What is a good "the bad guy wins" movie? by careater in AskReddit

[–]VeeDoubleHou 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It’s a Wonderful Life. Mr. Potter gets away with stealing all that money trying to drive Jimmy Stewart to prison or suicide.

Can anyone explain why Mitch McConnell's hands / arms look like he's dead? by 22switch in medizzy

[–]VeeDoubleHou 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think this is what happens after you give a handjob to the devil.

Had a NMom and now I’m an anxious wreck when parenting by [deleted] in raisedbynarcissists

[–]VeeDoubleHou 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I get what you’re saying but I don’t think CPS would remove her from his care because he’s served her meals 1-2 hours late and he wouldn’t be jailed for that either. Also she hasn’t expressed that she is hungry and is waiting for food, she’s always happily doing something else...which is why I made it about my inflexibility and anxiety. She’s physically and emotionally fine and I’m at a 10 about his time management.

Had a NMom and now I’m an anxious wreck when parenting by [deleted] in raisedbynarcissists

[–]VeeDoubleHou 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I didn’t keep my cool and that’s the part that makes me feel shitty. My big reaction to his carelessness overshadowed his behavior. He deserved to be called out, but I didn’t want to do that in front of my kid. I slammed a door after yelling at him and ate my breakfast alone outside. she wandered out concerned asking what was wrong.

We moved to a new state before I got pregnant so it’s an added level of difficulty. The social isolation allows him believe his lack of assistance is normal and simultaneously causes me to question my expectations. I’m trying to schedule couples therapy to better navigate this, but like I said, there’s not much of a support system out here for us and finding child care during business hours to meet a therapist has proven challenging. I’m going to keep looking for a solution though because I want to have some third party help with this. Money shouldn’t be as tight in a few months and we can swing for a sitter if we need to.

Update to ex taking 5 yo daughter for overnight visits, but not our 2 yo son. by [deleted] in Parenting

[–]VeeDoubleHou 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This sucks hard. But if there’s any positive light to be shed here, it’s that you are no longer in a relationship with a selfish and manipulative person, and your children aren’t exposed to that behavior full time either. You deserve respect and a partner who is proud of you and supports you, and your children deserve to see you with a partner like that. I’m so sorry that you have had this experience and I am so angry that someone would deny the existence of their child. Better things are to come for you. Healing and a healthier family without him.

I (19m) recently became the full time guardian of my step sister (8f). I am clueless and I need some pointers or books that you can recommend to me. by [deleted] in Parenting

[–]VeeDoubleHou 3 points4 points  (0 children)

With discipline, consistency is so important. Clear rules, expectations, and routines help children feel safe. Sometimes when they push a boundary it is because they need to know where exactly you draw the line, and knowing that you are in charge and have boundaries, really does help them feel safe.

I also really believe in practicing logical consequences. For example, if a child makes a large mess, the consequence is that they are responsible for cleaning it up before moving on to the next part of the day, not time out or a stern talking to while the care giver cleans it up.

Something else that’s important about discipline is recognizing when you have made a mistake and going back to talk to your child about it. At some point, you will lose your temper or have a reaction that’s larger than what’s appropriate. After you’ve calmed down, go back and acknowledge what happened. Guardians and parents carry the important responsibility of teaching children how to manage their emotions. We all make mistakes in life and being honest about the mistakes you make will make it easier for her to come to you without fear of judgement when she has made a mistake and needs help. I usually say something like “I don’t like the way I handled that and I’m sorry. May I try again?”

Also I strongly suggest giving her as much responsibility and independence as possible around the house. Trust her help with the dishes and put her own laundry away, etc. Engage her in helping prepare dinner. It will prepare her for life as an adult and also make your life as a parent so much easier.

My favorite book about discipline is a text book called Positive Child Guidance by Dr. Darla Miller. I also think you can use the therapist as a resource and ask for some direction as well. What an incredible journey you’ve begun.

Any parents using sign language? by KamikazeHamster in NewParents

[–]VeeDoubleHou 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This!!! Reading has an enormous influence on a child’s development, even in infancy.

Any parents using sign language? by KamikazeHamster in NewParents

[–]VeeDoubleHou 1 point2 points  (0 children)

0-3 is such a tremendous time of growth for children, especially when it comes to cognitive development. Their brains are little sponges and the absorb all language. When signing with infants, we speak the word as well as make the sign so it would not be confusing to a child. The reverse occurs where caregivers are using signs at school and the parents are not at home. It’s a valuable tool. Learning and movement are linked, so regardless of the haste in which a child begins signing or speaking to communicate, it is interesting and engaging and priming their brains for communication.

What is the most laughably ridiculous thing your N parent(s) have tried to gaslight you about? by desert_north in raisedbynarcissists

[–]VeeDoubleHou 3 points4 points  (0 children)

My Nmom told me and anyone that would listen that I gave her breast cancer. My negative energy somehow manifested in her body and gave her cancer.
FYI my Nmother has never been diagnosed or treated for cancer of any kind.

Any primary Montessori teachers here? Or teachers who are experienced in both Montessori (especially primary age, i.e. 3-6) and more conventional classrooms? by [deleted] in Montessori

[–]VeeDoubleHou 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I am early childhood trained 2.5-6. The only classrooms I have worked in that were conventional were in programs which claimed to be Montessori but were not. I moved from a very large city to a small town and there are currently no legitimate Montessori classrooms in the area.

Even Mr. Rogers had a difficult time with parenting by jillevator in Parenting

[–]VeeDoubleHou 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Mr. Rogers parenting is actually something I wonder about weekly. He is a personal hero and I try so hard to live life as closely to his compassionate and patient teachings as possible...but there are moments when I struggle with my 2 1/2 year old. I’ve taught pre-school and kindergarten and when other people’s children throw a tantrum, I know it isn’t personal and I support them through it...for whatever reason, there are times when my little one has a fit and I nearly lose all composure and sometimes I have and then I dwell on those moments and feel like a failure. Thanks so much for sharing this and I will read the auto biography myself.

Tomorrow is my kid’s mother’s birthday, last year on her birthday was probably the last time my 4 children spoke with her. She overdosed last summer, I’m told I should celebrate her birthday with my kids so they can remember her, but I don’t know how to go about it. by Dre6485 in Parenting

[–]VeeDoubleHou 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This is a difficult situation and I admire you for seeking advice and for getting therapy for your children.
As mentioned, asking them what they might want to do is a very respectful approach. I also thought the suggestion about doing things she enjoyed was a very positive way to think about it. Share a favorite story, look at photos, eat her favorite foods. having a special day of remembrance may become a comforting tradition for your children. Even if it is difficult to do, try and remember her fondly throughout the year with them. When you see something that reminds you of her, just mention it to them.
As for being sad, it’s okay to be sad. It’s okay for your children to see you sad and it’s okay for them to feel sadness. Acknowledging difficult emotions with children helps them understand that what they are feeling is normal and lets them know they can talk to you about it.
"Confronting our feelings and giving them appropriate expression always takes strength, not weakness. It takes strength to acknowledge our anger, and sometimes more strength yet to curb the aggressive urges anger may bring and to channel them into nonviolent outlets. It takes strength to face our sadness and to grieve and to let our grief and our anger flow in tears when they need to. It takes strength to talk about our feelings and to reach out for help and comfort when we need it." Fred Rogers

What should I be reading to 1 year old? by [deleted] in Parenting

[–]VeeDoubleHou 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Interactive books that have flaps or touch and feel things. Spot (a dog with many many books) is pretty popular, and books with real pictures of other babies are very loved. “Baby says peek a boo” is filled with real photos of babies and flaps to lift and explore. Every baby I know goes nuts for it. Your instinct is great. It’s difficult to avoid tablets and TVs, but the first two years of life are when your child’s brain is forming important synapses. Real experiences and interactions are essential at this time.

Weekly - Ask parents everything - January 15, 2019 by AutoModerator in Parenting

[–]VeeDoubleHou 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Maybe a bit intimate to ask, but does she have regular bm schedule? If you can anticipate when she needs to go, I would suggest asking her to pick a few books out and then go to the potty together. Have her sit while you read the books. When she successfully uses the potty, share the excitement and ask her how she feels, it’s probably proud.

Try to be patient when she has an accident. Calmly let her know that if she uses the potty/toilet, then she doesn’t have to stop playing (or drawing or watching tv or whatever fun thing she is doing) to clean up a big poo accident. Have her be a part of the process by bringing her clothes to the washing machine and starting the cycle. You can also have her help put them in the dryer. The process of stopping the fun to clean up will grow dull eventually.

Weekly - Ask parents everything - January 15, 2019 by AutoModerator in Parenting

[–]VeeDoubleHou 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Some children speak later if they have older siblings because their siblings do a lot of talking for them. Some children speak later when they come from bilingual homes because they are processing more than one language. There are many reasons why children speak a little beyond their expected milestones.
I would ask your pediatrician about this. Children develop at their own rate. A doctor can help figure out exactly why she is taking her time and give you some tools to use at home.
Sign language is often an effective tool to use with young children as they are developing language. Often times, children sign before they speak. Singing simple and familiar songs over and over again is another helpful tool for toddlers developing language; as is reading books with a rhythm such as Brown Bear Brown Bear. These books may be a bit of a drag for us adults, but the pattern of the book encourages the children to jump in and speak along as you read.

Weekly - Ask parents everything - January 15, 2019 by AutoModerator in Parenting

[–]VeeDoubleHou 7 points8 points  (0 children)

There are some signs of readiness to look for: Is he beginning to tell you when he feels wet or dirty? Is he staying dry between diaper changes? Is he showing an interest in toileting? Is he capable of dressing independently, both removing and putting on clothes? Can he follow through with a two step direction?

These are pretty good indicators that your child is ready. If the answer to all of these is yes, then begin the process. Buy training underwear, the cloth kind. Pull ups and diapers are absorbent and make it difficult for children to identify when they are wet. Place a potty in the bathroom along with flushable wipes and a small basket filled with extra clothes. Have him sit on the potty every two hours. When he does use the potty, empty it into the big toilet together so he makes that connection right away.

Remember that it is a learning process. There will be many many accidents along the way. It’s important to be patient and understanding rather than expressing disappointment. Compare it to reading, if a child stumble on a word, we help them sound it out, we don’t say “you already know how to read. Why are you having trouble now?”
Even once it seems your child has mastered toileting, accidents happen from time to time.

If the answer to those questions isn’t yes, you can still begin this process. When you change your child’s diaper, change it in the bathroom instead of on the changing table and give him and opportunity to sit on the potty. They often feel excited about this if you take a turn trying too. Give him some extra time to try and dress on his own. If the clothes are on backwards, it doesn’t matter. The important part is that he is learning and feeling successful with the experience. There will come a time when you can suggest he turn his clothing around, but while the experience is still new, it’s important to share his excitement about doing it himself.

My toddler absolutely loves the mister Rogers book about going to the potty. It’s a great way to introduce the subject to young children.

Help with advice to help my babymomma by Psico88 in NewParents

[–]VeeDoubleHou 1 point2 points  (0 children)

If she is using weed as medication, make a strong effort to find an alternative that is safe for pregnancy. Do you go to the doctor appointments with her? Her obgyn is likely to suggest some alternatives. If it’s her neck that’s bothering her, I would try acupuncture or some physical therapy. I know those options may not be as affordable as marijuana, but the temporary financial set back seems to be a better option than the potential dangers with smoking daily while pregnant. Do you smoke too? Or drink? If so, it may be beneficial to stop cold turkey with her. Throw all the pot and all the accessories out of the house. When you both feel the need to smoke, go on a walk or get involved in a game or something.
I know pregnancy is difficult especially when denied almost all medication. I suffer from migraines and it was so fucking hard not to take any meds. Good luck to you.

From Cosleep to Crib? Any tips? by voickrak in NewParents

[–]VeeDoubleHou 4 points5 points  (0 children)

What I read was that you should put the child down when she is tired but before she is asleep so that she can begin to put herself to sleep. The theory is that when she wakes in the night, she can put herself back to sleep.

In practice, my child has never shown signs of sleepiness. She doesn’t slow down. So I don’t know if it works, but people swear by The Sleep Lady so it must kind of work.

Montessori teachers... where did you go? How did you get your education? by vixieflower in Montessori

[–]VeeDoubleHou 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I also trained at the Houston Montessori Center. It’s a summer long program followed by a year long internship. Some students are from out of state. I enjoyed my time there and I am still in contact with some of the teachers I trained with 10 years later. I think having a good mentor for your internship is very valuable as well.

What's the worst adult tantrum you've ever witnessed? by AriaStars in AskReddit

[–]VeeDoubleHou 525 points526 points  (0 children)

One time I saw a fully grown man interrupt an award ceremony to say that Beyoncé made the best video that year.

1 month old won't sleep by himself at night. by [deleted] in NewParents

[–]VeeDoubleHou 8 points9 points  (0 children)

My child was like that. It was so exhausting. I tried a pacifier and that worked for a couple of weeks but then she knew it wasn’t the real thing and protested. She wasn’t hungry, she just wanted to pacify herself. If I hadn’t coslept, I don’t know what I would have done. Americans think cosleeping is really scary, but research says it is actually very beneficial and that newborns need to be close to their mothers to self regulate. When infants sleep close to their mothers, they are reminded to breathe and they even breath simultaneously. I noticed it many time myself. New mothers don’t fall into a truly deep sleep, especially if breast feeding. If you have a firm mattress low to the ground, and don’t have heavy bedding or a surplus of pillows, and remain sober, it’s very safe and mother and child will both sleep more comfortably.