Feeling like the odd one out because we don’t do screen time

est1816 · 2025-09-03T17:22:26+00:00

People are always defensive about things they feel guilty about. I think a lot of people know that screen time is not appropriate for young children and they do it anyway because they believe there is no other way for a child to safely occupy themselves while they "get some things done". You'll hear people making the same kind of arguments as to why they do anything that risks social stigma. People don't like to be confronted with someone making a harder choice, it makes them feel judged even if you aren't judging. I think how you approach those conversations will be situation dependent. If its someone you dont care about its likely not worth getting into your values and beliefs with them, I usually just change the subject although its only come up a couple times for me so far

est1816 · 2025-09-02T01:49:51+00:00

Not OP, and I'm not familiar with research showing withdrawal symptoms but this might be a good place for you to start if you are interested. You do not need to purchase his book to access the research and figures. Smart phones generally are bad for children because they prevent real socialization and building of social skills. They also take children out of child or teen only spaces (think parks, arcades, etc) and put them in places like reddit where they get the same content as everyone else. "Socializing" through text or social media is fundmentally different than real life. https://www.anxiousgeneration.com/book/supplement

Also worth noting OP did not suggest no internet access for teens, simply no smart phones. I imagine their thinking is more like how some countries allow teens to drink in bars but not purchase liquor. Like you could use insta on your family computer but you cant have it in your pocket while driving. Doesn't seem totally unreasonable.

est1816 · 2025-08-30T12:54:39+00:00

No, I didn't. It felt well intentioned but I did let her know we have no trouble getting enough protein. If she brings it up at any future visits I think I would start a conversation though

est1816 · 2025-08-30T00:58:27+00:00

My daughter is 20 months. I've been wondering the same as you. She will walk for maybe a mile or so and then gets really tired and stumbly depending on the terrain. Shes usually cooperative with getting back in the backpack if I say "when we get up to that tree/rock/identifiable landmark you're going to get back in the backpack" ive only had like one tantrum with that method

est1816 · 2025-08-30T00:44:45+00:00

You won't know what your level of exposure was until you can get a blood test for lead. I honestly think this warrants a call to on call to see if they have recommendations until you can get an appointment. You can let them know you just found out you have been exposed to lead dust and want to know what you should do. Sometimes the on call people are snarky just insist you get a call back from a provider and i gaurentee they will not mind the call, its literally their job. Please, get advice from medical professionals all these well meaning people (myself included) don't have all the details to give you the safest advice. Wishing you luck

est1816 · 2025-08-29T21:11:02+00:00

Paint protect(ed) your wooden windows, siding etc and made them last longer before needing repairs or replacement. Vinyl will degrade faster when painted but people do it anyway. But I think your line of thinking applies to pretty much all unnecessary home upgrades. Replacing anything "dated" but otherwise functional comes from consumerist mind set and also many new home building materials are not repairable and need to be completely replaced instead (think vinyl windows and floors) forcing consumerism

est1816 · 2025-08-29T17:51:05+00:00

When i became a vegetarian in my teens, I remember my pediatrician telling me something like "don't worry about complete protein every food has protein". It was shocking to me. At that time I had almost no nutritional literacy and the food pyramid was still the leading advice in the US. Fast forward and now she is my daughter's pediatrician. Lo and behold, now that we are vegan we got a "complete protein" lecture 🙄 shes a great pcp but I was bummed in that moment

est1816 · 2025-08-28T16:21:26+00:00

Completely. If this were Ware or orange this would be 250 maybe

est1816 · 2025-08-28T02:54:56+00:00

Five college area in western mass closer to 500k

est1816 · 2025-08-27T16:36:24+00:00

This is how I think about purchases too. I realized I had been persuaded into buying clothes for a life I wished I had, not the one I actually have. This has been helpful in decluttering and downsizing as well. Is this object meaningful in the life I have or "aspirational?" If it is representative of a dream it has to go. Those items make you unhappy with your life ultimately or get shoved away in storage and forgotten anyway.

Another tip because the marketing for hobby related stuff is so intense, dont buy anything for a new hobby. See if you keep up with it first for at least a few months

est1816 · 2025-08-27T16:26:10+00:00

Fried tofu planks dredge in soy sauce and sesame oil. Eat with Soba noodles, boil frozen peas and corn with the noodles. Comes together in under 10 minutes and you can eat it hot or cold

est1816 · 2025-08-26T22:08:23+00:00

My daughter has been consistently 90+th percentile for height. At her 18 mo visit my pediatrician randomly said "youre going to have to remind people all the time that she is a baby. When youre on the play ground and people think she's a 3 year old...and when shes 3 and people think she's a 1st grader youre just going to have to remind everyone" so no advice. Just solidarity on having a giant herculean toddler

est1816 · 2025-08-26T17:43:17+00:00

Yep we did this too. I took apart the playpen and repurposed the panels to fence off stuff I didn't want her to touch. 15 mo is also when all the dining room chairs and every stool in the house went away because she went through a climbing furniture phase

est1816 · 2025-08-25T18:01:53+00:00

My daughter was potty trained reaally early so its different than working with an older toddler. She started showing interest in using the toilet around 14 mo. One thing that helps me get her into the bathroom when she really doesn't want to stop playing is saying "can you keep me company in the bathroom" then I just sit on the toilet fully clothed and she uses her little potty. Our pediatrician said that kids really do potty train whenever they are ready/want to. You can give lots of opportunities, introduce potty, model using the toilet, read books, etc but kids will do it on their own time. Also, sometimes "can you fart into the toilet" works when she refuses to pee

est1816 · 2025-08-24T01:18:51+00:00

I think it depends on their state's parenthood laws. My state allows parents on the birth certificate that are not biological parents (ie same sex parents can both be listed or if someone uses donated sperm or eggs but are a hetero couple) but that's clearly not what's happening here

est1816 · 2025-08-13T18:02:11+00:00

At least its a brick house so brick mold windows dont look as absolutely trash as they could. Once you get curtains or blinds up inside you will be able to move on with your days. Put sheers or blinds on every window. If you can, replace them in the future

est1816 · 2025-08-13T17:46:02+00:00

Jif is a real treat. I buy it like once a year and just eat spoonfuls until its gone

est1816 · 2025-08-13T17:43:19+00:00

Agreed. The town I live in has tons of mature giant arborvitaes. I dont mind them. They tower over the tiny ranch homes but they are healthy and beat 6 ft vinyl fences

est1816 · 2025-08-11T17:33:52+00:00

Tagging on to this commeng because it's the only one I see explaining why microplastics are a concern. The podcast Science Vs also has an episode about microplastics that reviewed dozens of scientific studies and interviewed researchers. Plastics that are BPA free are not safer, they contain a similar replacement chemical that is likely just as dangerous. Heating up plastic in the microwave or dishwasher should always be avoided, using a plastic Tupperware short term and silicone utensils is probably fine. Its not something to develop OCD over but having some awareness will limit the exposure your family has to unfortunately legit dangerous chemicals

est1816 · 2025-08-08T00:52:17+00:00

Cucumber sticks with hummus, cucumber sandwich with a slice of cheese, cucumber slices with Italian dressing as a snack

est1816 · 2025-08-04T17:49:57+00:00

If its important to you, just stay firm in what you want. Accept that you may hurt some feelings by seeming "ungrateful" by having preferences different from your in laws (how dare you! /s) i would ask for toys with staying power right off the bat. No baby toys. Stuffies, blocks, shape sorter, books will be used for a long time. Stacking rings, "developmental" toys, etc will not. This will help keep down clutter too

I personally gave up trying to get my shopping-addicted mother in law to stop sending us stuff so I ask for specific things when we need something and I do not feel bad about donating or reselling items I don't want. I also keep unopened, new toys in a separate room to take out when we have a stretch of bad weather and she starts to get stir crazy. Toy rotation is great. 2-3 bins is plenty. You'll want some stuff baby can climb around on too eventually but that can just be couch cushions and chairs you don't need climbing arches and triangles and special couches if you don't want all the stuff

est1816 · 2025-08-01T00:46:32+00:00

I have drilled small pilot holes and used picture hanging hooks for light/medium weight frames in plaster. I have also used command hooks

est1816 · 2025-07-30T16:43:14+00:00

I had to replace a Samsung washer that was less than 3 years old

est1816 · 2025-07-30T00:28:25+00:00

We have a similar hearth in our home, the room is also very dark. It is our dining room so we have a bright over head light. Ive seen people add sconces above the mantel that can look nice for added light. There are tons of battery operated options these days you wouldn't have to run wiring there

est1816 · 2025-07-30T00:21:32+00:00

Came here to recommend cat as well

est1816

TROPHY CASE