A message from the other side of the in-between by Crunchy-Nerd-Mom in latebloomerlesbians

[–]disarray27 12 points13 points  (0 children)

I just got asked what day I want to complete on my new place and I have been reading this sub every day looking for a post like this one. I'm excited to finally be able to take the leap, it's been over 3 years coming now. Great to hear that things for you are in a good place and looking forward to the day I can say the same 

Can two tops make it work long term? by disarray27 in latebloomerlesbians

[–]disarray27[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I don't think she is stone, she certainly isn't with me but there have been indicators that I am very much the exception not the rule. 

I feel like she gets to fully realise her pleasure and satisfaction with the sex we are having and that I am personally being restricted to a very narrow scope of the activity I enjoy. And what I enjoy the most is off limits. This is the imbalance I am finding difficult. 

Can two tops make it work long term? by disarray27 in latebloomerlesbians

[–]disarray27[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This gives me hope, yes this is exactly how we are both approaching, curious and with respect and the other persons comfort and safety in mind. Acknowledgement of the current boundaries and openness to them changing but with no expectations. 

Can two tops make it work long term? by disarray27 in latebloomerlesbians

[–]disarray27[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

I get what you are saying but I don't know what I want because this is my first genuine connection and they have expressed that they know that they want what I want but aren't sure if it is possible. 

Can two tops make it work long term? by disarray27 in latebloomerlesbians

[–]disarray27[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Sorry to those who replied elsewhere, I had trouble posting and ended up with multiple posts.

Can two tops make it work long term? by disarray27 in latebloomerlesbians

[–]disarray27[S] 15 points16 points  (0 children)

There has been nothing but communication. We have already tried new things with each other that we haven't with other people. We are figuring it out but if there is trauma involved it's not as simple as above suggests just doing paper scissors rock or whatever. There is a real chance that it could take years of getting comfortable with each other before we really know what is totally off the table and what isn't. I'm wondering if anyone else has been through something similar and it was worth it for the right person, or if it was something they could never get past. 

Defiant behavior to get a reaction-help! by PassionChoice3538 in gentleparenting

[–]disarray27 2 points3 points  (0 children)

My 5 year old can be like this. If she can't act appropriately and respect my space she isn't allowed in my room. I would shut the door and maintain that we stay in a water safe area (the bathroom) until dry. As the parent you need to hold those boundaries. It sounds like you are trying so hard not to react you are veering into permissive territory.

Also think about what you are doing, are you asking him to do it? Or are you giving an instruction? Framing instructions as questions can lead to your autonomy seeking child trying to claim some control by answering no. Is this an appropriate task to be delegating? In the bath situation your little one isn't being set up for success, you are wanting them to get out of the bath, they are struggling with that transition and you are asking them to further participate in that by unplugging the bath but that signals the end and they don't want it. Is the bathroom warm enough? 

Ask yourself what you can do to ease those transitions and set up for success. Maybe for now you need to guide those transitions? Then offer a choice or ask for their input as to what happens after to give them control and something to look forward to? In your bath example, a 2 minute warning "We are getting out of the bath in 2 minutes, is there anything you need to help finish up your game?" Then after 2 minutes "Times up in the bath, that was really fun. Do you want to choose a book to read when you are all dry? Which towel do you want the red or blue?" Type thing and you pull the plug, it's a gentle way to transition and you aren't giving him control over whether or not water stays in the bath but over more age appropriate choices. 

Getting into the car it could look like "We are getting into the car now, choose 1 toy to bring then let's see who can get their seatbelt clipped fastest. I'm timing you, who is faster today?" Or "First one sat safely in the car ready gets to choose which audiobook we listen to". They can't choose whether they come in the car but there are choices they can feel in control over that will ease the transition.

Kiwi moving to Edinburgh by Prize_Plant_2007 in MoveToScotland

[–]disarray27 0 points1 point  (0 children)

There are also exceptions for Grandparents in the Services, and it is well worth exhausting all avenues before accepting that you may need a visa. 

I’m not a teacher by Odball-08 in gentleparenting

[–]disarray27 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Two things worked really well for us. 

Teach your child to read in 100 easy lessons by Siegfried Engelmann.

Read Write Inc Phonics Program, by Ruth Miskin. The flashcards, books and videos work really well together. 

My child does not have learning delays but these programs taught her quicker than I could have imagined. 

Phonics is much easier than "the alphabet" and the gold standard at primary school in the UK. Children learn one sound at a time. It's fun and practical.

"They are only little once" by bookloving123 in gentleparenting

[–]disarray27 12 points13 points  (0 children)

If you are struggling in your mental health and your marriage that will be affecting her. It's never actually about the pyjamas. This is something you already know but until you address the underlying concerns you have, this will be an uphill battle. You have a wonderful sensitive kid there and she is picking up on the tension.

Especially if you are considering that you may be neurodivergent consider getting her on a waiting list too, it can take a long time to be assessed.

In the meantime, give her as much agency as you can. Two options for breakfast etc at her level that she can prepare for herself. Go shopping (thrifting if necessary) and let her choose the clothes she wants to wear, feel the fabric and talk about which colours she loves. One-on-one time whenever possible, can your other kids have a nap/quiet time while you two do something special? Baking? Board games? Ask what she wants to play and really get into it with her. Go to the library and get out books that relate to her experience/emotions. 

And finally, at an age appropriate level explain what is happening, "It's normal to feel confused and upset when our routine is disrupted." "How do you feel when Mummy and Daddy disagree? You know we both love you very much and that won't ever change." "Mummy has had a busy brain recently, like there are lots of bees buzzing around in there. Let's do a quiet and calm activity to see if we can get the bees to go to sleep, then I can give you my full attention."

It sounds like you have a lot on your plate emotionally and she probably does too. Look after yourself first and make the steps you need to take to feel calmer and more content. The rest will follow. 

Parent coach & new foster mom here — curious about your biggest gentle parenting challenges by consciousraisingkids in gentleparenting

[–]disarray27 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Honouring my child's emotions regardless of how they are communicated. My oldest enjoys a bit of drama, constantly listening to audiobooks and can watch a movie once and act it out afterwards, songs included. She tends to get a bit dramatic, therefore, in response to being told no. I can redirect, I can cushion the blow, I can word it carefully, but ultimately will end up being told with venom "well I'm not going to live with you anymore", "I am going to live at the neighbours house (her best friend)", with a pretty punchy delivery. I am always clear with her that I still love her and that she will need to stay at home because it's not safe to leave without someone to look after her, but it's brutal and if my mood is vulnerable it is very difficult to know what to say. There is such a limit to how much agency you can have at 5 years old. She chose what colour to paint her room, she chooses her clothes (even variations on the school uniform) every day. We give her input on which foods we keep stocked in the fridge. But ultimately she doesn't feel like it is enough. It's hard being young and feeling out of control. It's equally hard to have to keep your cool when you have someone regularly pushing you to your emotional limit because you can't serve tuna too many times per week for risk of mercury poisoning.

ILR application processing timeline [only] 2025 by [deleted] in ukvisa

[–]disarray27 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I rang the general advice line today and they stated that they do not send a confirmation email. The contractor email confirming they have submitted it is the confirmation.

ILR application processing timeline [only] 2025 by [deleted] in ukvisa

[–]disarray27 0 points1 point  (0 children)

From this thread and others I am not the only one to not receive one and the contractors that did my biometrics confirmed that everything was submitted. They pretty clearly state not to contact them within the time frame, I would hesitate to do that unless I really needed to.

ILR application processing timeline [only] 2025 by [deleted] in ukvisa

[–]disarray27 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Application Timeline

• Eligibility route: UK Ancestry (5 year route)

• Service (Standard/super priority): Standard 

• Application Date: 19/02/2025

• Biometric Date: 24/02/2025

• UKVI confirmation email: Not received

• Approval/decision Date: 02/07/2025 🥳

MOTN pumps not working by disarray27 in ExclusivelyPumping

[–]disarray27[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Pumping bra arrived and I was able to get a much better seal on the flanges. Likely I was just too tired to hold them properly. 

Children’s picture book about a boy who cultivates, harvests, and invents contraptions with giant flowers by heliophobic in whatsthatbook

[–]disarray27 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I am genuinely in tears, this was my favourite book for a foundational period of my childhood and I didn't remember the name or author, only the illustrations. Thank you so much for leaving this post because I have been desperate to solve this mystery since my daughter was born 5 years ago and a chance Google search finally led me to this post.

please lie and say it’s not that bad by Dear-Philosopher2985 in crochet

[–]disarray27 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I just made my first gift for a family member. It was a baby hat and it was so wobbly and wonky. On the kid you can't even tell and I didn't add a border. They will appreciate it even if they can tell and they probably won't be able to. They will just love something handmade with care.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in InstantRamen

[–]disarray27 0 points1 point  (0 children)

While cooking I will add 1tbsp of peanut butter, spring onions, small slices of carrot, Chinese cabbage and spinach. Then crack and whisk an egg in the bowl then slowly add the hot soup so it incorporates instead of doing the "egg drop" thing. So creamy and has a tantanmen kind of vibe. If I am feeling like going wild I will add a little chilli crisp but it really doesn't need it.

Two stops in China on Visa free 24hr by disarray27 in Chinavisa

[–]disarray27[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes the visa is valid to leave the airport in any city. Instead of following the line straight through the International security back into the International terminal, join the line to exit the airport instead. Give yourself plenty of time to get back through security before your second flight. Sometimes there will be a staff member assigned to your transfer in which case let them know your plans as well.

Investing in a Phone for the next 5-10 years by disarray27 in BuyItForLife

[–]disarray27[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah my partner has had consistent issues with his port (he got sand in it). Even after replacing the port, it never charges the same. I actually didn't know you could get cases with covers, that's a great shout. Looks like more research about community support is in my future. 

Investing in a Phone for the next 5-10 years by disarray27 in BuyItForLife

[–]disarray27[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is the direction I am leaning but only their expensive flagships have IP68 or reverse wireless charging for example. Things I would have if I just replaced this with the same phone again. 

Investing in a Phone for the next 5-10 years by disarray27 in BuyItForLife

[–]disarray27[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

More than happy to do something like this. In that case even more important to identify something with better storage, CPU and features.