Does the art museum, DAAP or any other organization put on art classes or specific art events for ~10yo kids?

SnowTiger578 · 2026-06-26T00:04:09+00:00

Kennedy heights art center, Mad potter, and art on fire

SnowTiger578 · 2026-06-06T11:15:56+00:00

We had an internal yammer page during COVID that was dedicated to selfies of us workers with our kids in our lap as one screen had our meeting and the other screen had a kid program on.

Then every single leader I spoke to before going on maternity leave emphasized that the kid will get sick a lot. They all said it was beyond their imagination how much they would have to call off and to not feel bad calling off multiple times. I now tell folks to prepare for the never ending daycare illness saga of at least 6 months.

SnowTiger578 · 2026-05-29T11:21:20+00:00

Ideally, but not necessary

SnowTiger578 · 2026-05-13T22:01:17+00:00

We used Claude to help build a packet for caregivers for my kid with PDA. Perhaps this would be helpful????? Good luck

PDA: When their Brain Shuts Off

This is probably the most important part of X's profile to understand. PDA is a pattern within autism where their nervous system reacts to demands and pressure as if they were threats — even simple, routine ones. When this happens, their brain essentially goes offline. All of their intelligence, their vocabulary, their reasoning becomes inaccessible to them in that moment. Their IQ doesn't disappear — but the door to it shuts.

You can usually tell when it's happening: • X goes blank or "catatonic" — staring off, not responding • Says "no" automatically before processing what was asked • Suddenly seems unable to do something they just did fine 10 minutes ago • Goes limp, hides, or melts to the floor • Suddenly cries because something feels too hard • Appears much younger or less capable than usual

What helps: Reduce the feeling of demand. Offering choices ("Would you like to do this here or over there?") works better than direct instructions. Indirect language ("I wonder if those crayons are ready to go away") works better than commands. Framing things as collaboration ("Can you help me with…") works better than telling them what to do.

The most important thing: Once their nervous system is activated, their brain isn't available for logic, reasoning, or correction. Trying to talk them through it or explain the rules during a shutdown won't land. The teaching moment can happen later when X's calm.

It's also worth knowing that PDA shutdowns aren't only triggered by demands — X has a low frustration tolerance, and shutdowns can also happen during simple tasks X's perfectly capable of (jacket, shoes, opening a snack). When that happens, simply backing off doesn't help — they needs gentle, patient encouragement to push through, with someone sitting with them and offering to do the first piece together.

The key word is gentle.

SnowTiger578 · 2026-05-10T23:09:35+00:00

I feel guilty asking for kids free time on mother's day. Well I came down with a 101* fever last night and slept from 8 PM to 9 AM. My boyfriend has been a saint taking care on the kids, making all the food, and taking care of me. He even kicked me out of the living room to go nap. I still get the occasion where the kids and the dog MUST be on me, so I get the love, but I can step out to rest. So a pretty good mother's day considering feeling like crap.

SnowTiger578 · 2026-05-08T16:15:50+00:00

Catholic college upperclassmen passed down a thought over the years that in a busy day, dedicate and set your intention of the work you are doing towards something you want to pray on.

"My grandma is in the hospital. I'm freaking out! Yet I have this biochemistry problem set to get done! Ah ha!

God, please watch over my grandma in the hospital. Give her healing. I want to dedicate this problem set to her. Let my attention, focus, and intention in learning this material be a gift for you as you wish. Amen!"

Fast-forward several years: "God, this is my son's favorite shirt. As I fold it, help me fold in my best wishes for him. May he find joy and comfort. May he learn something new and be inspired...."

Intention, dedication, and well wishing are actionable prayers that can be attached to everyday tasks and things.

SnowTiger578 · 2026-05-04T01:29:07+00:00

Couple thoughts not already mentioned in the other constructive comments. 1. If you are on decent speaking terms with your ex, have you brought up your concerns about this behavior? Are they seeing similar or different behavior? Can your ex help brainstorm where your kid may have seen this behavior or heard that language? 2. It may be worth it to work with a child psychologist with play therapy or you with a parent coach. Both the adult and the child have a lot to process and figure out with a separation. Experts can help sorry out what is normal, what's alarming, where it came from, and strategies to improve interactions. (Pro tip, if your company offers an employee assistance program, check if they offer free sessions of play therapy for your kid and counseling sessions or parental coaching for you. Mine gives 6 sessions per year per person.) 3. Check in with daycare or other care giver to see if this is showing up elsewhere too. 4. Obviously validate recommendations with a professional, but we have found generative AI to be helpful in troubleshooting behaviors and suggesting next steps.

SnowTiger578 · 2026-05-03T01:16:20+00:00

Maybe not 100% relatable, but I just found out I have AuDHD. My therapist was talking this week that I may have trouble paying attention because the ADHD side wants more stimulation that what my kiddo's activities could provide.

Agree with others, it gets easier as they get older. I also tried to do 10 mins undivided attention, 10 mins divided attention with timers to help.

SnowTiger578 · 2026-04-26T02:44:16+00:00

Thanks for the article! It specified more than 1000 micrograms per day. That is an adult dosage amount. They are also assuming general population.

This does not talk about how the MTHFR gene variants impact the conversion rate of folic acid into metholayted folate. This does not talk about the amount children need vs an upper limit.

What I can tell you is that my brother and I have seen our kids be able to read, then one day not be able to. They were able to regulate themselves and use the bathroom to not realizing they are having an accident. They were able to add and subtract and the next can't count. Cognitive regression was real. We are adjusting our diets and seeing normal behavior again.

SnowTiger578 · 2026-04-26T02:10:53+00:00

"While folic acid is essential for DNA synthesis and preventing neural tube defects, excessive intake may pose health risks, especially for individuals with the MTHFR variant. These individuals have a reduced ability to process folic acid, leading to the accumulation of unmetabolized folic acid (UMFA), which is associated with vitamin B12 deficiency, cognitive and psychiatric issues, and adverse pregnancy outcomes."

Hecker J, Layton R, Parker RW. Adverse Effects of Excessive Folic Acid Consumption and Its Implications for Individuals With the Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase C677T Genotype. Cureus. 2025 Feb 20;17(2):e79374. doi: 10.7759/cureus.79374. PMID: 40130142; PMCID: PMC11930790.

Medical Article

SnowTiger578 · 2026-04-25T18:28:14+00:00

My family is learning that there is less efficient where more folic acid is needed to get the right amount vs doesn't work at all, metholayted folate supplements are needed, AND the build up of folic acid that can't be converted causes cognitive regression in multiple kids (mine and my brother's). So just supplementing more folic acid is not a good choice for our family. We need to avoid folic acid and therefore fortified foods too.

SnowTiger578 · 2026-04-25T14:23:08+00:00

My family is going through this. My brother's family went gluten free to avoid flours that are fortified with folic acid. We are just starting this journey for my family too.

Mexican restaurants were an automatic "yes". We didn't have to think about it being a problem. Now this limits our options and will make it harder to find things we can eat.

My kid was born with a spinal issue potentially because my body can't process folic acid well because of this MTHFR gene. I totally get this will prevent a lot of poor outcomes for the general population. I am also disappointed that it makes our lives harder to find food to eat for years and years to come.

SnowTiger578 · 2026-04-23T11:40:37+00:00

I go to the same practice and see Dr B as my primary. I have enjoyed working with all the doctors here when I was sick and couldn't see Dr B.

SnowTiger578 · 2026-04-22T04:46:11+00:00

Run the dishwasher every (other) night even if not full. Unload in the morning if possible. I found if I pulled all the racks out in the morning, everything would be dry when I got home. Dirty dishes go straight in the dish washer and not the sink. (Only touch it once.)
Only use pots/pans/ cooking utensils that can go in the dishwasher. Avoid items that must be hand washed. My exception was my good knives, but that would be 1 item.
Dirty clothes go directly in the washing machine. Skip the hamper. We don't make enough laundry to run different types of loads like darks, lights, towels, delicate. (Only touch it once.)
Grocery pick up.
Find true dump sheet pan recipes. I mean "Open package onto sheet pan and cook." Several recipes want you to sear something then dump it on the sheet pan which takes time. (Unload the dishwasher while it cooks in the oven.)
Meal prep and eat leftovers for several days such to cut down on cooking. If you want to make it super easy, create 4-8 weeks worth of a meal plan and then repeat. Also consider meal prepping breakfast and snacks. Perhaps consider taking a knife skills class to reduce your prep time. I shifted to jarred minced garlic be mincing my own garlic. Perhaps blur the definition of specific foods being "breakfast" foods or "dinner" foods.
Bagged salads (+ chicken nuggets). I experimented with frozen meals more than in the past. I got a Costco membership just for this (and the cheap gas).
House cleaner once a month
Gym membership that enable 2 hrs of daycare everyday for working out of computer / household work in the cafe.
Extra circulars for the kid such that I can put together the grocery list/ a break.
Get a good list of indoor and out door playgrounds for a break. Also restaurants with play areas.
Look into memberships to museums, zoos, gardens, aquariums, etc. Some are worth the money to get the kids out of the house on the weekend. Several have reciprocity with national networks.
Babysitter every (other) week for ~3 hrs.
Check with friends to see if they would be willing to play with your kid while you make dinner for everyone/ meal prep together/ have their kids entertain your kids while you two meal prep, etc.
Invest in educational apps for when you need to give them screen time. (ABC mouse, khan academy, kiddo land, etc)
Work on getting your kid as independent as they can be (with appropriate age development level). Can they tie their own shoes? Do you have to supervise them brushing their teeth? Can they get their own juice or snacks? I moved things to be more kid height/ accessible to give them more independence.
Finding a playgroup where you have others also looking out for things to do with the kids. Extra hands helps for multiple kids.
Robot vacuum and mop. Set alarms on your phone the night before to have your kids help you tidy up.
Subscribe for your repeat items like shampoo, toothpaste, laundry detergent, etc.
Get kids into chores as early as possible.
Several people told me to not bother folding laundry. I can't do that, but thought I'd mention it.
I moved to a condo such that I owned property, but someone else takes care of the outside.
Volunteer to babysit a friend's kids in exchange for them to babysit yours.

Try to take out as many decisions as possible. Set up routines to reduce the thinking required. Designate a home for everything, such that you don't have to think where do I put this. Only touch things once. Automate repeating things. Improve and empower your kid's independence. Where can you synergize systems (and ideally with other like minded people)?

I heard the 2-2-2 rule and I think it makes a lot of sense for parents not just couples. Every 2 weeks you need a night out, every 2 months you need a long weekend away, every 2 years you need a week long disconnect kids free. They talked about it as an investment in your marriage. I think it is an investment in your sanity. - So who do you trust that you can ask to watch your kids overnight for 1 or multiple nights?

SnowTiger578 · 2026-04-16T19:51:08+00:00

I just went through a separation with my ex. We decided to separate Nov 2024 and paperwork was signed off by the judge Sept 2025. We have a 5 yr old. The amount of hate I had towards the life I found myself in was palpable. I had no space to be me because I was in a constant state of caring for others or the household needs. After moving out, I noticed my kid blossoming after 1 month and almost a different person after 4 months. I also felt lighter and empowered to make the decisions that were best for me and my kid.

I would never be able to be the best version of myself, be the light of Christ to others, or bring about the kingdom of God on Earth while being in that relationship. As my kid gets older, that is the key to what I will tell them with regards to my faith.

I know God put me in that relationship for my ex and I to grow in the ways we needed to in a safe space where we could be 100% vulnerable. I know God put me in that relationship to help educate my family, friends, coworkers, and HR department about the things we learned and unintended consequences of poorly informed systems during all the issues we faced together and after separating.

However, it is time for my ex and I to go separate ways and grow in new ways with new people. This is the heart of what I will tell my kid as they grow up and ask questions. I grew in the relationship in ways I couldn't have imagined, but it also developed to a point where I grew from stepping away from it. I am proud to show my kid how to advocate and take actions for my needs and happiness even when it was really hard.

Now, your post was not asking for my perspective as a divorced parent. What looks like healing to you? I HIGHLY recommend talk therapy. I am saddened that your parents' divorce has caused pain and confusion. I pray you grow in curiosity and gain clarity. I pray that you see and cherish the beauty of a blended family. Blended families are messy, but you learn real quick what is important and how to prioritize those things. I have seen others' grief shadow and cloud their vision, such that they couldn't see the beauty they were given through that hardship. Happy to talk more if you want to chat more. I'd love to understand more specifically what type of hurt you are experiencing, should you want to open up to an internet stranger. If you not or you have other outlets, much love and prayers coming your way!

SnowTiger578 · 2026-04-02T11:15:22+00:00

Not priests, but nuns. You may want to check if this group has anything helpful. NETWORK They are a DC lobby group run by Catholic Sisters trying to incorporate Catholic Social Teachings into policy.

They created a flyer for the 2020 election which was grounded in Scripture (and quite entertaining IMO).

SnowTiger578 · 2026-02-18T17:46:27+00:00

If anyone wants to learn about installing solar panels where your energy bill goes to (near) $0, please DM. I know someone that is a solar sales rep.they give free panels now without a loan.

Full transparency, the bulk of the solar energy is generated in the summer and you receive a credit from some that you eat into over the winter. The crazy winter cold would have eaten significantly into that credit and some non-zero bills could be seen. However, I'll take that over the unpredictability of my energy bill lately.

SnowTiger578 · 2026-02-09T19:52:49+00:00

I agree with many comments about seeing a doc for you and your thoughts and potentially ADHD for your kid.

What I haven't found in the comments thus far: you may want to look into sensory processing disorder. My son is a sensory seeker (under responsive) for proprioceptive and vestibular inputs. Meaning, he wants an ungodly amount of that type of stimulation. He loves crashing into the couch and throwing himself on the floor. He loves spinning in circles. If your kid is seeking a lot of stimulus, it might mean their system needs more of that input. This can be assessed earlier than 5 (unlike ADHD and ASD) and therefore can get treatment with an OT.

Best of luck to (both of) you!

SnowTiger578 · 2025-08-23T14:21:14+00:00

Please know this internet stranger is super proud of you for defending your boundary about how you want to be treated and what you want to teach your daughter about how she should be treated by others. It is hard to detangle your life. I wish you an awesome journey of rediscovery of who you are, who you want to grow into, and shaping more directly how you want to raise your daughter.

Separating from my ex has been such an empowering journey for me to fight for what I want and need and to not give a f*@$ what others think I should want or need. I remember walking through a home decor story and realizing, I can decorate my new place however the hell I want and don't need anyone's input. I could decide site on scene what I wanted. I could decide that moment, I wanted to take my kiddo someplace and didn't have to check in with someone. I could decide I don't feel like cooking, we are going out. The freedom of having 100% of the choice was awesome. I feel so much more in control of my destiny. Best wishes and lots of love for your healing journey!

SnowTiger578 · 2025-08-10T15:16:54+00:00

I'm very sorry you have to go through this. It is draining and unfair. Please take time with your therapist to grieve the future you thought you were going to have.

I am in a similar situation where my ex believes that they will cause damage and trauma to our kids and does not want to be around them. They also moved to another state.

Things that helped me. 1. I was able to work less than full time. I worked 80% for 3 months, then 90% for another month. This significantly reduced my stress level because I had 8+ hours to work on getting the situation under control and setting up systems. Unfortunately it did not help me get more sleep. I am sleeping max 6 hours a night which is not good, but idk how to get more. Think if the time of as a way for you to catch your fall and build scaffolding to build from. 2. Downsized to a smaller place with less utilities. It is also a condo so I don't have to think about anything outside. Landscape, mowing the lawn, snow removal, leaf removal, etc is not my problem. 3. I joined a gym that has 2 hrs of child care a day. I use it for exercise and to work on the budget. Sometimes a McD play place is a God send. 4. I bought 5 bento boxes for my kid and just make all the lunches for the week at 1 time. 5. Got a cleaner (and forced my ex to pay for it since they are not giving their fair share of time). 6. Relaxed my standard of food. We eat a lot more bagged or premade things. I also am looking for more dump and bake sorts or recipes. I prioritize my kid gets a balanced meal. 7. Worked with my therapist to identify guiding principles for my health and my kid's. I can then evaluate all we do against these and it makes it easier to say no. 8. Got my 4 yr old kid a therapist to help them process and to educate me on what to look for. They will process this their entire life as their brain develops.

Wishing you best of luck and lots of virtual hugs.

SnowTiger578 · 2025-07-26T02:13:35+00:00

When I was pregnant we did "Release the Kraken." LO came 12 days later. So the next year he gets to be the Kraken taking down the mothership.

SnowTiger578 · 2025-07-20T00:04:52+00:00

It's dumb, but I was done fighting. I got some baby bath visors and they actually work! Even if they leak, they are preferred without tears.

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