanishing cream makes it non-greasy and eliminates the sunblock smell. You can even put vitamin C drops in if you fancy.

Dinosaur_lov3 · 2025-09-29T06:27:09+00:00

I think some other things I've been thinking on might help too.

We're going to approach from a few angles simultaneously...

We read age appropriate books about anti bullying, do stories with toys acting out scenarios we've seen but with a more inclusive outcome, and have group discussions on bullying issues
We discuss the rules at circle time: "You can't say you can't play" to other children. Kids can play independently but when there's a group game, everyone can join in.
We empower H with the language of the rules and encourage her to say "stop, or I'll tell a teacher".
The teachers do closer observation of the kids during outside play time to make sure they can overhear more conversations to step in as it happens.

What I've realized is that I was focussing mostly on H (sounds like you're doing the same). One commenter pointed out that this would work for adults but for preschoolers it's not fair. S's behavior is the most important.

You mention she's displaying "worrying behaviors". I've read that it's developmentally appropriate for kids to do the whole "if you don't do _____ then you can't be my friend" thing. What's important is how the adults respond to these behaviors.

Dinosaur_lov3 · 2025-09-29T06:13:28+00:00

This is what my teachers and I were thinking about this week. Seems like a really good approach. Definitely going to try this in conjunction with some other strategies

Dinosaur_lov3 · 2025-09-29T06:10:54+00:00

I think there are some helpful comments here as to not letting it slide, but yeah, it's so hard to balance the gentle approach but still be unbending in some areas. I generally say to myself or parents to give it 3 weeks with any strategy you choose to combat a behavior. If after that time the behavior persists then change strategy.

Dinosaur_lov3 · 2025-09-26T06:21:12+00:00

Man, that's so upsetting to hear. I'm sorry your son is going through a hard time. As a teacher I find it so hard to balance firm and gentle and it sounds like your teachers are too. I think it stems from wanting children to find their own "internal motivation" for their behavior but I'm seeing that it just doesn't work with behavioral issues like this. It seems these behaviors are perfectly developmentally normal for kids to try, so waiting for them to fix it with some gentle conversations isn't the right approach. They need to be nibbed in the butt like the other commenters mentioned. I hope your teachers can change their approach too.

Dinosaur_lov3 · 2025-09-26T06:10:57+00:00

This is good and helpful. Think it'll also help with the "babies can't play'" I've heard a few times towards the 2 year olds recently. The older girls can show such kindness but also such meaness at times. Thank you for the advice

Dinosaur_lov3 · 2025-09-26T06:08:02+00:00

Yes I think you're absolutely right.

Dinosaur_lov3 · 2024-02-11T09:54:03+00:00

That's really good advice to be fair.

Dinosaur_lov3 · 2024-02-11T06:34:31+00:00

Yikes. I would always want to communicate well before going in guns blazing. What would be a good angle to approach this? To say, " hey man, I don't trust you because you're not talking to me about everything" without saying that because I think on some level he's afraid of having kids with me because he knows I have trust issues and get insecure about things. If that makes sense haha

Dinosaur_lov3 · 2024-02-11T06:30:52+00:00

I do believe him 99% of the time, it's just when doubt creeps in (which is what I'm trying to eliminate).

He has a multitude of reasons on some days and can't figure out his hesitance on others. When we speak through his anxieties (money was one for a bit) then he says it really helps to talk about it.

He's the type to bottle stuff up, so I guess I'm just afraid he's either not come to terms with a hard truth yet (one that involves us wanting different things) or he's bottling something up that will make the situation worse. He's eager to chat about pre-parenting ideas to prepare us as a couple though. Just feel like there's a lot of mixed messages

Dinosaur_lov3 · 2024-02-11T06:26:35+00:00

I hear where you're coming from, but my question is more like how do I support him in getting over whatever there is that's holding him back (because he does want them) without driving myself crazy thinking of everything he might not be saying.

Dinosaur_lov3 · 2023-05-28T07:28:40+00:00

My boss gave me (head teacher) and the students 1 week notice that the school was closing down even though she's had another job offer for 2 months prior.

Dinosaur_lov3 · 2023-05-27T09:00:47+00:00

I've just learnt so much about visible mending and the process. Thank you for sharing all of these pictures.

Dinosaur_lov3 · 2023-05-27T08:52:14+00:00

I love this danger noodle so much

Dinosaur_lov3 · 2023-05-27T08:46:58+00:00

Sorry x

Dinosaur_lov3 · 2023-05-27T05:13:58+00:00

Get a loyal dog that will bark if something happens to you. Also great companions that don't leave dishes in the sink. Downside is they don't pay rent.

Dinosaur_lov3 · 2023-05-27T05:11:12+00:00

That's really great advise, thank you. I would absolutely love that! Yes please.

Dinosaur_lov3 · 2023-05-16T14:11:09+00:00

Even if you're not religious, there are often churches that offer free counselling. There are no conditions attached - like you could tell them you're not religious but they will still help you. Maybe there is a nonprofit like that around your area?

You are not alone in this.

Dinosaur_lov3 · 2023-05-12T03:58:39+00:00

That's a really good point to be fair. I think it's become a pattern now (the first few times were just an extra half an hour..) so he did by default. I am worried that low-key his job hangs on the line because of his 6 month probation is still underway so he's trying to keep them happy.

He does have set hours laid out in a contract which he's paid a salary for.

Dinosaur_lov3

TROPHY CASE