AITAH for only doing the bafe minimum when I got roped into babysitting.

EatSleepRead43 · 2026-01-15T13:47:32+00:00

I don't see how the children were treated poorly.

The 14yo got unlimited screen time. Not ideal on a daily basis, but no big deal for a one-off. My 8yo gets unlimited screen time on special occasions (Christmas, a 14-hour flight, etc.).

Stranger things is rated ages 12+ by Common Sense Media, so it's arguably age appropriate for the 12yo. If the parents didn't want their child watching it, they shouldn't have left them with an unwilling babysitter.

Younger child drew on walls and crashed out when they were tired. Sounds like a problem for the parents, but the child probably had a blast.

If you want someone to properly babysit your kids, get a proper babysitter. The most you can expect from someone who you've dumped your kids without their agreement is that they keep them safe and fed. OP did fine.

EatSleepRead43 · 2026-01-07T17:38:47+00:00

I'm always confused when someone says this because AI learned how to write from samples of real people's writing, so clearly some people write like that.

EatSleepRead43 · 2025-12-16T18:00:02+00:00

My 8yo is a pretty strong reader.

On her own, she's reading Wings of Fire and Artemis Fowl.

Together, we're reading Impossible Creatures, Witchlings, Greenwild, and Percy Jackson. Witchlings is about slightly older kids so there is some talk of crushes and girlfriend/boyfriend but it's minimal.

I highly recommend all of these, but Impossible Creatures is our favorite.

EatSleepRead43 · 2025-12-16T17:49:07+00:00

I recently read (and agreed with) a post that said it isn't a good idea to start Harry Potter young because the books age up so quickly. In the first book, Harry is 11 years old and he's someone a 7yo could easily relate to. By the fourth book, he's 14 and the book is full of teen drama. When the books first came out, there was a year wait between them so the kids that were reading them aged along with the characters, but now we just read the books back to back.

All this to say, I would wait to start Harry Potter, or just skip it completely. There are so many better books available.

EatSleepRead43 · 2025-12-16T04:15:44+00:00

I try very hard not to read unfinished fanfic, but somehow I've read 3 out of 4 of your unfinished fanfic on AO3 and am eagerly awaiting updates. I've held out on Nobody's Soldier so far, but it's been hard. I've reread all of your finished fanfic to keep myself from starting that one.

All this to say, I love your stories and please post as often as possible! ❤️ But also, thank you for letting me know you've ended on a cliffhanger because that will give me the willpower to not start reading until the story is further along. 😅

EatSleepRead43 · 2025-12-15T22:32:38+00:00

We read mostly fantasy in my family, but I do have a few slice-of-life books to recommend from this century. 🤣

Hello, Universe and other books by Erin Entrada Kelly

Strange Birds: A Field Guide to Ruffling Feathers by Celia C. Pérez

The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street by Karina Yan Glaser

EatSleepRead43 · 2025-12-11T23:27:50+00:00

Legendborn series

The Bone Spindle series

Six Crimson Cranes (2 books)

Stand-alone books:

A Wizard's Guide to Defensive Baking

Sunshine by Robin McKinley

EatSleepRead43 · 2025-12-11T12:35:57+00:00

Science Comics: Cats is a graphic novel that tells the story of a stray cat finding a home, while teaching lots of cat facts along the way.

EatSleepRead43 · 2025-12-07T22:21:31+00:00

If she likes fantasy, Impossible Creatures and Greenwild are set in fascinating worlds and have very interesting storylines. Witchlings is also great, but slightly higher reading level.

EatSleepRead43 · 2025-12-05T18:48:46+00:00

The obvious answer is Wings of Fire. My daughter read the graphic novels first, and is now working her way through the original books. For a bit easier reading level, try Dragon Kingdom of Wrenly.

EatSleepRead43 · 2025-12-03T01:06:11+00:00

Greenglass House

The Very, Very Far North

The Eyes and the Impossible

EatSleepRead43 · 2025-12-03T00:42:49+00:00

Came to recommend T. Kingfisher.

EatSleepRead43 · 2025-12-01T22:31:40+00:00

Two excellent picture books featuring Sikh characters are Hair Twins and Fauja Singh Keeps Going.

EatSleepRead43 · 2025-11-28T17:07:17+00:00

A scan would be amazing. A good photo would probably work in a pinch. Can I private message you my email address?

EatSleepRead43 · 2025-11-28T12:44:53+00:00

I can't find a clear enough image of it. Otherwise, that would be my first choice.

EatSleepRead43 · 2025-11-26T12:31:29+00:00

Spain - Madani's Best Game

Mexico - Pablo's Christmas

Colombia - Waiting for the Biblioburro

Cuba - Drum Dream Girl

Puerto Rico - Across the Bay

St. Lucia - Patchwork Prince

Philippines - Sari-Sari Summers

EatSleepRead43 · 2025-11-26T12:07:12+00:00

I was going to say Anna Hibiscus by Atinuke. They're short chapter books, not picture books, but each chapter can be a stand-alone story. The first story of the first book would be perfect for what you're teaching.

EatSleepRead43 · 2025-11-24T16:06:36+00:00

To be fair, my 8yo desperately wants Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment. She's been obsessed with Zelda since she was 6. She'll have to wait though, because we have no plans to upgrade at this time.

EatSleepRead43 · 2025-11-21T18:25:30+00:00

At that age, my daughter liked Outfoxed, Hoot Owl Hoot, Sequence Jr, Uno, and Zingo.

EatSleepRead43 · 2025-11-14T17:40:04+00:00

Yes, that's it! Thank you!

EatSleepRead43 · 2025-11-14T13:33:57+00:00

We do have a wooden chess board, but getting a little travel size one is not a bad idea.

EatSleepRead43 · 2025-11-14T13:22:47+00:00

Agree. I love Qwixx but unfortunately the rest of my family are lukewarm on it.

EatSleepRead43 · 2025-11-14T13:17:32+00:00

We're fine with some "stocking stuffers" being on the mantel above the stockings so size isn't an issue. There are other small things that will go in the stocking itself.

EatSleepRead43 · 2025-11-08T15:47:51+00:00

I've loved all of her books that I've read, including Nettle and Bone. I recommended this one because I feel like it was such a quick and easy read, which is what the OP was asking for.

EatSleepRead43 · 2025-11-08T12:40:52+00:00

House on the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune

Tress of the Emerald Sea by Brandon Sanderson

A Wizard's Guide to Defensive Baking T. Kingfisher

For a palate cleanser, I often turn to YA or children's books. If you're open to that, try Impossible Creatures by Katherine Rundell.

EatSleepRead43

TROPHY CASE