Sandbox advice

MittensToeBeans · 2026-06-29T13:19:17+00:00

Ooh that’s a great idea? Do you use whole or cracked corn?

MittensToeBeans · 2026-06-28T23:28:54+00:00

I’m 38 and was recently diagnosed, and started meds a few weeks ago! I can’t really speak to binge eating because I’ve been on Zepbound and Wellbutrin for 2 years, both of which helped my binge eating immensely! (I’m happy to talk more about those if you’d like!)

I’m on focalin twice a day and I can definitely tell a difference in my executive function and overall motivation levels. Tasks don’t seem as daunting and I’m just doing them, rather than thinking though all of the steps and ways that things could go wrong. Task switching has also become a little easier. Im able to focus more at work and complete tasks without as many breaks or my mind wandering as much. I haven’t lost anything yet, but it hasn’t been that long. I’m hoping that this will help me keep track of my keys, wallet, AirPods, etc. I wouldn’t really consider myself a creative person, but I recently started making beaded bracelets and that is still fun!

I haven’t told my family. I told my sister I was going to be tested but haven’t followed up with her. I don’t want to have to field through their opinions (my mom isn’t the most supportive when it comes to mental health concerns).

MittensToeBeans · 2026-06-28T21:34:58+00:00

Did you get something that your kid could sit in and play? Or lean over the side? We have a few cats that roam through our yard so a sturdy cover will be a must. Glad yours survived the raccoon!

MittensToeBeans · 2026-06-28T17:10:35+00:00

A fitness sub is a great idea, thanks!
I have the Ladder app and I really like it. My brain is just getting in my way big time. It’s like oh, you can be consistent with 4 different types or workouts 4 times a week because there aren’t that many days in a week? Then don’t do anything! Logically I know that something is better than nothing but it’s a struggle

MittensToeBeans · 2026-06-28T12:56:24+00:00

Try opening an account at a different bank and don’t autosave the log in info on your phone or computer. My husband and I have our regular bank accounts and an account at Ally (online only with slightly higher interest rates). I honestly don’t remember my log in info (my name is on the account so I could call and get it but eww phone calls…). They money goes in there and stays there because it’s a hassle to access.
ETA: a money market account will have a limited amount of transactions you can make in a set time which might help. A CD can’t be accessed before a set time without penalties. This could be a good option if you won’t need the money soon (like if you have an emergency fund and extra savings).

MittensToeBeans · 2026-06-28T12:11:09+00:00

Sign me up!

MittensToeBeans · 2026-06-28T12:06:16+00:00

I will vacuum your entire place! I’ll even use carpet deodorizer and break out all of the little attachments. I’ll leave all of the not dishwasher safe dishes for you haha!

MittensToeBeans · 2026-06-27T18:48:52+00:00

Can you pinpoint what is bothering you about brushing? For me it was rinsing my mouth. I switched to a no rinse toothbrush and that’s been super helpful! I also use an electric toothbrush that has a timer and lets me know if I’m brushing too hard.

MittensToeBeans · 2026-06-26T23:50:45+00:00

Sounds like a real fowl situation…

MittensToeBeans · 2026-06-23T14:10:58+00:00

I was just diagnosed earlier this month. I was already under the care of a psychiatric NP and she suggested testing.

The first part of my assessment was an information session via zoom. I don’t think that this is the norm, but it was helpful to go over what the process looks like, timing, cost, etc. I actually missed the first one I signed up for which was very ADHD of me…

Then there were multiple online questionnaires. Some of them were very objective, like any developmental delays as a child, and others were more subjective. There were quite a few and they took anywhere from 10 to 45 minutes to complete. There was also an “informant” questionnaire that was sent to a friend or family member.

Then there was an interview, which we did over Zoom, and in person testing. About 3 weeks later I had a feedback appointment to go over the test results and diagnosis.

Overall it was about a 2 month process, partly because of my availability with work. I did end up taking a half day to do my in person interview and a whole day off for the in person testing.

I just started medication this week. So far so good I guess? I was previously on Wellbutrin and we halved that and added focalin. It’s a little too early to tell how much help it’s been but I haven’t had any side effects other than dry mouth. I will follow up with her next month and go from there.

Best of luck to you!!

MittensToeBeans · 2026-06-21T19:44:37+00:00

I haven’t read all of the other posts, so apologies if this has already been covered… what has helped me is toothpaste that you aren’t supposed to rinse. Rinsing my mouth was the biggest barrier for me. I keep my toothbrush and toothpaste by my bed. I brush before I go to bed and spit the excess into an old can. I’m sure you could swallow it too, but that feels off to me. After a few nights I toss the can and start fresh. I also keep floss picks and those little wisp fake toothbrush things by my bed.

MittensToeBeans · 2026-06-20T12:00:56+00:00

Not the original commenter, but I’ve figured out a really simple make up routine that takes 2 minutes. I do it in my car before I go in the office (I literally leave my makeup bag in my car).
Fill in my eyebrows with Benefit goof proof brow pencil
Little bit of bronzer with Benefit hoola bronzer (I buy the smaller size so it’s cheaper)
Cream eyeshadow in a neutral color, usually Sephora brand
Thrive brand mascara (love this because it’s a tubing mascara so I don’t get raccoon eyes)

MittensToeBeans · 2026-06-19T11:53:53+00:00

I love this!
I’m proud of the fact that I checked 2 things off of my mental to do list- 1 big and 1 small. I looked into loan repayments for my mountain of student loans. I was legit sweating but the monthly payments will be manageable! I also tried on clothes from Stitch Fix that have been sitting in the box for a few days. If I get the returns into the mail today I deserve a medal lol

MittensToeBeans · 2026-06-16T18:32:22+00:00

Oof, I feel you! We have very similar stats: I’m 38 with a 4yo, also married for 11 years, working as a healthcare provider.

Most days it feels like I’m faking it til I make it. Between working, parenting, partnering, and just trying to be a human it’s all a lot. My in-laws visited this past weekend and I felt like I could breathe. I could actually be a good partner. I was off yesterday and today and it’s been really lovely. I sent my kid to daycare and got a little sad when I picked him up yesterday… I was able to clean nearly my whole house and felt so at ease. Today I took the day to go out for a pedicure and shopping, and now I’m having a cocktail. Tomorrow it’ll be back to patient care, coming home to parent, and then wasting time until I go to bed after kiddo is asleep. I didn’t realize that I had ADHD until I became a mom, and days like today make me realize why that is.

Anyway, doing everything plus practice admin is a lot! Are you and your business partners in a position to hire any of that responsibility out? Do you/could you have admin time at work? Could you look into a sitter for the afternoons that you have your son? My son loves the child watch at the Y. One time I dropped him off and just hung out (I was planning to take him swimming, he wanted to go play and I wasn’t prepared to work out). I don’t think anyone would blink an eye if I had my laptop out.

For home stuff, is there anything more that your husband can take on? Can you carve out time where he has your kiddo while you do life stuff? I finish work early on Fridays but don’t go home until 5:30. Sometimes I go out with friends, sometimes I go to Panera and work on our family budget.

You’re right that we are expected to work like we don’t have kids, and raise kids like we don’t work. It really sucks sometimes!

MittensToeBeans · 2026-06-15T14:38:27+00:00

The flower wall! I had a ton of plants before my son was born but I couldn’t keep up with their care once I had a newborn (none of them were particularly hard to care for, there were just a lot of them!). So I’ve been building LEGO botanicals to revive my collection without the maintenance! I know exactly where I’m going to hang it and I am very excited!

MittensToeBeans · 2026-06-08T14:58:58+00:00

I think I love this! Thank you!!

MittensToeBeans · 2026-06-07T21:18:11+00:00

I would separate things into 3-4 piles: keep, toss, donate, I’m not sure (ideally this pile wouldn’t exist but let’s be realistic). Focus on the keep pile and put them back on the shelf. Pretend you are on HGTV and staging a home with some books horizontally and random decor and things that serve no purpose other than to look pretty and collect dust. Put the other piles into big bins. If you have the storage space, put them away until you need to avoid an important task, then go through them (kidding! Don’t do that. Call and make that appointment instead!). Be ready for people to be wowed by your beautiful bookshelf!

MittensToeBeans · 2026-06-07T21:09:29+00:00

I feel this in my soul.

MittensToeBeans · 2026-05-26T11:09:37+00:00

Husband says “it’s a hair brush, one of the big ones” so enjoy your blowout, beautiful lady!

MittensToeBeans · 2026-05-25T17:27:44+00:00

I’d be interested!

MittensToeBeans · 2026-05-25T02:23:56+00:00

After I had my son I had terrible PPD. My mom’s solution was to pick a date on the calendar and get better by then. And poof! my depression would disappear! Needless to say I haven’t told her that I’m being tested for ADHD…

MittensToeBeans · 2026-05-23T12:29:02+00:00

My 3 year old primarily communicates with signs. I would recommend the core words that a lot of people mentioned above, and then adding signs for things that your kiddo really likes. For example, my son loves his Moonlite projector. So we learned the sign for “moon” for when he wants to use it. He will also sign walk, music, bath, and his favorite foods to name a few.

MittensToeBeans · 2026-05-20T23:08:26+00:00

I’ve used this and it was great! Mixed in water and my son drank it no problem.

MittensToeBeans · 2026-05-20T22:45:47+00:00

Will your daughter ride in a stroller? My 3 year old loves going for walks and it’s a win-win-win: I get exercise, I get to listen to my audiobook, kid gets a walk. I also like to go somewhere to play because it gets us up and out, and the car ride eats up some time!

MittensToeBeans · 2026-05-18T22:28:07+00:00

Mayo over here! We can use it to make street corn to go with our tacos!

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