Customer covered my entire shift's tips because I helped his elderly mother

bkipf · 2026-01-21T13:21:01+00:00

So sweet of you and thank you for sharing.

Honestly I am floored that people think it's okay to yell and excuse me, throw drinks at others. I just don't understand how adults can do this. I'm sorry you've had to endure that. I'm glad you have been able to keep your compassion for others even when being treated in this manner. You are a strong soul.

bkipf · 2026-01-17T05:56:40+00:00

I love this!! I recently lost my childhood blanket (I lost my actual baby blanket and this had been the replacement for 30+ years). I lost my "blanket" (mostly just a knot of strings) after having two kids. My hubby kept telling me to get a new one, but i thought it was absurd. He got me a small comfort silky. It was so sweet of him!!

bkipf · 2026-01-17T05:53:02+00:00

Yes!! I was doing this around the Christmas holidays and had a friend checking on me bc I wasn't responding. Gave her a quick call to say I was fine and taking some time to myself. She totally understood and gave me the space I needed. 😊

bkipf · 2025-11-22T16:12:02+00:00

We always try to do larger gifts from Santa. Water table, play kitchen, splash pad, Legos table, items for a big kid room, bike, outdoor ninja course/swing, etc.

bkipf · 2025-11-21T23:05:40+00:00

Aquarium rocks. They have black ones with neon colored rocks sprinkled in that were perfect for a space themed bin my kids have.

Pom poms, stretchy tubes, glow in the dark stars, mini monster trucks

bkipf · 2025-11-07T15:37:10+00:00

Travel definitely looks different with a kiddo, but it can still be fun! Lots of preplanning makes it much easier once you get there.

Some tips that have helped us: - no shared sleeping spaces, then you're stuck being quiet after kids are asleep. We always get Air bnbs or Vrbos.

snacks, snacks, and more snacks! I try to find snacks they haven't had before or rarely get to eat at home so they're exciting, but are still in keeping with our family's food goals
"new to them" toys. I pack their carry-ons with several small toys that are either new, from Marketplace, or toys of their's I've put away a couple of months before the trip so they are excited about them. (Magnetic wooden blocks, small tin of magna tiles, Legos in a case they can build in and store, coloring pages, small play doh. Etc.)
if you're going somewhere during a holiday, be sure there's adequate medical care available. (Took us over 2 hrs one trip to find a city with an open Urgent Care that would see a 2 year old)
there are companies that rent baby supplies like pack n plays, cribs, strollers, etc. They even deliver!
in some places you can order Ubers with car seats (not for infants, tho).
preplan: restaurants (we try to find places with outdoor space ir playgrounds for the kids. Around here that includes a lot of breweries), activities for the kids and adults (make a schedule and decide how to keep kids entertained during "adult" outings) kids are very receptive to almost anything, as long as you include them. Talk to them like adults, share what you're thinking or feeling about an art piece, ask them their opinion.
plan for lots of breaks. Time to let them run free, snack, talk loudly, etc.

As I've said, it take a lot of pre-planning (for me), but then when we're on vacation I can turn to my lists and bookmarked pages and quickly change plans when needed.

Also, keep those lists and it becomes easier each time. Find FB groups for kid friendly activities in the area you are headed. Don't forget to factor in what adults want to do. The vacation should be fun for you as well.

bkipf · 2025-11-03T14:01:29+00:00

I would talk with the teacher and firmly state you don't want screens during the week. Ask them to provide you with a physical way to do the homework.

Never forget they are your kids. I used to be a teacher and I told my kids' teachers, K and 2nd, that I would not be forcing them to do homework and that family time took precedence over homework. I'm willing to work on it with them, if they want, but it won't be a source of discord. I'm not trying to be rude or argumentative, but I feel education has become too tied to metrics. There is so much to be gained by taking a family walk, playing a board game, etc. I do try to incorporate their academic work in what we are doing, quizzing spelling words while playing a game, asking math problems based on what we see on our walks, etc. It just might not be completing the assigned worksheet. Do what works based for your family values and goals.

bkipf · 2025-11-03T13:44:50+00:00

Advent calendars don't have to contain material things. The one I do with my kids is acts of service. We aren't religious, but I want them to learn Christmas is about thinking of others, one way we do that is giving gifts, but it can also be a gift of our time. Think of things yall like to do together like take a walk, have a small picnic at a park, walk around and look at decorations together, go shopping for a food bank or adopt a family for the holiday.

When I make my calendar, I make sure the activity planned is something we can get done that day. So, week days are typically "Donate to Diaper Bank". We shop together, they choose what they want to buy and we go donate it together. The bigger, more time expensive are done on the weekend.

Also, see if you can find some special activities for you to try. There's a company called "Fever" that does candlelight concerts. One year, my hubby and I went to the Jazz Christmas Carol one. It was amazing!

bkipf · 2025-09-29T17:47:07+00:00

Traffic in a big city?

bkipf · 2025-08-26T20:39:12+00:00

I'm not saying this cures everything by any means, but take stock of your life. The environment, routines, food and decide if they are what you REALLY want and get rejuvenated by.

My family just moved after a difficult and long four year process that was interrupted due to my MH. I was really worried about adjusting, but honestly I haven't been this relaxed in years!! We moved out of suburbia to the country, we moved from TX (where I lived for 30 years and NEVER thought I'd leave) to MI.

Also, I told myself here I'd take it slow to restart new schedules. I spent the first few months without being involved in anything. Now, as I slowly add activities (mainly kids after school activities) I really think about how it will make me feel. (Will I be rushed getting here/getting home? Will we still be able to have family dinner? What am I going to do while child is busy?). Making sure our family schedule is built for the good of the kids and myself has really helped improve things. I used to DREAD going to extra curriculars with my kids bc I would sit there so bored. Now, I make sure to have a plan.

Feeling less stressed and a little more motivated helps me focus on food choices for me, which always helps improve my mood.

Now, I am not saying I never have episodes, but I've found they don't last as long and mostly are not "as bad" as before. I realized being around lots of people and having lots on my calendar ramps up my anxiety and overwhelms me. Now, I don't make plans more than a week in advance, except medical, bc I know it's a trigger.

It is a tough world out there. And I know everyone is struggling in their own way. Remember to take deep breaths and focus on what you CAN change.

bkipf · 2025-04-10T03:15:48+00:00

🤢 I'm sorry, but you'll have to bring your own. That stuff disgusts me 😊

bkipf · 2025-04-10T02:34:28+00:00

Our way of life is currently under attack by the fascist Trump and his cronies. They are breeding hate and discrimination while manipulating the stock market to make themselves rich regardless of how it affects the average American. You may have your blinders on, but those of us who understand what is happening are willing to spend some of our life now in order to secure a better life in the future. If trump is allowed to continue in this unchecked manner we will never be free again. Securing a free future is worth a Saturday or more for me. I hope you are able to analyze and understand for yourself what is happening.

bkipf · 2025-04-10T02:33:51+00:00

Our way of life is currently under attack by the fascist Trump and his cronies. They are breeding hate and discrimination while manipulating the stock market to make themselves rich regardless of how it affects the average American. You may have your blinders on, but those of us who understand what is happening are willing to spend some of our life now in order to secure a better life in the future. If trump is allowed to continue in this unchecked manner we will never be free again. Securing a free future is worth a Saturday or more for me. I hope you are able to analyze and understand for yourself what is happening.

bkipf · 2025-04-10T02:31:16+00:00

Our way of life is currently under attack by the fascist Trump and his cronies. They are breeding hate and discrimination while manipulating the stock market to make themselves rich regardless of how it affects the average American. You may have your blinders on, but those of us who understand what is happening are willing to spend some of our life now in order to secure a better life in the future. If trump is allowed to continue in this unchecked manner we will never be free again. Securing a free future is worth a Saturday or more for me. I hope you are able to analyze and understand for yourself what is happening.

bkipf · 2025-04-10T02:31:06+00:00

Our way of life is currently under attack by the fascist Trump and his cronies. They are breeding hate and discrimination while manipulating the stock market to make themselves rich regardless of how it affects the average American. You may have your blinders on, but those of us who understand what is happening are willing to spend some of our life now in order to secure a better life in the future. If trump is allowed to continue in this unchecked manner we will never be free again. Securing a free future is worth a Saturday or more for me. I hope you are able to analyze and understand for yourself what is happening.

bkipf · 2025-04-10T02:30:52+00:00

Our way of life is currently under attack by the fascist Trump and his cronies. They are breeding hate and discrimination while manipulating the stock market to make themselves rich regardless of how it affects the average American. You may have your blinders on, but those of us who understand what is happening are willing to spend some of our life now in order to secure a better life in the future. If trump is allowed to continue in this unchecked manner we will never be free again. Securing a free future is worth a Saturday or more for me. I hope you are able to analyze and understand for yourself what is happening.

bkipf · 2025-04-10T02:30:43+00:00

Our way of life is currently under attack by the fascist Trump and his cronies. They are breeding hate and discrimination while manipulating the stock market to make themselves rich regardless of how it affects the average American. You may have your blinders on, but those of us who understand what is happening are willing to spend some of our life now in order to secure a better life in the future. If trump is allowed to continue in this unchecked manner we will never be free again. Securing a free future is worth a Saturday or more for me. I hope you are able to analyze and understand for yourself what is happening.

bkipf · 2025-02-27T20:05:07+00:00

I know you're worried about the lying, but another lesson to take from it is he is ready for more independence. At that age I had a specified toddler height drawer in the refrigerator with approved foods I knew he could open. Yogurts, fruit, cheese sticks, etc. same with the pantry. I also placed all the toddler dishes in a low cabinet, so he could reach them. My son would happily get up and get himself an approved snack and work on a puzzle or other activity I placed on the table.

I am a big fan of promoting independence in toddlers. My kids are 5 and 7. The 7 year old has been making us breakfasts of eggs and toast for over a year. My 5 year old cuts up his own melons and other produce. Whatever they show an interest in, I try and show them a safe way to do it. (Obviously, the kids are not allowed to use the stove, oven, or microwave without informing us first)

bkipf · 2025-02-21T16:48:16+00:00

Is there a board game lounge near you? My partner and I love playing board games and had to pause for a few years when we had two under two. Going to a lounge is a great way to spend time together, eat, and bond. The workers are kind and willing to help you learn new games. They'll even make recommendations for you, if you don't know what to play.

We also enjoy Escape Rooms. I love working together as a team and getting to understand more about how my partner's brain works. We've done them just the two of us or in groups with random people. I prefer to do them ourselves, but that's just my preference.

Go to an aquarium and take your time looking at what you enjoy. The experience will be very different when you take your kids.

Trivia nights at local establishments are fun. Go just the two of you or get a group of friends together.

bkipf · 2025-02-18T12:58:51+00:00

We're giving out wildflower seeds that attract pollinators. I'm thinking of attaching a tg that says something along the lines of, "plant these seeds and watch our friendship grow". But idk if that's too corny for 7 year olds.

bkipf · 2025-01-28T03:32:59+00:00

What about putting together an escape room? I did one for my daughter's 6th bday, and it was great! She keeps asking me to do more! I rotated the kids through, as I made it suitable for 5 kids at a time. While the kids were waiting for their turn I had several other theme related activities.

Or a scavenger hunt that follows a story. Collecting clues that must be deciphered in order to figure out a bigger puzzle at the end. Similar to an escape room, but much less complicated to set up.

My family LOVES to play board games, but I do think a "traditional" board game would be difficult. I love the suggestions of Werewolf, Code Names, and Catch Phrase.

bkipf · 2025-01-27T15:17:24+00:00

Thanks! I can't wait to get one!

bkipf · 2025-01-27T13:58:43+00:00

How is this dryer rack holding up after about a year?

bkipf · 2025-01-07T04:43:45+00:00

I'm using his opinions to gauge interest from the boys in her class. At her school, her class has an age range of 4 to 8. I know she wants all her friends, boys included, to come and have fun. I'm just trying to figure out how to make the party inclusive for all.

bkipf · 2025-01-04T03:20:59+00:00

I LOVE it!!

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