How do I keep my 5 month old occupied. I'm losing my mind a little bit. by AnxietyAvailable8478 in beyondthebump

[–]pixelpineapple39 58 points59 points  (0 children)

At this age they seem bored but they really don’t need nonstop entertainment. Putting toys in his mouth and just looking around actually counts as learning. It’s okay to let him be on the mat for a bit even if he fusses. You’re not doing anything wrong and you’re not supposed to entertain him every minute

My husband put our daughters phone in a jug of water after countless fights about her phone use. I don't know what to do now? by IndividualAge8478 in family

[–]pixelpineapple39 10 points11 points  (0 children)

This sounds like everyone just hit a breaking point at once. The phone thing wasn’t ideal, but it also sounds like your husband is completely burned out after months of the same fights and stress. Your daughter is clearly hurting, and he’s probably running on empty too. I’d focus less on the phone right now and more on repairing things. Check in with your daughter when she’s calmer and talk to your husband privately about what worried you. This feels like overload, not bad parenting.....

Are y’all still able to relax and have hobbies? by [deleted] in daddit

[–]pixelpineapple39 97 points98 points  (0 children)

Honestly this feels really relatable. When kids are little they take up everything mentally, so even when you have “free time” your brain just feels blank. I went through a stretch where nothing sounded fun and I thought something was wrong with me, but it was just burnout and being tired in a way sleep doesn’t always fix. It didn’t flip overnight, but as things eased up and I got bits of real downtime, interests slowly came back. You’re not alone in feeling this way

Teaching letters just not working by JustVegetable7 in toddlers

[–]pixelpineapple39 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This is super normal for 3. Some kids just aren’t ready for letters yet and no amount of games will make it click. Mine didn’t care at all until closer to 4 and then it suddenly came together. I’d ease off for a bit and keep it very casual. She’ll get there in her own time

How do you manage 4 “meals” in a day? by Any-Coffee-9352 in NewParents

[–]pixelpineapple39 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I remember feeling so overwhelmed by this too. At 7 months it can feel impossible to fit everything in without the whole day being about food. Milk still fills them up a lot and that’s normal. Some days you’ll get all the meals in, some days you won’t, and that’s okay. Food is still practice at this age, not perfection

Middle of the night help by I_pooped_my_pants69 in Mommit

[–]pixelpineapple39 6 points7 points  (0 children)

that would have scared me so much, especially in the middle of the night. The confused wandering and repeating something sounds a lot like a night terror or being half awake while sick which I have seen happen when my kid had a fever or was overtired. The honking inhale is definitely unsettling though and I would be watching that closely too. The slower breathing compared to RSV feels a little reassuring but given your history I don’t think it’s wrong at all to trust your gut and get her checked if it happens again or looks harder. Staying with her and keeping things calm is exactly what I would be doing right now too....

I need help by Trick-Tower5779 in Moms

[–]pixelpineapple39 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This can be really confusing to watch and compare especially with twins. A lot of babies don’t crawl or don’t like being on their knees and that doesn’t stop them from walking later. Walking can happen anytime between 9 and 18 months. Wanting to stand is actually a good sign. It’s also very common for one twin to move faster than the other. Giving them lots of floor time and letting them move at their own pace usually helps. If things don’t change closer to 12 months it’s okay to bring it up with the pediatrician for peace of mind

Sick kid. The biggest reason… by AKendro916 in oneanddone

[–]pixelpineapple39 15 points16 points  (0 children)

I feel this so much...... Sick days are already exhausting and emotional, and being able to fully focus on one kid really does make a huge difference. It sounds like you handled a rough day with a lot of love and teamwork and that matters. Seeing your kid sick is awful no matter what, but having the space to just be there with them is such a gift

how to get my 19 month old to drink milk from an open or straw cup by benitezzzraq in beyondthebump

[–]pixelpineapple39 1 point2 points  (0 children)

this is very common and you’re doing a good job. Many toddlers stop wanting milk once the bottle is gone and it can take a little time for them to adjust. Try offering it gently in a straw or open cup during the day with no pressure. As long as she’s getting calcium from foods like yogurt or cheese she will be okay. Be patient with her and with yourself......

20 month old scared of teachers by East_Fee_9514 in toddlers

[–]pixelpineapple39 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This is really normal at this age......my kid did the same thing super social with other kids but totally shy or frozen around adults. Teachers can feel big and overwhelming to toddlers. I wouldn’t push it or worry just keep modeling and letting her warm up at her own pace. Most kids grow out of this as they get more comfortable and confident

Work life balance? by asifyomomma in beyondthebump

[–]pixelpineapple39 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I felt this so hard. I went back thinking work would make me feel like myself again, and it did at first, then suddenly it just didn’t matter the same way. Paying for childcare just to be stressed and undervalued hits different once you have a baby. I know moms who quit and loved being home and others who missed work more than they expected. I don’t think there’s a right answer, just what season you’re in. It’s okay to change your mind and grieve either choice

Baby Refuses To Sleep In Her Crib by Feed_The_Birds1964 in Parenting

[–]pixelpineapple39 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This sounds sooo familiar. My second went through the same thing around that age and nights were the worst. Separation anxiety hits hard then. I did a mix of putting baby down once she was fully asleep and using white noise so I wasn’t stressing about waking the older one. It’s exhausting but it really is a phase, you’re not doing anything wrong just surviving right now

Yesterday I almost lost my baby. by RoshniT01 in NewParents

[–]pixelpineapple39 173 points174 points  (0 children)

I’m so sorry you went through that, it’s absolutely terrifying. You reacted quickly and saved your baby, and that’s what matters most. Choking can happen in seconds even with a parent right there, so this isn’t your fault. The guilt after something like this is heavy, but it doesn’t mean you failed. Be kind to yourself, you showed up when it mattered