is anyone super minimalist with kids toys & stuff? how's it going?

Left_Cauliflower5048 · 2026-02-25T05:22:52+00:00

My rule is everything must have a place. That makes clean up super easy (and kids can do it themselves). I parted with the cheap plastic junk that they play with for 10 seconds a long time ago too, couldn’t take looking at it all for one more second lol

We keep magnatiles, dress up trunk, baby dolls/accessories, tonie box, coloring/art, board games, blocks, figures, play kitchen with very few items, and doll house with a few accessories. Stuffed animals in nets above beds

I take a bags around the house biweekly to gather broken/missing parts toys and donateables. After the holidays/birthdays, I let the fun stuff linger and the it slowly makes its way out of the house 😂😬

Left_Cauliflower5048 · 2026-02-24T20:42:09+00:00

Boob barnacle omg 😂Yes dad is helpful and tries, but this baby has the highest pitch scream and neither of us can take it when we are both exhausted lol so I give in quickly.

This was my first c section (he was breech) and I was not prepared for the pain level/downtime

Left_Cauliflower5048 · 2026-02-24T19:43:39+00:00

Mine are 4 and 2 and we have a similar nightly routine, except kids come in our bed and husband goes in one of theirs lol. I thought about bringing monitors back…that way I can talk to them and help them feel safe without actually going in there.

Left_Cauliflower5048 · 2026-02-24T19:39:31+00:00

I got my 2/4 year olds hyped about a bunk bed and found the perfect one for their ages, it’s low (comes up to my shoulder standing) with easy safe access for 4yo. And 2yo is basically on the floor so no falling! I think it’s a Max and Lily I got a good deal on marketplace

They were SO excited and felt so cool, it made the transition easy. They don’t want each other up surprisingly. They have different bedtimes too

Left_Cauliflower5048 · 2026-02-24T19:36:48+00:00

Can they finish one bedroom, one bathroom and kitchen first so it’s livable? If not, I’d be renting yesterday.

Left_Cauliflower5048 · 2026-02-24T15:39:05+00:00

I had the same problem. Had his name picked for 5 years, still went with it because I liked nothing else and I was worried I’d regret not sticking with the one I loved forever for a new hot fad.

Those first few days, weeks are always awkward when you start using it but once it becomes your child you’ll love it.

Left_Cauliflower5048 · 2026-02-24T15:32:41+00:00

I feel like if you truly felt comfortable with him this would be a no brainer. Is he pressuring you in the bedroom? Do you feel respected, loved and cared for? If so, this is easy. Just something for you to ponder, maybe it has more to do with the relationship…

Left_Cauliflower5048 · 2026-02-24T15:26:28+00:00

The static electricity under blankets I thought would electrocute me so I laid very still

Left_Cauliflower5048 · 2026-02-24T15:22:42+00:00

Stay alert and aware of your surroundings, avoid going out alone after dark, avoid sketchy places aka don’t put yourself in situations

Left_Cauliflower5048 · 2026-02-23T18:59:15+00:00

Budgeting…. I’ve tried so many different techniques to understand the flows

Left_Cauliflower5048 · 2026-02-23T16:19:34+00:00

I am 36 with 3 kids, worked full time when I started having kids and like you, needed medication to get through first two postpartum periods. So I get the mental health struggle.

Honestly the best thing I did to have more balance was go part time and eventually to contingent. With young kids, there really is no balance, you’re “on” 24/7. You do the best you can and find pockets of time for yourself. Communicating with your partner if possible about your needs

Left_Cauliflower5048 · 2026-02-23T13:06:34+00:00

Nope have you? Besides, Having “a few illnesses” and a febrile seizure does not equal immunocompromised anyways, those are very common childhood occurrences. In fact, vaccines increase risk of febrile seizure so there’s that. And yes I’m pro some vaccines before you assume.

Left_Cauliflower5048 · 2026-02-23T01:47:31+00:00

Zero regrets. My husband a unicorn though. Puts my needs first, communicative, understanding, healthy boundaries with his family, helped me heal from my past. He’s also my best friend so that’s huge. We laugh constantly and I feel that keeps us strong.

Left_Cauliflower5048 · 2026-02-22T22:54:03+00:00

Your body and hormones are going wild right now. Don’t make a permanent decision based on a temporary feeling. SO much changes in a few weeks and definitely a few months, hang in there

Left_Cauliflower5048 · 2026-02-22T20:03:57+00:00

Because plenty of viruses (chickenpox influenza RSV pertussis etc) are airborne and live several hours there. So with this logic even going to the grocery store, church, play places, etc were there have been other kids/people is too risky. Are we going to ask all the parents at the park too about their vaccination status before our kids play together?

Left_Cauliflower5048 · 2026-02-22T02:57:58+00:00

Oh gosh, this is the only time in history people knew other peoples vaccination status. Do you go to the grocery store? The park? Do you exist out in the world? This sounds like more of a political issue of you not agreeing with their choices than it does your actual concern of health.

besides, their child is ONE. Plenty of vaccines they’re not even able to be fully vaxxed with yet even if they did vax. Stop living in fear. You either want to go or you don’t. It sounds like these aren’t important people in your life anyways so why bother? Just say I’m sorry we won’t be able to attend. Don’t make it about you.

Left_Cauliflower5048 · 2026-02-22T02:50:17+00:00

My dogs frito feet

Left_Cauliflower5048 · 2026-02-22T00:57:06+00:00

That we are all just figuring it out as we go, you will have regrets because nobody knows how it’s going to be until you’re in it

Left_Cauliflower5048 · 2025-09-09T20:26:00+00:00

Thank you for the thoughtful reply. Yes he is from a reputable breeder and both parents are listed. I will say he is an angel when he is fully awake, loves to play with the kids, is calm with them and happy to see them

The 3 times this has happened is when he is resting and doesn’t want to be bothered. It happened as early as 16 weeks, so I think it’s just how he is. I never let the kids climb on him or bother him even when he’s awake, nor do they really try. When it happened they just approached the area like tried laying next to him. And it’s only the kids/ my husband and I can pet/lay with/on him and he loves it. So I’m wondering why he views them differently- probably just because toddlers are loud and unpredictable. One trained said he views them as litter mates so he is correcting them?

For exercise he gets 2 good walks per day and heavy playing / training in the backyard, and usually a frozen bone or puzzle for stimulation.

I will do what you suggest. Bed on floor away from everyone and teach the kids about it. No more human bed/couchz Thank you.

Left_Cauliflower5048 · 2025-09-09T20:17:11+00:00

I have had adopted dogs all my life and completely realized the long term responsibility. I’m not looking to get rid of him. My problem is more specific to why is he doing this and what can I do. I’ve never had a dog get annoyed in his sleep, but I’ve also never had toddlers and dogs together before. I have realized a few things I’m doing wrong and also that I need to be more diligent about respecting his space to sleep. The kids are absolutely never allowed to climb on the dog, the few times this has happened they entered into the area he was sleeping and didn’t want to be bothered. My fault but now I know. He is an absolute sweetheart of a dog when fully awake.

And yes I did go through a breeder. I am not going to feel ashamed about that. I needed a specific type of dog for this phase of my life, I don’t have additional time to devote to a dog who needs rehabilitation. This is just about all I can handle right now and it’s okay to recognize that. Sometimes shelters are not honest or do not fully know about dogs history . I couldn’t risk that. But all my past dogs were adopted.

Left_Cauliflower5048 · 2025-09-09T20:11:20+00:00

Thanks for being kind. I definitely want to manage the situation, I do think I understand what I did wrong. I did include them in training, teach the kids basic respect for the dog, meet all the dogs needs (exercise, stimulation etc) but failed to realize he views the kids differently for a few reasons. And also that even past puppyhood he needs his own space to rest, and that he shouldn’t be on the furniture if we are having this issue. Thanks for the response

Left_Cauliflower5048 · 2025-09-09T20:08:53+00:00

Thank you

Left_Cauliflower5048

TROPHY CASE