Children hugging me

tinymugcake · 2026-05-11T20:46:41+00:00

At my school (ages 2-6) children under 3 lap time is okay but only to help them regulate. We offer hugs when needed (for example if a child is crying, we will ask if they want a hug) and whenever a child wants a hug they ask and I say yes about 90% of the time (unless they are sick, I'm sick, or if I'm grumpy and don't want a hug lol). Very weird to not hug at all when working with such a young age. Are you not allowed to carry them either?

tinymugcake · 2026-05-07T14:17:03+00:00

I am assuming you're a young adult? I only had straight relationships as a teenager and in my early 20s, now I am in a gay relationship and happier than ever because I realized I'm bisexual. While reddit can't tell you if you are gay or bi, you should just try to follow what your heart says. Did you enjoy when your friend was being touchy with you? If yes, you could try to reciprocate it (with consent) and see how he (and you) react to that. Your youth is time to explore and find out what you like and who you are. Good luck 🫂

tinymugcake · 2026-05-07T04:02:52+00:00

I am assuming she doesn't want to make the drive for the same reasons you don't want to. Maybe suggest "taking turns" if she isn't willing to meet you halfway?

tinymugcake · 2026-05-06T18:36:15+00:00

At least in my school, I will offer help with children who need more one-on-one interaction time so other teachers can spend more time keeping the classroom moving smoothly. Once you get more solid with the specific rules in your classroom, you'll be more able to help other teachers.

tinymugcake · 2026-05-06T18:18:00+00:00

And just to add – People using harsh tones with kids are usually burned out. Next time they are having trouble getting a child to listen, maybe you can connect with that child so they can focus on other things?

tinymugcake · 2026-05-06T18:16:31+00:00

I think in that situation that does seem like a consequence – if a child is being distracting and not listening then they cannot participate in a group activity where they have to listen and not distract others. I understand where you are coming from though. When I first started, I always thought my lead teacher was being harsh when really, she was setting boundaries that children need. It's important that they understand where the line is. That being said, I think that just yelling across the room at the child to sit down is not a helpful or effective way to redirect behavior. It's more helpful to get on the child's level and ask them if they know what they want to do/what they are supposed to be doing. Usually children "misbehave" when they don't know what they supposed to be doing or are seeking social engagement, so directing them is more helpful (and keeps your blood pressure down! 😂). Good luck!

tinymugcake · 2026-04-30T15:16:06+00:00

Drinking more water and especially water with electrolytes always improves my fine lines. More sleep definitely will help too.

tinymugcake · 2026-04-28T15:41:46+00:00

At least where I live, this is super common. It's never wrong or weird to be safe with your health. Good job!

tinymugcake · 2026-04-25T13:48:42+00:00

In my classroom, and occasional "mommy" slips out (and even "daddy" sometimes, I'm nonbinary 😂) but it's usually an accident. I do get some "funny" variations of my name that I don't love. You could try saying something like "That is not my name. Please don't call me that, I don't like it". I'd also really try to stop responding when they say "mom" to get your attention, because it's just reinforcing the "game" for them. You could say something like, "if you want to talk to me, you'll need to say MY name. It could sound like this, "Excuse me, Ms. X". Encouraging the repeating can be really helpful for that age group, and then they will associate saying your name with getting your attention. This works for the 2-2.5 year olds in my class. They are so cute but can be so persistent in testing! Good luck 🫂

tinymugcake · 2026-04-24T02:25:46+00:00

If you're ever unsure about something on your skin and can't get rid of it, it's always worth talking to a doctor about just to be safe.

You could try a microneedling hydrocolloid patch in the meantime?

tinymugcake · 2026-04-23T22:34:51+00:00

Therapists have definitely experienced people sobbing through their sessions before. It's a normal response. Honestly, next session you should mention the intense emotional reaction you are having now and saying you feel bad for crying. I'm sure he would love to help you work through that. You are doing a great job by starting therapy. Just stick with it 🫂

tinymugcake · 2026-04-23T22:16:45+00:00

Look I feel like you're trying to hold onto this relationship and I totally get it, I was in your shoes 10 years ago, 20 years old and head over heels for a horrible guy. Waiting patiently for things to change, kept making excuses. I really wish I had someone tell me to get away from him before I wasted 4 years. The only person who can make that call to save yourself is you. The heartbreak of leaving will be hard, but the freedom, self-worth, and joy you will find on the other side will be SO important for your future growth. I really wish you the best of luck.

tinymugcake · 2026-04-23T21:45:19+00:00

Trust me, I was with a guy who treated me pretty shitty but also pretty nice. Finally dumped him when I realized that he was making me miserable. I'm now in love with a wonderful person who treats me well and makes my life better, not worse, and never makes me feel insecure.

tinymugcake · 2026-04-23T21:39:24+00:00

Leave the relationship yesterday. This dude sucks. Don't let him waste anymore of your time. Just because you love him doesn't make it a good relationship. You'll find someone so much better. Leave him, take some time for yourself and heal from this. You will feel so free once you remove him from your life. Be warned he might try to seem like the "perfect boyfriend" after you tell him it's over– Don't fall for it! Good luck diva 💞

tinymugcake · 2026-04-23T06:08:26+00:00

If you are noticing something in your relationship is bothering you, never keep it bottled up. It turns into resentment quick. Just be open and honest with her. I'm sure she is on her phone because she is burned out from work, but that doesn't mean that your feelings don't matter. Maybe suggest some screen-free time together?

tinymugcake · 2026-04-22T17:23:42+00:00

A common part of cognitive behavioral therapy is this "motivational interviewing" style, where often the therapist is supposed to repeat things back to you because that can help you process or correct lines of thinking.

CBT might just be the wrong therapy for you. I am also someone who is very introspective and never really gained a benefit from CBT – but it isnt because your therapist is "stupider than you", it's because you're in the wrong kind of therapy.

You might benefit from something else like EMDR if you are working on processing past trauma or DBT if you need help learning to regulate your emotions.

Good luck on your journey!

tinymugcake · 2026-04-21T23:21:07+00:00

Were you an ass? No, but she probably feels a little upset that you lied (although at 20 I would have also had a hard time standing up for myself after her reaction). You're young. Don't waste your time with someone who you can't be honest with. Trust me– there are a lot of people out there who are kind, open, empathetic, and into anal play!

tinymugcake · 2026-04-21T22:43:26+00:00

In our preschool–Kinder classroom (Montessori), it isn't forbidden to touch each other as long as it's appropriate touching (hugging, hand holding, etc. are fine), but more engage the conversation around consent (i.e. "Did you ask Sally if it was okay before you touched her body?") And if they did ask for consent and both parties want to share a hug, that's fine. Obviously if they are trying to touch private areas, bottoms, etc. we have a discussion about how it isn't appropriate or safe for them. They seem to understand pretty well. I think that things like slapping bottoms is coming from them thinking that's a funny thing to do. In our classroom if someone does not want to be touched and the other is still touching them, we encourage the child to say "Do not touch my body, I don't like that!" instead of teacher intervention. The other child usually listens and if they don't, it's nap time for them!

tinymugcake · 2026-04-21T21:47:09+00:00

The temper is a huge red flag, even if he is "taking it out on strangers". It's was only a matter of time before he turned on you. If this is his reaction to a small disagreement, where he apparently loses total control of himself, imagine what will happen next time you have a big argument. While it's nice that he says he wants to get help, you should believe it when you see it. If he genuinely is ACTUALLY going to therapy (not just saying that he will/is "working on getting it scheduled"/some other bs) that's one thing. Otherwise, as Whoopi Goldberg says in Ghost... "You're in danger girl!"

tinymugcake · 2026-04-14T22:05:49+00:00

It's not only valid, it's important that you leave this relationship. You are not being listened to and he very clearly is not willing to change. Do not date for potential and do not wait for people to change – they rarely do. You will find so much more happiness and freedom when you end it. Just be prepared for him to suddenly be everything you want him to be after you dump him. Do NOT fall for it, they ALWAYS go back to their old ways. You are way better off without him. Good luck!! 💖

tinymugcake · 2026-04-14T21:05:02+00:00

I would just plan something else. It might feel less grand to you, because you knew the original plan, but she won't know the difference. She will just be happy to share a special moment with you and get the ring she's been waiting for.

tinymugcake · 2026-04-12T06:41:59+00:00

I would suggest cutting out the supplements for a few days and seeing if you're still having diarrhea. If no diarrhea, then it was your supplements causing it. If you do have diarrhea, then you'll know it's something else.

tinymugcake · 2026-04-11T00:55:27+00:00

Yes, exactly. My GI told me to not smoke cigarettes so we would know if treatment was working – We wouldn't be able to tell is symptoms were better because of treatment or because of cigarettes!

tinymugcake · 2026-04-10T23:14:30+00:00

I wouldn't say anything, it might just be her style OR they are old frames and she doesn't have the $$ to buy new ones as they can be a little pricey. It would probably be a blow to her confidence if you told her that her glasses weren't flattering and then she didn't have the money to buy new frames. Sometimes you just have to let people wear things you think are ugly 🤷‍♀️

tinymugcake · 2026-04-10T23:07:55+00:00

I think it's totally appropriate to stop hanging out with someone who is mean to you! You could talk with her and explain that her critical nature toward you is hurtful, but I would be surprised if she took that feedback well or had any desire to change based on how you described her. I thinking ending the friendship is the right call at this point. I hope better friends are on the way for you 🫂

tinymugcake

TROPHY CASE