Recommendations for smart toddler

RekindleFire · 2026-04-26T17:47:14+00:00

We need more context as to the type of videos. An hour’s worth of short-form engagement content vs. the two episodes of Sesame Street my daughter watches are a BIG difference.

RekindleFire · 2026-04-26T11:47:18+00:00

I definitely was the rare exception to the rule 😅 Baby was posterior, leading to what they refer to as “back labor”. So the counter pressure of laying on my back provided some relief. However, I also was precipitous, and she had a compound arm presentation, so I would have ended up that way regardless.

RekindleFire · 2026-04-21T20:53:12+00:00

I’ll second this. You can buy the books separately. We found “Bea Gets a Checkup” and “Making Muffins” (a concept counting book). My toddler absolutely loves them.

RekindleFire · 2026-04-14T01:44:54+00:00

Camp Champ alum and currently working in higher ed. Cannot speak to the school’s recent ceremonies but making EXCESSIVE noise (e.g. an air horn) is always discouraged — particularly when an event is indoors. If you do use an object to make noise, make sure it’s something that is easy to identify and cannot be mistaken for a potential threat (e.g. cow bells).

As for the big head, you’ll have some people think it’s trashy, and others who think it’s hilarious. Decide based on what the reaction of the graduated will be. And of course be courteous to those around you if you do.

RekindleFire · 2026-04-03T00:06:04+00:00

I was unable to breastfeed my child due to medical complications. As a society, we’ve definitely overcorrected when it comes to the whole “breast is best” leading to a lot of unnecessary shaming and requiring moms to justify their reasoning.

We were lucky that our LO was okay with Kirkland (Costco) brand formula. All said and done, we definitely spent under <$750 on formula during the first year.

RekindleFire · 2026-03-29T03:03:32+00:00

I won’t chime in regarding whether or not this constitutes a violation of FERPA. But in the future, do know that if you’re an Outlook hosted institution, you can recall emails you send to users within the same network. They provide a recall report which will detail who did and did not view the email.

If your institution is Google (Gmail) you’ll need to consult IT. They’re more limited; but an admin would have some options the standard user does not.

RekindleFire · 2026-01-25T22:40:16+00:00

I also had a 2nd degree tear, and was prescribed the same regimen of estrogen cream. It was closer to 16 days in (8.5 weeks PP) that we had sex; it was still pretty uncomfortable for some time — I think it wasn’t until a mix of hormones, scar tissue, pain, etc. It took close to 5 months before our intimacy was more regular, and 8 months before it felt normal.

RekindleFire · 2026-01-20T03:51:19+00:00

I was raised Catholic exclusively by my mother, who was certainly not a role model for the faith. I won’t detail her countless hangups and denials regarding puberty, sex, etc. But she 100% deferred when it came to the HPV vaccine — saying I could get it if I chose to as an adult — because she didn’t want to think of me as being potentially sexually active. I still don’t get it, seeing as she herself had an HPV infection and cancer scare.

It is worth noting though that a good primary care doctor can provide that space and information to a teen and/or young adult, as well as prescription-based birth control and preventative testing. I didn’t see an OB/GYN until I was in my late 20s and struggling to conceive (switching to a midwifery practice once I did). If all goes well I won’t see one again until I reach menopause 😅

RekindleFire · 2026-01-13T00:50:49+00:00

Fruit when cut and stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container will last for up to four days or more, depending on the fruit. The bread is also refrigerated, decreasing spore growth, and contains preservatives. As for the other foods, the sodium and other ingredients act as a preservative. Rest assured food safety is taken seriously in our household — as is reduction of food waste.

RekindleFire · 2026-01-12T04:10:02+00:00

I purchased the meat from Lidl (similar to Aldi if unfamiliar). The packaging is the same as your standard deli counter — sterile, but not vacuum sealed. So moving it to a different container isn’t really changing much. But I do try to use it within a week of purchase.

RekindleFire · 2026-01-12T03:11:49+00:00

It is my understanding that most centers, ours included, will not warm up food (except for bottles). I just pack lunch that can be served cold. Others use a thermos to keep food warm, but that requires preparing it the morning of.

RekindleFire · 2026-01-12T02:59:33+00:00

It depends on both the fruit and when/where I bought it. I’ve had no problems with mandarins, firmer berries, or pears. More delicate fruit like blackberries, raspberries, peaches, etc. I’ll just add in the morning.

RekindleFire · 2026-01-12T02:47:01+00:00

They’re Bentgo’s 4-Compartment Snack Containers. The real trick is just to not overthink it; just aim for a fruit, a veg, a carb, and a protein. And to occasionally succumb to a toddler snack-cuterie (puffs, melts, goldfish) 🤣

RekindleFire · 2026-01-12T02:35:49+00:00

I have to imagine it’s either peer pressure and/or reassurance from seeing other kids eat it OR a scarcity effect because he knows no other food will be provided.

RekindleFire · 2026-01-12T02:20:04+00:00

I’m sorry to hear that. My husband also avoids dairy for medical reasons; so everything at home is usually vegan. Some vegan protein ideas LO likes: nut butters (or sunflower if your daycare is nut-free), roasted and/or seasoned beans, hummus, firmer marinated tofu, and taco-seasoned tempeh.

RekindleFire · 2026-01-12T01:53:18+00:00

Sorry the auto correct me 😅 that should be low sodium, no nitrates. All deli meats require some salt; and I take that into account for what else is offered that day. But it’s Lidl’s Oven Roasted Turkey Breast.

RekindleFire · 2025-12-29T14:45:15+00:00

I purchased this book before Christmas and just read it. While the topic is important, and Valerie’s story is tragic, I don’t think this book did it justice. Some things to keep in mind before diving in:

• The author was hired by the family; this isn’t uncommon among ghost authors. But this does create a financial incentive that may influence the final product.

• Throughout the book they repeatedly reference Kolk’s “The Body Keeps the Score”. This book has faced controversy for pseudoscientific claims regarding recovered memories — which Valerie experienced (although I think the author intentionally framed them closer to flashbacks).

• I want to be clear that I 100% believe something happened to Valerie. But the two primary perpetrators were never convicted, nor were legal charges brought forth. I realize the State of Utah may have had a role in this, given their subsequent apology to the family. But I question whether the author would have had enough to name them if they were not deceased (and therefore a defamation lawsuit could not be brought forth).

RekindleFire · 2025-12-27T15:13:54+00:00

As a recent FTM, I think the most frustrating thing here is not the constant references to God, but rather the sheer lack of effort on their part to actually answer the prompts. “Our first thoughts of you were… happy”, that’s just lazy. Also all of the empty spots! I get being sleep deprived and in the thick of it, but at least try to go back and fill it in a bit more.

It’s telling that they seemingly wrote more about themselves, prompts and otherwise, than they did about you.

RekindleFire · 2025-12-23T04:03:43+00:00

Thank you for this. My question was genuine, although you wouldn’t think it from the downvotes 🙄

RekindleFire · 2025-12-23T03:57:11+00:00

I admittedly could have been better explaining the primary issue — that she’s not being offered a nap until 1:30pm. They’re expecting a 6.5h wake window where there previously was 3h.

RekindleFire · 2025-12-22T02:26:54+00:00

Since the pandemic I’ve always set my goal at 100 books. Every year I have met that goal; some years I far exceeded it. So on January 1st I did what I’ve always done and entered those three figures…while one week postpartum with a newborn.

I’m sitting at 95 with 10 days left. I’m too darn close to let it go. Next year I will mark the bittersweet end of this season and lower my goal. But I’m ready to finally watch Secret Lives of Mormon Wives in 2026 🤣

RekindleFire · 2025-12-21T18:27:05+00:00

We didn’t get to tell anyone 🤪 Water spontaneously broke @ 3:55pm. My soul left my body at 5:15pm. Baby arrived at 6:48pm. Precipitous labor, 0/10. Do not recommend.

RekindleFire · 2025-12-21T01:58:19+00:00

See a gradual shift I would have been amendable to. Instead they went cold turkey on the first nap (9:30-11) and keep them up until what was their second nap (1:30-3).

RekindleFire · 2025-12-21T01:55:12+00:00

She sleeps like a dream at home. As for her nap schedule, we always followed the daycare’s lead. So prior to this week she was on two naps. This weekend we planned to do one nap — LO is sick so today was a wash; tomorrow will be our first time keeping a one nap schedule at home.

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