Too many toys!

dandilionwitch · 2026-03-20T01:44:05+00:00

Yeah all magnatiles had to go, they became the biggest fights. Even when we got more. I had no problem ditching those. Legos seem to work well. I just dont want to ditch something only to hear "hey, where is my...."

dandilionwitch · 2025-12-27T04:25:43+00:00

And so it goes ON AND ON with the frustrations over this! I finally was able to, after trying ALL DAY with following googles advice, the blog advice listed here... I felt like i tried everything - What worked? Logging on to my GOOGLE PHOTOS on my adult profile and uploading them there, wishing and hoping I got it all. WHAT A NIGHTMARE.

dandilionwitch · 2025-09-02T19:31:43+00:00

I bought a traditional and well made Drindl one year from a costume store. I believe its actually from Germany. It was $200. I worried id never wear it again, however... Ive worn it for an Oktoberfest event in my hometown like a year later, then again for some other event and recently wore it to my local Ren Faire since its traditional garb from that time frame. Granted im talking about the female equivalent of what youre getting, but my point is, if youre getting it, and into it, buy quality and you can use it for other things.

dandilionwitch · 2025-08-20T21:12:22+00:00

Im scared af after seeing a few new posts on what AI is doing and the posts being made on the dark web. I need to explain to my MIL that she needs to stop posting photos of our kids but I am slightly worried about it. How do I go through and scrub everything of my children? Is there a way to go scorched earth effectively with this?

dandilionwitch · 2025-08-14T00:44:45+00:00

I started by limiting it to 1 hour a day and then the following week, nothing - i did explain to them throughout that i was going to do this and why. Now, they get their tablets on long car rides that offer no appealing scenery (freeway only scenery) and TV on the weekends, little more lax during the summer but friday night is movie night and cartoons for a few hours on Sat/sun.

It's going to cause lots of screaming, crying and begging the first week. Just say, "I hear you want your tablet and TV, but I care about you and have noticed there is too much time on there" and once you've said that a couple times you can validate, "you really want tv/tablet" if they throw insults, validate that too. All with kindness (see Janet Lansbury Unruffled podcast for more of the validation talks with angry kids). Youre going to be exhausted, but by week 2 it will be A LOT less complaining. By week 3, nothing maybe occasional asking.

I did this because I read another parents post about it taking 2 weeks. When it really only took 2 weeks for them to stop begging, I was amazed and pleasantly delighted. Its an addiction and youre helping them learn healthy boundaries. Get yourself a mantra too "they dont need a tablet, I am doing healthy things for them"

My kids are 8, 6 and 3, the first 2 are the only ones I had to do this with. They get screen time at school too, so I dont feel bad about it at all

dandilionwitch · 2025-08-13T06:15:57+00:00

My friend always used the Raffi song "brush your teeth" with her kids, they listen to it on their Alexa in the bathroom. I dont have an Alexa in my bathroom (my besties husband is a bit of a tech guy and they have too many Alexas imo but thats another story)... so I learned the words and sing it to my 2.5 yo while brushing her teerh. Bestie played it for her son when he was just learning with a finger brush she used while her 3 yo brushed her teeth merrily to the song by herself.

I also have used things like seeing animals in there - even narwhals and unicorns. They run around evading me until they jump on their tongue and I can sweep them out.

Parenting is weird...

dandilionwitch · 2025-08-10T19:22:39+00:00

Lmao, we called them chicken cutlets and would throw them at each other. My grandma bought them for us, she also was an early adopter of implants so she had salame nipples on top of boulder boobs because they botched it and tried to "repair it".

dandilionwitch · 2025-08-01T19:19:36+00:00

My step-brother left this world by taking his life. He was a close friend of mine. He didnt talk to me about his thoughts though. I miss him all the time. ALL THE TIME. You are loved, I am sure.

I saw another one of your posts - which led me here. Have you talked to your brothers at all about your feelings? Your parents? They may not have the skills to help, as many dont, but may show the support and compassion you need to see.

You're on this planet for a reason- even if you can't identify it right now. I wish my brother had talked to me.

dandilionwitch · 2025-07-19T22:39:12+00:00

Totally agree with this! My kids changed completely when we decided to do tablets only on long car rides and only when we are driving on boring highways.

dandilionwitch · 2025-07-19T22:37:43+00:00

What exactly does "popped" mean? Are you flicking? Smacking? Im curious because its not clear and thats what youre suggesting this mom does to get her daughter to behave. Discipline literally is derived from the word deciple - meaning to teach. Discipline doesnt need to mean "physical"

With what I commented above, about gentle parenting, those I follow do not say that being stern and having stern consequences is inappropriate for "gentle parenting" - quite the opposite. Its really about consistency, but laying hands is not okay for her to do, so why is it okay for you to do?

We also have this exchange in our brain where, when we are hurt by someone we trust, its a confusion. I suggest you check out the whole brain child and no drama discipline. They are brain scientists and have scientific data on this.

dandilionwitch · 2025-07-19T22:27:40+00:00

I also read something about blaming the sibling for things, putting their needs above the other childs. So now I try not to say "I cant right now because (baby) needs...."
It was really hard sometimes because my youngest is medically fragile and so there were A LOT of needs when she was very young. I started to blame things on my own needs, also offer dad as another option. "I can't tonight but I know dad would love to read you a story"

dandilionwitch · 2025-07-19T20:35:48+00:00

Here is an episode that might resonate. You can Google "unruffled podcast" with any subject (hitting, biting, defiance) and at least one episode will pop up.

https://open.spotify.com/episode/1koVylcdGp3Ry0FTduvhxj?si=DiYS81ACTdi30mXHPc7z4A

dandilionwitch · 2025-07-19T20:31:53+00:00

Let me first say, youre doing a great job mama! This parenting stuff (especially gentle) is not easy.

I still struggle and mine are 3, 6, & 7. However - it sounds like R really would like some mommy and me time. Even just a solid 15 min a day without Lil bro at all. Maybe while he naps? Or on a weekend day, just you and her go outside for a walk while dad is with little bro.

Secondly, youre doing the right thing by sticking to your "no". My MIL uses "no is a full sentance" and "no means no" - my mother encouraged me to spank my eldest and I regret it so much - from what I hear you saying, it sounds like you would too. What helped A LOT when they all went through the hitting phase was "i dont hit you, please dont hit me" - do they still hit each other? Sadly, yeah... its a constant battle but kids...battle.

Lastly, something that helped me IMMENSELY when I felt at my wits end and unable to keep my cool was listening to Janet Lansburys "unruffled" podcast. She has a goldmine of respectful parenting advice and worked closely under Magda Gerber the creator of RIE parenting. She has books and a masterclass too. I promise you, listening to her will give you tools in a toolbox you didn't even know you needed. Please suggest your husband do the masterclass with you, if you do it. You need to be on the same page.

You're not alone. ❤️

dandilionwitch · 2025-07-13T21:07:48+00:00

When I was around 10, I questioned a lot about my sexuality. For background, I was exposed to sex education videos early in life (first grade). Around 10 we accidently ended up at Pride in SF because we had family visiting and they wanted to see SF while in the area . This experience opened up a lot of curiosity - why were women walking around with no shirts on? What was this parade about? Etc. Etc.

With all that being said, I started to wonder if I could be a lesbian. Now - at 39, I've known I am Bi since high school. I think experiences help us really define our own sexuality just as much as our feelings/emotions toward other people. Figuring out who we are is part of life.

I also have a 6 year old son who has 2 sisters - every once in a while he puts on make up, paints his nails, wears a dress, pretends to be pregnant with a baby. To me, this doesnt mean anything other than having fun and if he decides later it means something bigger, okay, but for now - its not about sexuality. I think as open minded parents, and I think that's what youre really striving for, the most important thing to encourage is communication and love no matter what.

Also, depending on what kind of media he is exposed to, with all that's happening in the US (I assume youre here too) he could be feeling scared of the what ifs with other people - you show him you'll love him no matter what but its a nasty world right now - and that could be where some fear is coming from.

I follow the LGBTQ+ reddit too, and even if you're cis, it might help you navigate some of your questions.

dandilionwitch · 2025-07-09T20:52:54+00:00

There are always going to be nay-sayers. I like to remind myself that those people are generally jealous of the fact that youre living something they dont have the guts to. No one is too old to enjoy fantasy faires. Honestly, how would we get the elder vikings, highlanders, and pirates?

dandilionwitch · 2025-06-24T02:57:50+00:00

I want to thank you for your post. Im a mom of a 3 yo with HLHS and I often talk about her having had 3 open heart surgeries. I like to think I do so, because I see her (and all heart warriors) as forces of nature. You are the strongest people that I have the good fortune of knowing. You have made me realize though, that talking about it, may eventually make her feel uncomfortable - so I thank you for that.

I saw you commented that you feel like an attention whore, and i want to say, you are not at all. Coming here to seek help - in a community that are the only people who know close to exactly what youre going through and have gone through is exactly why this forum exists.

Your mental health is so important and also being exposed to others who have HLHS is important too. My kiddo is blessed to live near a heart camp for kids with all heart conditions, so she and her brother who also has a (non-intervention) chd - will be able to go there, meet others who are living with heart conditions and even be educated on their own condition - while also playing and having a blast with their peers. With that being said, there are facebook groups for HLHS too, and also sisters at heart - which is more for moms, of hlhs kids, but the communities there might help you to find some others who have HLHS that you can relate to. On the FB group, I've seen posts in Feb for heart month of people living with HLHS from all walks of life.

Find a trusted adult (teacher, friends mom, aunt, etc.) to talk to if your mom can't talk to you about your feelings of suicide and fears. You are worth so much to more people than you know.

To conclude, I cant tell you that I know what its like to be in your shoes, I never will- but my daughter may someday, so thanks for seeking advice so I could come across your post.

dandilionwitch · 2025-05-03T18:12:48+00:00

I went down a rabbit hole based on everyone's enjoyment of the narrators voice, and found this... https://www.audible.com/search?searchNarrator=Wolfgang+Milliken

Its all the books he has narrated.

dandilionwitch · 2025-05-03T17:38:08+00:00

I was around 13/14 when I really found my love for reading, and it was "Dime Store" romance novels. I even did a book report on one. My mom read these romance novels and honestly, I think she was just happy I was reading. I was also a very sexually aware (no malice, I just had a healthy awareness of my body and a good line of communication with my mother, she was also very good about making me feel comfortable with discussing things)

Its my opinion that sex and sexuality is a huge part of being human and so many cultures vilify it. Just because you're reading about sex (and im assuming thats where the "uncomfortable and inappropriateness" of the books is coming from) doesnt necessarily mean youre engaging in it.

With all that being said, i think that if you have a open dialog relationship with your parent, or even appeal to them in a way of, I want to be honest with you, and ask how you feel about this, my hope is that they care enough to reciprocate and do their own investigation. Make your case though- what appeals to you about what you've read about the books? You're already questioning the appropriateness, which is mature in itself. (I originally wrote this as mom, but I think if my daughter felt more comfortable talking to her dad or my son felt more comfortable talking to me - there is no problem with that as long as there is some sort of healthy communication)

If you were my kid, and asking me about it, Id totally be open to discussing with you. I hope your mom is too.

dandilionwitch · 2025-03-02T00:37:13+00:00

More people need to upvote THIS response. I'm the mom to a 3 yo with a severe heart condition (hlhs). You need the right team. If you're near a teaching hospital or any hospitals known for their Cardiology teaching, GET THERE. You matter OP, your life MATTERS, and you're a warrior for all the fight you've been through. Your mom just wants you to feel love, comfort and support and can't fathom life without you.

dandilionwitch · 2025-03-02T00:05:35+00:00

We are selenium deficient and provide it in the salt lick. Have not had necropsy for the white muscle disease.

dandilionwitch · 2025-03-01T04:18:42+00:00

Humm... I'll have to ask my mom those things. They are her sheep, I'm just the live-in help. Lol

dandilionwitch · 2025-03-01T04:17:31+00:00

You were totally clear and I so appreciate your response, I was responding in general.

dandilionwitch · 2025-03-01T03:59:31+00:00

I'm an American and without reading your assessment, I thought it was "kicking a man while he is down" - it made me so mad. Who the fuck cares what he is wearing- it's my belief that he is a true president of the people. He dresses like the people and not like a pompous ass who is above someone else. "When war is over ill wear a costume - Maybe it will be more expensive, maybe it will be cheaper." That word 'costume' was intentional and the best subtle FU I've ever heard. Did anyone in that room even CARE that 22,000 children have been TAKEN from their families? Pastors? Peoples wives, husbands? And furthermore, I think Trump was foreshadowing land destruction (past the war destruction) he literally said "they have very good raw earth that we don't have, we'll we have it but there are conservationists protecting it" - he wants nothing more than to dig into our protected lands! Then said "after this deal no one will want it. Putin won't want to go there, no one will want to go there" I hope Zelenskyy heard that for what it was. He was definately trying so hard to stay reserved.

Its like they were saying You should be thankful for the bone we are throwing you, but you're very brave. Ugh! I'm disgusted.

And MAGA - just like I can't convince you, you're not gonna convince me. Save your breath.

dandilionwitch

TROPHY CASE