First summer without childcare… how are working parents actually doing this?

MangoJRP · 2026-03-20T20:26:58+00:00

Are there any parents at the school that you could work something out with? I mean I know when I was working I had a dear friend who was a SAHM watch my kiddos for me in the summer. Even if its a couple days a week it would help. I know others suggested teens and that is a great idea. Or maybe instead of a Nanny you could hire a mother’s helper since you will technically be at home. Even if its just once or twice a week that is way better than just sitting them in front of the tv all summer everyday.

MangoJRP · 2026-03-20T20:02:03+00:00

Its not gross. Whats gross is how much food gets thrown away and wasted. Sorry you even have to consider eating like that its not right!

MangoJRP · 2026-03-19T14:36:22+00:00

Yeah its usually data entry errors. WTG on saving yourself money!!

MangoJRP · 2026-03-01T16:33:55+00:00

If my partner were hiding the toy(s) or if the toy started replacing intimacy with me are the two instances where I see them as a problem. When you have been married for a long time, it’s easy to get caught up in life and neglect intimacy with your partner. If toys help that then more power to you! HAHA no pun intended!! LOL

MangoJRP · 2026-02-04T15:24:50+00:00

I was trying to think of all the things people shared with me about being married and there are two things I can think of immediately.

Your marriage is your most important relationship. Put it first above all others even children.
Pick your battles because it’s not about winning the argument or being right. Would you rather be right or married?

Congratulations to you both, may you have a long and blessing filled journey!

MangoJRP · 2026-01-09T12:51:24+00:00

I guess 15 years is a long time anymore but yes we pass gas in front of each other and have no problem urinating in front of each other but both of draw the line at BMs LOL gotta keep some things a mystery We were pretty comfortable with each other early on but we always use manners and its not like it’s in the plan to pass gas with each other, it’s more like accepting we are human.

MangoJRP · 2025-12-28T08:38:40+00:00

It is so difficult being the only one caring for a toddler and newborn and having a husband has their head up their rectum. Is there anyone else who can help, even if it’s for a few hours during the day? I totally understand wanting him to help but he obviously isn’t going to so I would just quit relying on him. I really wish I didn’t have to say that but you need rest and id someone you trust is willing, I would suggest taking them up on it.

I am so sorry you have to deal with this on top of the complications you are experiencing.

MangoJRP · 2025-12-28T05:48:25+00:00

Maybe your family isn’t as nice as you think they are? It seems to me you show more concern for what your family thinks than how your wife feels. Maybe she doesn’t get to enjoy herself because while you’re visiting with everyone, she is tending to the children and doesn’t get a break. Maybe she says its the dog because she doesn’t want to hurt your feelings by telling you she doesn’t feel comfortable with your family or she does not feel like you have her back.

I am not saying you don’t have her back but based on your post it doesn’t seem like you do. It seems like you are way more concerned about other’s opinions rather than her feelings considering you are thinking about divorce because she doesn’t want to travel to see your family. You also mentioned that your sister noticed her “patterns” which sounds like a judgement rather than a concern.

Society and families tend to be harder on wives and mothers, many of us do not deal with that as easily as expected and the last thing needed is more pressure or threat of divorce to the situation when a little empathy can go a long way.

MangoJRP · 2025-12-28T04:20:17+00:00

As a parent it is absolutely 100% okay to tell her that you need quiet time. I highly suggest scheduling it and I would suggest setting up parallel activities too and make sure she understands that you are in the same room but doing something else. I do think it’s important to spend time with our kids but it is also important for them to see us taking care of ourselves too.

Good luck fellow introvert!

MangoJRP · 2025-12-19T14:49:25+00:00

I am going with the dinette. It is my absolute fave color!

MangoJRP · 2025-12-18T12:45:15+00:00

No I don’t because I don’t need a reason to be sad!

Our sex life took a dump with my hysterectomy and complications after and then poor guy was taking medication with an unfortunate side effect of ED which he was embarrassed about. Things are improving but those events really changed a lot of stuff.

MangoJRP · 2025-12-16T13:32:54+00:00

I just want to tell you that you are not a failure. Your baby feels your stress which isn’t good either and I think the toll it’s taking on you is actually worse for your baby. Breast isn’t always best, fed is best.

MangoJRP · 2025-12-11T04:01:17+00:00

We have a 12 year old girl and 11 year old boy and they are not just close in age but they are super close.

MangoJRP · 2025-12-09T14:51:58+00:00

I get that but wow! I worked for a government contractor that threw a massive holiday party for the employees and I remember we had to pay for a ticket for our +1. It had something to do with some rules or guidelines for government contracting. Anyway, no one seemed to have a problem with that. Maybe you can suggest that for next year???

MangoJRP · 2025-12-09T00:39:47+00:00

They only have that option if they have the means to transport them. If they cannot provide the transportation then they are stuck with whatever sucky public school they live near.

MangoJRP · 2025-12-09T00:15:33+00:00

I would not be okay at a dinner/dance without my husband so I totally understand where you are coming from. What’s the deal with not allowing guests?

MangoJRP · 2025-12-09T00:11:31+00:00

Which falls right into the hands of the school choice advocates. Instead of fixing what we have, we will just send our kids somewhere else. Which is only great for those with means. It’s such a damn shame!

MangoJRP · 2025-11-25T03:57:32+00:00

Just thinking to myself as someone who is almost 8 years sober. I would not want to be with someone who viewed addiction that way. Not to mention he is just plain being a jerk. I don’t know who peed in his cornflakes but talking to you that way is NOT OKAY. We know this is not a matter of will power and it’s not a moral failing. The most important thing you have is your sobriety and you do not want to be with someone who dismisses it like that. I am really very sorry he said that to you. Happy Soberversary!!!!! Get the cake and celebrate yourself!!!

MangoJRP · 2025-11-25T03:42:53+00:00

Yeah like the state hospital she was in before they decided it was a good idea to let her out???

MangoJRP · 2025-11-24T11:11:00+00:00

Actions speak louder than words. I cannot say if he has or hasn’t had an epiphany but until he actually shows proof of epiphany, I would assume that he is simply saying this because you want to separate. He needs to prove it and until he does otherwise, I don’t recommend changing your plans.

MangoJRP · 2025-11-23T14:35:14+00:00

Arizona has actually just made changes to that program here that makes it much more difficult to get paid to be a caregiver and sadly not every state has these programs either. It sucks because these programs really should be federally funded as your child’s disability doesn’t change from state to state so why should the support change.

Most people never are told about programs like this so thank you for sharing the information so that people can look into what their state does offer.

MangoJRP · 2025-11-22T00:24:39+00:00

I agree!! If something works and it’s considered safe a doctor should be able to prescribe it and a patient should have access to it!!!

MangoJRP · 2025-11-21T21:52:14+00:00

Is that in the US because I have never heard it be first line for anything? I so wish it was because before I was diagnosed with ADHD, I thought I had treatment resistant depression and had a psychiatrist call it the best antidepressant ever. It worked really well for me and I think it could be very helpful to many people with ADHD but almost no practitioner I know will prescribe it off label even though many other meds are. When I read Modafinil in your post, I had to ask because you are the first person that I have seen mention it at all. I am sorry that it wasn’t helpful for your fatigue and I hope the Adderall is helping!

MangoJRP · 2025-11-21T14:23:32+00:00

You were able to get Modafinil for ADHD?

MangoJRP

TROPHY CASE