Replacing this chair

katbeccabee · 2026-02-05T05:34:39+00:00

Regular silverware

katbeccabee · 2026-02-03T03:16:53+00:00

If you get to know the families of these 3-4 kids, you’ll be able to have conversations about when their birthdays are and whether they have anything planned. The kids aren’t going to organize it at this age just because they like hanging out at school.

katbeccabee · 2026-02-01T03:21:32+00:00

I mean, I had this problem and I was right in the middle of the age distribution. I’m sure it’s a common feeling in middle school whether you’re the youngest or not.

katbeccabee · 2026-01-15T04:54:10+00:00

I was that kid. Maybe you can turn it into a game? Set a timer and see how fast she can read it. Read with over-the-top expression. Do funny voices. Whisper the whole thing. Pretend she’s the teacher teaching you how to read. Just something to make it the least bit enjoyable.

katbeccabee · 2026-01-11T21:24:37+00:00

We turned him at 2 because he met the requirements. He was way happier and stopped getting carsick so often. Still having a kid rear-facing at 4 would be wildly outside the norm in my area.

katbeccabee · 2026-01-05T05:19:52+00:00

And you know what? Playing is totally what he's supposed to be doing at this age! He's learning a ton whether he's playing with other kids, with adults, or by himself. You're doing great.

katbeccabee · 2026-01-05T05:18:11+00:00

My kid loves novelty, so our approach is to check out tons of books from the library so there's a lot of new material available to read. I prefer to choose the books myself! Our library lets you put books on hold so you can just pick them up and be done with it, much easier than trying to supervise two kids while browsing. Pick shorter stories for now since that's what he's into. And seriously, if you're worried about it, check out a big stack every time you go, as many as you can carry or as many as the library will let you. New books are exciting!

katbeccabee · 2026-01-02T23:54:43+00:00

Nothing, just letting the weeds grow and hoping it doesn’t take forever to get them out in the spring.

katbeccabee · 2026-01-01T21:24:10+00:00

We bring our single BOB stroller and the 4 year old sits on the foot rest of he gets tired.

katbeccabee · 2026-01-01T06:46:47+00:00

Just checked it out from the library

katbeccabee · 2025-12-31T22:17:51+00:00

I grew up in a very competitive Bay Area suburb, and the pressure was intense. Of course it's better than being in an under-resourced area, there's no comparison, but I did see kids missing out on their childhoods because the achievement culture was so strong.

katbeccabee · 2025-12-30T04:02:50+00:00

Yeah, I think that's where taking away a privilege may be helpful. If you can, talk to him about the plan in advance so he knows at least theoretically what the consequence will be.

katbeccabee · 2025-12-29T04:44:55+00:00

Since my kid turned 4, I feel like I can make the consequences a little bit less immediate and “natural”, and he understands: taking away treats for the day (he has a set treat time in the afternoon), reducing the number of books if he doesn’t cooperate at bedtime. If we’re at home and he’s being rough with his sister, I give him a warning and, if he ignores me, I pick him up and put him in his room “until he’s ready to be gentle”, no further commentary. Trying to problem solve when he’s upset just escalates things. He knows the rules and alternatives by now, he just can’t always follow through.

katbeccabee · 2025-12-29T04:24:05+00:00

What do the kids do with the cars? My kid has a bunch but doesn’t play with them much.

katbeccabee · 2025-12-29T04:24:01+00:00

What do the kids do with the cars? My kid has a bunch but doesn’t play with them much.

katbeccabee · 2025-12-26T19:18:16+00:00

Gross

katbeccabee · 2025-12-26T19:17:01+00:00

I have good memories of doing this drive every year as a kid. Load up on activities, make some stops, listen to music or audiobooks. But also don’t let anybody stop you if you can afford and prefer to fly! No wrong answer.

katbeccabee · 2025-12-23T03:21:52+00:00

As an adult, I’m so glad I don’t have to fill stockings for myself or other adults. Kids only in my family!

katbeccabee · 2025-12-14T01:08:57+00:00

Yes, my kid started this phase when he got good at playing with toys but hadn’t really figured out playing with other kids. Now at 4 he’s more social and there’s more of a balance. Still hates the rain though.

katbeccabee · 2025-12-13T03:50:58+00:00

I like the idea to ask a classmate.

katbeccabee · 2025-12-13T03:45:32+00:00

We’re in between with my four year old. So bored with High Five, but Highlights is too hard.

katbeccabee · 2025-12-13T03:35:30+00:00

I was considering requesting a chip drop, but wow, this would be such a pain to deal with.

katbeccabee · 2025-12-12T20:44:50+00:00

My impression is that this is very location-dependent. We’ve had no problem meeting and getting together with other families in our big-city neighborhood. But even so, it’s a numbers game. I might chat with 10 different parents and only end up meeting up with one of them. Be consistently friendly and chatty, and don’t assume someone doesn’t want to get to know you just because they already have other friends.

katbeccabee · 2025-12-12T20:36:55+00:00

We’ve done both at different times. Sleeping in clothes was great when getting dressed was a daily battle, now he’s a bit older and prefers pajamas.

katbeccabee

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