#Parenting Tips and Tricks

[m3plusthr33]

The Journey Begins: More Than Just Another Weight Loss Story

Y’all… let me tell you how I ended up sitting in my car, in the Walgreens parking lot, at 9PM in the rain, about to start something that would change everything. But first, can we have a real talk moment? Where I’m At (The Honest Truth) Friends, your girl was TIRED. Not just “need a nap” tired, but soul tired. You know the kind? When: Your anxiety is doing backflips Your Type 1 diabetes is…

[kidsinnowadays]

Simple and Effective Parenting Hacks Every Mom and Dad Should Know

Embark on a journey of empowered parenting, armed with knowledge and guided by boundless love, as you nurture the growth and development of your child. #ParentingHacks #MomAndDadTips #EffectiveParenting #SimpleParenting

Introduction Parenting is an extraordinary journey, filled with moments of joy, wonder, and love. It’s also a journey that comes with its fair share of challenges, uncertainties, and questions. As a parent, you are entrusted with the remarkable task of nurturing and guiding a young life, shaping the future of your child. While there’s no one-size-fits-all manual for parenting, there are…

[princess-petals-blossom]

Well, I guess that's true to a degree...

[linkus-b-squinkus]

i’m very eepy but i have some tips and tricks for ppl with strict parents

to turn off find my iphone, put on airplane mode, it fucks up the like signal i think idk but it works ‼️

incognito mode on google still shows up on the internet bill if they seriously look there

fake sleeping looks more natural if you kinda like mess your bed up a bit, sleep in a weird position, and you try and breathe slower

you can get apps your parents use without their permission by clicking the middle tab on app store, your profile, and then previously downloaded by other family

airplane mode can kinda make phone trackers stop working if they’re an app, and you can try playing it off as signal issues, lil risky tho

thats all i got for now, if u want u can reblog with ur tips :]

[on-the-couch]

Building a Support System: It Takes a Village 

The saying has always been it takes a village to raise a child, and it's definitely true. I can honestly say we’ve been very lucky to have family on both sides who are so supportive and helpful when it comes to our Babygirl. A support system starts even before birth, and support can come in many different ways. It can be looking after the baby, helping to check something off the to-do list like doing dishes or grabbing groceries, or even lending an ear for a phone call or video chat.  

We had siblings who cooked for us after she arrived and brought over ready-to-eat meals we could keep in the freezer. We have family who takes care of her so we can work and go to school. Childcare is expensive, and it's very hard to want to leave your little baby with complete strangers at a daycare. I have nothing against daycares but having help we could trust was important. Support can also just be venting and laughing with coworkers about the struggles of parenthood. My coworkers and I laugh and vent all the time about the things our children do; we also share advice since our children are very close in age—one turned 3 a few months ago, mine is almost 2, and the other is almost 1. 

Why a Support System Matters 

The Emotional Toll of Parenthood & Other Roles:  Parenthood, work, and school can be emotionally draining. No one is expected to do it all on their own. Whether it's for emotional support, advice, or simply an extra pair of hands, having a solid network helps to alleviate stress and provides a sense of community. When you're stretched thin, that extra support can make the difference between feeling overwhelmed and having the strength to keep going 

The Importance of Connection:  Humans are social creatures, and as much as we try to be self-sufficient, we need connection. The people around you—family, friends, co-workers—can provide encouragement, share experiences, and offer advice when you're feeling lost.  Sometimes, the simple act of having someone listen or share a laugh about a struggle makes everything feel more manageable. 

How to Build a Strong Support System 

Start with Close Family and Friends:  These are the people who know you best and are often willing to step up when you need them most. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help, even if it feels awkward. 

Find a Parenting Group or Community:  Whether it’s a local mom group, an online community, or even a group chat with other parents, connecting with others who are in similar situations can help you feel supported and understood. 

Utilize Resources:  Some employers and schools offer mental health support and counseling. Take advantage of these resources when needed. 

Set Boundaries with Your Time:  Building a support system is not just about asking for help but also being mindful of how you use others' time. Communicate your needs and be respectful of others' commitments. 

Support is a two-way street: 

Don’t overload anyone, and make sure you’re there for others when they need support too. Building a strong support system is a two-way street, and it’s important to give back when you can. 

Be Honest and Open:  It can be difficult to open up and ask for help, but honesty is key. Let people know when you're struggling or feeling overwhelmed. It makes it easier for others to offer support, and it’s okay to admit that you’re not always okay. 

Having a support system isn’t a crutch—it’s a tool for self-care and sustainability. The people around you want to help and support you, but it’s up to you to allow them to do so.  If you're ever feeling stuck, remember that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. You don’t have to juggle everything on your own. No matter how big or small, every form of support helps. 

What about you? Do you have a support system? What kind of help have you found most helpful in your parenting, work, or school journey? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear your thoughts! 

[crowbraincoin]

Tips for ADHD Plant Parents

Let’s face it, you love plants, but it can be hard to keep them alive and thriving when you have a hard time even finding the phone in your hand while on a phone call. So what can you do?

Here are 9 tips on how to care for plants when you have ADHD.

Gif by emimonserrate on deviantart

1. Less is more

As tempting as it may be to buy a cart-load of plants–trust me I know the feeling–it’s not the brightest idea to start out with a houseplant forest. Start with a few smaller and less care-intensive plants such as a ZZ plant, Snake plant, or Spider plant. Don’t let the names fool you, these babies are just as leafy and gorgeous as their more extravagant relatives.

2. Play to your strengths…and know your weaknesses

If you know that one particular aspect of plant parenting is what’s difficult for you, try finding some plants that need less of that care. If watering on a schedule is hard for you, try getting a cactus. If keeping them in a well-lit spot is difficult, try getting a plant that requires low light (or get a plant lamp). If repotting is hard for you, try getting plants that are slow growers, or try air plants, which don’t require soil at all!

3. Give them a shower

One of the more daunting things ADHD people deal with are tasks that involve a lot of tedious work. Going around and individually watering all of your plants takes time and effort–which we ADHD folks care greatly about. So here’s what you do: Take all of the plants that you can fit in your bathtub and place them at enough distance that they won’t overshadow one another. That way they can get as much water as they need. Then all you need to do is use your shower head (a removable one works best for this) and let it rain! Not only does it make the task go much quicker, but it’s also an easy clean-up.

Pro tip: When using this method I suggest that you get a filtered showerhead, as some tap water can have minerals or chemicals in it that can cause build-up on your plants or worse, cause them to start dying.

4. Use watering bulbs

If you have plants that don’t fit into your shower, or you don’t have a shower, try out watering bulbs. They come in many different colors, sizes, shapes, and materials. Here are some that are shaped like mushrooms! When the soil dries up, the bulb releases more water to keep the soil moist. Be careful with these and do your research, though, since not all plants like constantly wet soil.

5. Spray bottles, lots of them

So many plants require a certain level of humidity and this can be hard to keep up with. I always misplace my spray bottles, so I just bought a few cheap ones and placed them wherever my plants are kept. Now when my plants are looking a little dry I can give them a spritz with one of my many spray bottles. Bonus points if you get some that are a bright color to make them stand out more!

There are some plant humidifiers that can help with this problem as well. Though that can become expensive if you have a lot of plants or you have them in various locations.

6. Keep them visible

Don’t place plants too out of the way. Make sure they’re in your everyday line of sight so that you can tell right away when they aren’t doing well. One thing rings powerfully true for those of us with ADHD, “out of sight, out of mind”. So keep your plant children in sight!

7. Make a checklist

Hear me out, I know for a lot of people with ADHD lists are the bane of our existence. However, it can really help to break down your plant care in a list format. Take one or two hours to sit and write a checklist for yourself that is easy to read and understand, and that you won’t dread looking at. Split them up based on needs, like sunlight, water, humidity, fertilizer, etc.

Pro tip: Using various plant-care apps has helped lots of people manage their plants. Plus, many of these apps have free versions or free trials. Personally, writing and having a physical checklist helps me remember but do whatever works for you to keep your plants alive!

8. Ask for help

Whether you have a few plants or a lot, it can be hard to keep up with them all on your own. There are so many times I have had to ask my housemates or partner to help with my plants. Sometimes it can be hard to remember, other times I just don’t have the energy to get to all of them. So if you can, ask for help from people around you. You may need to teach them and walk them through your process, but once they’re familiar with plant care it’ll be a breeze.

Who knows, maybe you’ll spark a love for plants in them as well!

9. Don’t get discouraged

Sometimes even with our best efforts, plants will die. It doesn’t make you a bad plant parent if you weren’t able to handle a certain feisty plant or if you got one that maybe wasn’t in the best shape, to begin with. Even if the plant died because you weren’t able to keep up with the care, give yourself some grace and take it as a challenge to do better next time.

Bonus Tip: If all else fails…

Fake plants look just as good and require no care at all — aside from the occasional dusting!

[confines]

my littlest cousin is very sick with some sort of upper respiratory for like the 20th time in his very short little life. 😢 it's so hard not to mentally backseat parent in a situation like this. at least his mom is always quick with the doctor's visits, that makes me feel better at least.

[all-about-indian-skating]

The Definitive Guide to Roller Skate Bearing Mastery

Maintaining your roller skates is essential. Here are a few tips that can maximize your skating experience whether you are someone that prefers inline & quad skates.

Understanding Roller Skate Bearings: Roller skate bearings are the unsung heroes of every skater's journey, providing the smooth rotation necessary for effortless gliding. Composed of intricate inner and outer rings, balls or rollers, and a cage, these bearings come in various grades, denoted by the ABEC scale, to cater to different skating styles and preferences.

The Significance of Roller Skate Bearings: Efficient roller skate bearings are essential for achieving peak performance on the skating surface. They minimize friction, maximize speed, and enhance maneuverability, allowing skaters to execute intricate moves with finesse and confidence. Whether you're racing around a track or performing stylish tricks, quality bearings are the key to success.

Factors Influencing Bearing Performance: Several factors impact the performance of roller skate bearings, including:

Material Composition: Bearings can be crafted from steel, ceramic, or hybrid materials, each offering unique benefits in terms of durability and speed.

Lubrication: Proper lubrication is crucial for reducing friction and prolonging the lifespan of bearings. Skaters can choose from a range of lubricants to suit their specific needs and preferences.

Maintenance Regimen: Regular cleaning and maintenance are imperative for keeping bearings in prime condition. Skaters should inspect their bearings regularly for signs of wear or damage and address any issues promptly to prevent performance degradation.

Tips for Mastering Roller Skate Bearings: To unlock the full potential of roller skate bearings, skaters can implement the following strategies:

Clean bearings thoroughly using a solvent or isopropyl alcohol to remove dirt and debris.

Apply a suitable lubricant to bearings to ensure smooth rotation and minimal friction.

Rotate wheels regularly to distribute wear evenly across all bearings and extend their lifespan.

Store skates in a dry, temperature-controlled environment to prevent moisture buildup and rust.

Mastering roller skate bearings is the key to unleashing peak performance on the skating surface. By understanding the intricacies of roller skate bearings and implementing proper maintenance techniques, skaters can elevate their skills to new heights and enjoy a smoother, more exhilarating skating experience. So, lace up your skates, hit the rink or the streets, and let your well-maintained bearings propel you to skating greatness.

[m3plusthr33]

Easy Cash, Teach a Class: Side Hustles for Busy Mamas (And Anyone Else Who's Breathing)

Alright, listen up, friends! We’re about to spill the tea on how you can turn your skills into cold, hard cash without losing your mind or your last shred of free time. 💸✨ The “Teach a Class” Side Hustle Revolution Y’all know I’m always on the lookout for ways to stack that paper without sacrificing family time or, you know, sleep. And let me tell you, I’ve stumbled upon the holy grail of side…

[playingwithapparel]

Slow Parenting Tips

Lately, my family has been trying to slow down. We had found ourselves, very easily, succumbing to the hustle and bustle of raising kids in 2024. When we started to feel run down and burnt out, we sat down and talked seriously about slowing down our lives. I’ve been very surprised at how peaceful I feel after making a few easy changes to the way we operate as a family. These are my top slow…

[camp-counselor-life]

Working with Parents

While most of us work primarily with children, the reality is that we need to deal with their caregivers in many of the roles we have. Having worked with parents as a youth worker since high school, here are my tips and tricks:

Be sincere.

Offer sympathy when there's an issue, verbally enforce that you are hearing them and their problem, and then do your best to solve it, realizing that you need to stay within processes and policies set by your organization.

Avoid niche vocabulary or phrases unless you are teaching about it, especially when talking to people unfamiliar with your organization, like new parents. An example would be that your camp calls their closing ceremony, "gathering of the forest," so you wouldn't say that to a first year parent unless you are also explaining it.

Stay away from acronyms that are used only in your organization for the most part. For example, like 99% of GS professional staff abbreviate Volunteer Toolkit as VTK, but we don't say that in emails to volunteers or in front of camp staff (if mentioned).

Smile when you deliver humor. Keep the humor light and appropriate to the topic. Try to avoid heavy sarcasm unless the parent uses it first.

It's ok to have boundaries with parents. Maybe it's talking about your life, maybe it's about the time you respond to things, maybe it's about what you're willing to do for them. When setting a boundary, be polite, firm, and specific. Once you've made a boundary, it is extremely helpful if you cross it never or very rarely. When you do cross your own boundary, you don't need to explain to parents why, but then reinforce the boundary the next time it comes up. For example, a parent texts you, you don't reply until Monday, unless it's for an event happening after hours that they are attending at that time.

When offering something about your life, keep it relevant to the conversation. My best practice is to stay away from topics like dating, politics (unless relevant to your work), alcohol, dieting/in depth health stuff (again, unless relevant to your work), and any other "hot button" issue. Anything that could sow discord from an ideological standpoint is worth staying away from IMO. I tend to offer very little of myself and keep a strong boundary between my personal and work lives when it comes to parents. Not to tell you how to live your life, but professional boundaries are very important in work life balance and not having your life eroded by nosy parents.

Observe how your supervisor treats parents. If the parents respond well to it, think about why, and you can incorporate more into that. Same goes for other adults in your life with good communication skills, which you can notice by how the others respond to them.

When in doubt, use mirroring. If a parent is communicating in the certain style, use that style (if culturally appropriate).

Working with adults, like working with children, is a learned skill. While some of us are better at it initially than anyone, you can learn and practice and become better at it.

[on-the-couch]

Baby Milestones: What to Expect in the First Year (And Why It’s Okay to Go at Your Own Pace) 

The first year of your baby’s life is full of exciting changes and rapid development. It can be both thrilling and overwhelming as you watch your little one grow, but don’t worry—you’re not alone in this journey! From their first smile to their first steps, each milestone marks a big achievement for both them and you. While there are general milestones that most babies will hit by certain ages, it’s important to remember that every baby develops in their own time. The timeline may vary, but the love and joy they bring are constant! 

The First Three Months: The Newborn Stage 

In these early months, babies are just starting to explore the world around them, even if they can’t see it clearly yet! This is a great time to show them high-contrast items, which can help their eyes focus and get stronger. Some key milestones to look for: 

Physical Development: Babies begin to develop neck strength and can start holding their head up during tummy time. Around 2-3 months, they may begin to push up when lying on their tummy. 

Social and Emotional: You might notice your baby starting to smile at familiar faces, showing their first signs of social bonding. 

Communication: Babies will start to make cooing sounds, and by the end of this stage, they may respond to your voice with sounds or facial expressions. 

Three to Six Months: Building on the Basics 

By the time your baby reaches three to six months, they’ll be showing more interest in the world around them. You might notice them reaching for toys, turning their heads, or even starting to roll! Here are some milestones to look for: 

Physical Development: Many babies begin rolling over—first from tummy to back, then back to tummy. They might also start to sit with support and reach for toys. 

Social and Emotional: At this age, babies may develop a social smile and start laughing out loud at funny faces or sounds. 

Communication: They’ll babble more, making sounds like “ba-ba” or “da-da,” though they’re not using words yet. 

Six to Nine Months: Gaining Independence 

At this stage, your baby is becoming more mobile and independent. They’re using more muscles to crawl, sit, and even pull themselves up to stand. I found it especially helpful to give my baby a mini massage after bath time to help soothe her muscles and wind down for bedtime. Key milestones during this period include: 

Physical Development: Babies may begin crawling, or they may go straight to pulling themselves up to stand. 

Social and Emotional: Your baby might start to show preferences for certain people, and you may notice them being more cautious around strangers. 

Communication: They might understand simple words like “no” or “bye-bye” and may respond by shaking their head or waving. 

Nine to Twelve Months: The Big Steps Toward Toddlerhood 

You’ve made it—your baby’s first birthday is just around the corner! This stage is often full of “big” milestones, but keep in mind that every baby reaches these developmental stages differently: 

Physical Development: Some babies will take their first steps, while others may be content standing or cruising along furniture. 

Social and Emotional: Babies will show more emotions, including joy, frustration, or anxiety. Separation anxiety may peak during this time as they become more attached to familiar caregivers. 

Communication: At this stage, babies start to say simple words like “mama” or “dada” intentionally and may begin to follow simple commands like “come here.” 

It’s Okay to Go at Your Own Pace 

It’s common to feel a little pressure when you're at the doctor’s office or chatting with other parents, wondering whether your baby has hit a specific milestone. But remember: as long as your baby is healthy, growing, and developing in their own time, there’s no need to stress. Every baby is unique, and milestones are simply markers, not a race. 

If you ever feel concerned that your baby might be falling behind, your pediatrician is there to help guide you. They can provide the support and advice you need to ensure your baby is on track and thriving. 

Every Baby Is Unique 

While the milestones listed above can be helpful guides, it’s essential to remember that every baby develops at their own pace. Some babies may hit certain milestones early, while others take a bit longer. And that’s perfectly okay! What matters most is that your baby feels loved, supported, and encouraged as they grow. 

If you ever have concerns about your baby’s development, don’t hesitate to speak with your pediatrician. They can help ensure everything is on track and provide guidance when needed. 

[kidsfreefunhub]

Turn learning into play with our Cartoon Number Coloring Book!

Available for free at Kids Free Fun Hub, this book helps children learn numbers from 0 to 9 through fun, engaging cartoon characters. Ideal for parents and teachers, it's an excellent tool for making education enjoyable. Download and print today

[itsororomunroe]

Image ID of a previous user’s tags:

Bless people who work with kids doing this. What seems like obvious safety concerns to us looks the same as just flexing authority to kids, and somehow, adults see asking “Why?” as challenging authority, when:

often, kids lack the context to understand why something is how it is;

kids have so little agency, and so, including them in the decision-making helps kids not feel so stifled and like they need to find ways to push back that’ll piss you off so bad.

There was a phrase that I used in my classroom when my students would ask me about doing questionable things, and my response was always, "Technically you can, but should you?"

The reason I used this instead of a simple yes or no answer is because it opened up conversation. Instead of blindly looking for permission, the conversation became more about cause and effect. Usually it navigated the "well you can't tell me what to do I'm going to do it anyway" instinct in kids when I'd say no, because all they were looking for is something to challenge them.

For example: "Can I jump off the slide?"

"Technically you can, but should you?"

If they answer no, I'd ask why. Usually they'd say because it's against the rules or I don't know.

If they say it's against the rules, I'd ask them why they think it's a rule. And if they'd say I don't know, I'd explain that the slide is five feet off of the ground, and jumping that high is a good way to hurt your knees or worse.

And then the most important part: if you did do it, how can you make it safer?

That's when the creativity juices started to flow. I'd get anything from pillows to beds to bouncy shoes to wings to someone catching them (which became a whole different conversation). And I told them since we didn't have those things here, it wasn't safe. And safety is everyone's number one job at school.

It stopped them from doing it behind my back. It got them to engage in critical thinking. And it helped them figure out how to do things without help.

However, there's always been an itching thought in the back of my head. Somewhere out there, did one of my past students drag their mattress out to the slide and jump off of it?

[cozidreamsreimagine]

Plant Parent Problems: When Your Greenery Ghosts You 🌿👻

Okay, plant lovers, let's be real. We've all been there. You bring home a new plant baby, shower it with love and attention, only to watch it slowly wither and die. What gives?! Don't worry, you're not alone. Even the most experienced plant parents have faced the dreaded plant ghosting.

Decoding the Drama

First things first, don't take it personally. (Your monstera doesn't actually hate you.) Most plant problems come down to basic needs: light, water, and drainage. Do some detective work. Is your plant getting enough sunlight? Are you overwatering or underwatering? Is the pot the right size? A little investigation can go a long way.

Green Thumb 101

Becoming a successful plant parent is all about learning from your mistakes. Don't be afraid to experiment, research different plant care tips, and even join online plant communities for support. And remember, every plant is different. What works for your succulent might not work for your fern. So pay attention, adjust your care routine as needed, and watch your plant babies thrive. 🌱

Want to show off your plant parent pride (or maybe commemorate a fallen plant friend)? Check out my shop for designs that celebrate the joys and struggles of plant parenthood. We're all in this together! 🪴