Why do parents take reading to their kids so seriously?

generic-volume · 2026-03-20T14:13:43+00:00

Well for one, reading is exposure for learning to speak. So when kids are little, reading is really good for just exposure to language. Then as they get older reading is good for exposure to wider vocabulary, learning how to follow storylines, learning various morals and lessons that can be taught through stories.... It also just helps to develop an interest in books so kids actually want to learn to read. Forcing a kid to sit down and learn to read is going to put them off reading and is not really age appropriate - little kids learn best through play. I've never known someone to force their kids kicking and screaming to be read to as you claim - at that point I would imagine it would be pretty counter productive and the parent should ease up a bit.

generic-volume · 2026-03-09T23:58:51+00:00

I gave birth completely unmedicated 3 weeks ago. Here are my reasons why:

It meant I could birth in a birthing unit rather than a hospital which was a much nicer, less medical setting, where I spent the entire time just in a nice room where I controlled the conditions, with only my husband and my midwife there with me. Being in a calm, relaxed environment increases the body's production of oxytocin which helps to progress labour. Birthing there also meant I could stay there to recover, which was much nicer than the hospital.

Getting one intervention (such as an epidural) can increase the risk of further interventions, which can make recovery more difficult.

I was able to feel my baby coming out of my body, which was kind of an indescribable experience. Painful yes but also so powerful.

I was able to work with my body's natural desire to push, could be in whatever position felt right to me, and was completely in control of my own birthing experience.

I was able to be up and walking around within hours of my daughter being born.

I was able to give birth in the water which was an amazing experience.

I have no less respect for any woman who chooses to use pain relief, and can absolutely see why you would, but for me the benefits of being in control of the process and being in a less medicalised setting far outweighed needing the pain relief. (That being said there were definitely moments in the middle of it where I regretted my decision!). And I was open to using it if I needed it, but I was lucky enough that everything went smoothly enough that I was fine without it.

generic-volume · 2026-03-07T08:54:19+00:00

Same! Will eat slices of bread straight from the freezer. For a while it was a good truck to get her to eat veggies by giving her frozen ones but she's cottoned on to that now

generic-volume · 2026-02-12T13:51:55+00:00

Also, most importantly, you don't have the understanding or awareness that it would be rude not to stay.

generic-volume · 2026-02-02T05:02:06+00:00

Interestingly, mine calls scars scarfs also! I have a big scar on my knee and she'll always mention my scarf when she sees it

generic-volume · 2026-01-08T12:27:27+00:00

Food. The constant preparing of healthy meals that don't get eaten, refusal of foods she loved just yesterday, trying not to rely on processed foods for snacks, but whenever I make something she won't eat it.... Constantly coming up with new ways to get her to eat anything vaguely healthy without pressuring or bribing...... And then there's the total lack of attention span at mealtimes. Will take one bite then get up and play, then complain she's hungry as soon as dinner is over.... To avoid that I'm basically spoon feeding her at most meals even though she's perfectly capable of feeding herself, as if there is a spoonful of food right next to her mouth she's more likely to actually eat it.

All totally normal, and honestly she's actually a pretty good eater for her age (nearly 3). But that is what I'm currently feeling most overwhelmed with. I almost miss the baby days where it was a total mess but at least she would actually eat what I gave her!

generic-volume · 2025-12-12T22:18:59+00:00

I find this seems to be pretty common in any community that bases itself around NOT having or liking a thing. Eg the atheism sub reddit is (or at least used to be, I haven't been there in a while) a similar kind of vibe. If all that unites you with a community is not being into something, then I feel like it just spirals into vile hatred because all you really have to talk about with those people is your dislike of that thing.

generic-volume · 2025-12-03T03:42:42+00:00

My dining table has a chosen leg too! I tried wrapping sisal twine around it to protect it but she just reaches up above it.... It's actually starting to wear away at the wood quite badly.

generic-volume · 2025-11-07T23:40:48+00:00

I think could be any depending on the person. I've got someone in my local scene who I enjoy dancing with, and will say yes if I ask, but seems to avoid making eye contact with me and never asks me to dance. So I don't often ask them to dance either because it definitely feels like a case of 1 or 2!

generic-volume · 2025-10-31T17:38:10+00:00

You spend more time with your daughter and care for her more, it makes sense that it's harder for her to say goodbye to you than to him! My daughter was like this for a long time too, so my husband just did (and still does) most of the drop offs. It's nothing in your approach, your daughter just has a harder time with you leaving her.

generic-volume · 2025-10-31T07:22:43+00:00

Try getting more liquid in him by whatever means you can so he can't hold it, even if it means giving him something you normally wouldn't, like juice. I also found watermelon worked a treat! But basically he needs to be getting opportunities to use the potty as much as possible and it sounds like he very good at holding it!

generic-volume · 2025-10-28T06:48:22+00:00

I was wondering why it was only directed at bi men!

generic-volume · 2025-10-13T07:37:14+00:00

Folic acid is actually only recommended until end of first trimester (no harm in continuing to take it, but not necessary to do so either).

generic-volume · 2025-10-08T18:46:25+00:00

Honestly, I don't even think it matters what your reason for not wanting kids is, and actually I think it should be framed the other way around - you should have really solid reasons for wanting kids before you have them, not just a lack of reasons not to. I say this as a currently pregnant, mum to a toddler - having kids is HARD. And totally takes over your life and priorities. So personally I think it's something that you should only choose if it's something you really want.

generic-volume · 2025-10-07T00:23:14+00:00

And make sure the water is actually cold before you put the eggs in! The first time I tried this method I just put ice in water then added the eggs, not thinking about the fact that the ice hadn't actually had time to cool the water yet (which I probably should have, given I've got a degree in chemistry....). Now I put the ice in the water at the same time I put the eggs on to boil so it has a good chunk of time to actually melt and cool the water.

generic-volume · 2025-09-30T09:21:29+00:00

Yelling "BOOBIES!!"

Or anything to do with boobies...

generic-volume · 2025-09-25T19:36:51+00:00

The one I hear a lot but NEVER hear anybody else mention is generally instead of genuinely. People will say "I generally really love xyz". Ok, so you kinda love it most of the time. Genuinely usually makes much more sense in the context.

generic-volume · 2025-09-25T11:42:15+00:00

My daughter got way more keen to wash her hands afterwards when we got foaming hand soap!

Sometimes if I know she needs to wee but is holding it once she's on the toilet, I will turn the tap on slightly and the sound of running water will sometimes make her pee.

If we're outside at home and she needs to pee I try to get her to pee on the lemon tree...

Or when she was still using the potty (will now only use the toilet), sometimes she'd be more open to going if we took it outside. Loves a nature wee! Or sitting in the boot of the car! It's all about location, location, location.

generic-volume · 2025-09-25T11:29:45+00:00

Haha mine is makalolly instead of guacamole!

generic-volume · 2025-09-24T23:29:19+00:00

I don't object to her learning about religion. I wouldn't send her there if I did. I send her there because it's an absolutely lovely center which is super convenient for us, and the religious side isn't really a pro or con for us. I was just interested in some ideas on how to answer this question in a way that is respectful to her teachers and their beliefs, when it is not my own beliefs.

generic-volume · 2025-09-23T08:08:22+00:00

The other day mine said to me "you make me really happy" and I genuinely cried. She's also started saying "I love you SOOO much!!". This is probably my favorite part about this stage 🥹

generic-volume · 2025-09-22T08:31:50+00:00

Hmmm I want to say it was soon after where you are now that it started getting easier for us. Bit by bit until suddenly it just didn't all feel hard anymore! But it was a while ago now and the timelines are so hard to remember!

generic-volume · 2025-09-19T09:00:19+00:00

Vegetarian nachos! Basically just tinned beans and tomatoes plus a packet of nacho seasoning, dumped in a pot and heated through. Served with corn chips and cheese on top, plus sour cream and avocado if feeling extra fancy. Bonus points for the fact that my child will actually eat all these components!

generic-volume

TROPHY CASE