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- Ann Taylor – 30% off full-price purchase; $99 jackets, dresses & shoes; extra 50% off sale
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- Zappos – 28,000+ women’s sale items! (check out these reader-favorite workwear brands on sale, and some of our favorite kids’ shoe brands on sale)
Kid/Family Sales
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Cb says
A Monday reading thread:
What are your kids reading independently?
What are you reading aloud?
Grown-up reading:
Independently: T (nearly 7) is reading Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Rune (gorgeous graphic novel) and a Pokemon encyclopedia.
Aloud: Anxiously awaiting Percy Jackson book 3 from the library.
Grown-up: Just devoured Tana French’s The Hunter and am now sad its over.
Boston Legal Eagle says
Independently – older kid (8) was reading all of the Dogman/Catkid/Captain Underpants books consistently. He’s been less into reading over the summer, which we haven’t pushed. Will see what he picks back up in the fall. Younger kid (5.5) can read a few words independently, and some phrases in Elephant and Piggie.
Read aloud – my husband has been reading a body/s*x education book to older kid, called “It’s So Amazing! A book about eggs, sperm, birth, babies and families” It’s tailored to this age group, and my kid is young enough that it’s not awkward yet. Recommend for those of you looking for books like this! I’m tired of reading Captain Underpants, so may pick up Harry Potter again to read to kiddo. We’re on the third book. Younger kid has been getting Elephant and Piggie and Geronimo Stilton books.
In between my romance/beach reads, some of which have been so so, some good, I read the Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver, which I loved. I really enjoyed her recent book, Demon Copperhead, earlier this year too.
Anonymous says
“It’s So Amazing! A book about eggs, sperm, birth, babies and families”
This was super popular in our house as well. One twin wanted it read to them daily for a while, the other preferred to read it themselves.
AwayEmily says
That’s so funny; both my kids (6 and 8) are currently reading “It’s So Amazing,” too — it’s great for spurring conversations about puberty, etc.
Anon says
My 6 year old is obsessed with Magic Treehouse as a read aloud. She can read reasonably well when pressed but it’s still a lot of work for her (she sounds out pretty much every word longer than three letters) so she doesn’t do it voluntarily yet. Hopefully soon.
I’m reading Laurie Frankel’s Family Family and enjoying it.
Cb says
I feel like it just clicks suddenly. I’ve started letting T read silently instead of aloud and he’s much more keen on reading now.
Anonymous says
This!
My son (almost 7) is now devouring books when reading silently. He seems to get the plot enough to get the gist. Now if only I could get him to do a bit of French reading ….. (he goes to a French school although we are native English speakers)
Him: Dragon Masters, Ultimate Reptile showdown (i.e. the versus books), Bad Guys, Firehawk and “I Survived…” series and whatever else he finds at the library.
Aloud: Harry Potter – We are on book 6 – which is pretty complex so it is slow going; Roald Dahl (got box set at Easter); and, cycling back through beloved picture books (when Mom makes him)
Me: I really enjoyed Tom Lake by Ann Patchett earlier this year. Just started Freezing Order by Bill Browder (Red Notice was great) and it is terrifying. The Covenant of Water was great, but it is long.
Anonymous says
Independently: Land of Stories
Aloud: Percy Jackson
Grown up: Trying to make myself finish The Atlas Six which sounded fun when a colleague said it was like Harry Potter for grown ups but it is not.
Cb says
Atlas Six was such a slog for me!
AwayEmily says
SAME. Definitely not going to read the second one. Maybe try Naomi Novik’s Scholomance series instead? She’s one of my favorite authors.
Cb says
Oh I loved the Schlomance series! And Spinning Silver.
AwayEmily says
Independently: The 8yo is deep into Percy Jackson — she finished the initial series and now is onto the Heroes of Olympus ones. I read them also and then we chat about them. The 6yo is obsessed with Raina Telgemeier — he must have read “Guts” like twenty times.
Aloud: The only thing both kids can agree on are D’Aulaire’s myths, so we are making our way through the Norse ones for the millionth time. I really wish we could find something else they both liked — will be following this thread for ideas!
Grown-up: Really enjoyed God of the Woods (thriller-ish) but my main summer reading project is every single Ilona Andrews book. Finished the Innkeeper and Hidden Legacy series and am now onto Kate Daniels. The writing is sometimes meh but the world-building is awesome.
Anon says
If you like Ilona Andrews I’d also suggest Kim Harrison and Seanan McGuire. I’m a big fan of the Innkeeper series but the newer Kate Daniels books with Julie/Hugh are my favorites!
Cb says
Were the later PJ books too scary? I wasn’t sure how far we’d make it in the series.
How to Train Your dragon might be a good read aloud as it’s in the Nordic universe. Loki, a bad god’s guide to being good is quite sarcastic and funny.
Anon says
All of Liz Moore’a books are excellent. Highly recommend Long Bright River especially.
Mary Moo Cow says
My 9 year old loves the Raina Telgemeier, but I’ve only let my 6 year old read Guts. They both want to read Ghosts and Drama, and 6 year old wants to read Sisters (9 year old already has), but I’ve hesitated, thinking the content might be a bit too mature for them. Are you going to let your 6 year old read them?
AwayEmily says
The 6yo has read Drama and Smile but opted out of Ghosts. I think it’s totally reasonable to make the call that the other are too mature. We let our kids read pretty much what they want, with an encouragement to listen to their bodies and minds and stop if anything makes them feel uncomfortable (we have the same rule around TV, which has resulted in a lot of half-finished kids’ movies that are “too scary”). But I have no idea if that’s the right decision or not — mostly it’s just what my parents did for me so I kind of unthinkingly did the same thing.
Mary Moo Cow says
9 year old is reading Babysitters’ Club (novels and graphic novels);l the Lemonade War series; the 11 Birthdays series; stuck on Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire; and persistently rejecting all my attempts to get her to read Kate DiCamillo novels.
6 year old is reading all the Ivy and Bean series, Land of Stories Book 4, the Ramona series, Babysitters Club Little Sisters, and I Survived graphic novels.
Reading aloud: Mysterious Benedict Society for the 9 year old and the Ramona series for the 6 year old.
Grown up reading: re-reading all the Maisie Dobbs after finishing the Comfort of Ghosts. (I’m so sad the series is over!) My TBR pile includes The Hunter, The Searcher, a handful of cozy mysteries, and a non-fiction book about wine and the resistance movement in WW2.
This is a fun thread; thanks, Cb!
GCA says
Independently:
9yo is shopping his bookshelf and rediscovering old favorites – this morning I found him sitting in bed reading Dr Maggie’s Grand Tour of the Solar System. He also just read the Nimona graphic novel and an Enola Holmes book borrowed from an older neighbor.
Almost-6yo is devouring the Investi-Gators graphic novels, among other things, and is about to get some Hamster Princess books (may be a read-independently, may be a read-aloud, we’ll see what she feels like) for her birthday. Last year she got a set of the Yasmin books by Saadia Faruqi, which we loved. Kids are currently at a lovely moment where there’s a good bit of overlap in what they each enjoy.
Reading aloud: nothing at the moment because somehow summer is busier than the school year? but they each spend a good chunk of time reading for pleasure each day anyway
Grown-up reading: Just finished The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley, what a haunting novel. Also working my way slowly through Chip War to learn about the semiconductor industry. About to spend some time with Meander, Spiral, Explode by Jane Alison, on narrative structures. All this is interspersed with a good dose of Seanan Mcguire and Tessa Dare…
GCA says
PS: I have been thinking about doing the Redwall books as a read-aloud – we tried the audiobooks a year or two ago and they didn’t take, but maybe I should try again. Has anyone done this recently with elementary kids?
Anon says
My 9 yo read Redwall last year and liked it, but stopped because the next book in the series is a prequel and she hated that. She didn’t like jumping around in time.
Having read a bit of the series with her last year, I think it is better held for the middle school age range. There is context that my 9 yo didn’t appreciate, like what is a friar or a monk or an abbey, as well as hard vocabulary (e.g., scythian, servile, feign, spasmodically, ingratiatingly, piqued, disconsolate, spectral), and a complicated plot. While there are things to love, it’s a bit much for elementary aged readers or listeners.
GCA says
Thank you! I loved the Redwall series as a kid but couldn’t remember exactly when, so this is helpful. My 9 could almost handle it but 6 will probably tune out and wander off.
Anon says
My 10 yo is currently reading the Fablehaven series, just finished the Julie of the Wolves series, the classic Heidi, Heros by Alan Gratz, and the Eragon series.
My 8 yo is reading the last book in the Doll People series and is listening to The Witches by Dahl.
I’m reading The Grace Year and just finished The Emperor of all Maladies and The Great Alone.
Clementine says
8 year old is reading (re-reading?) Max and the Midnights. Highly recommend. Dogman/Catkid are always in rotation and he’s started the Harry Potter books.
4 year old loves Angelina Ballerina and There was an Old Dragon Who Swallowed a Knight.
2 year old loves Brown Bear, Brown Bear and Little Tug.
I’m trying to read the Game of Thrones book Fire and Blood.
AwayEmily says
Such great ideas in this thread…I just placed an order for a bunch of new books for the kids, plus put several on hold at the library for myself. Hooray!
anon says
Has T read the kids graphic novel version of Beowulf, Bea Wolf by Zach Weinersmith?
cB says
Ooh, I’ll check the library. Kid loves a myth.
anon says
Self-directed (obviously not independent): 2yo has been asking to go the library and check out particular books. All the potty books have been huge hits, but the Mo Willems one is the least painful to reread over and over. I can’t remember the title, we just call it the “Mice Potty Book”. Usborne lift the flap books are also consistent hits.
Read-aloud: DH has been narrating a wordless graphic novel series, “Korgi” to rave reviews. They aren’t quite age-appropriate, so there’s a lot of editorializing about the villian “going away till he can be nicer”. Kiddo is so obsessed DH says he regrets even opening the book ;).
And on that note, does anyone know of more wordless illustrated books?
Adult reading: Just finished “The Berry Pickers” for book club, which I didn’t love. “Clanlands” by two of the stars from Outlander is hilarious, especially as an audiobook, but it isn’t a long read.
Books says
I have rising fifth grade twins
Kids solo:
my daughter prefers audiobooks and will devour them when she’s in the mood. Echo Mountain most recently. My son prefers Minecraft related fiction and graphic novels. it’s been hard to find books he hasn’t read but is interested in
Aloud:
twins are a real advantage here and we’ve always had a strong read aloud game. right now we are reading Nimbus, which is *fine*, though the kids are more enthusiastic. The Night Diary was a recent standout – historical fiction about the Partition
Me solo:
I’ve just started Real Americans after reading the Husbands this weekend
AwayEmily says
Does your son have a Kindle? A friend of mine has a minecraft-fiction-obsessed kid and apparently there is a ton of it available on the kindle kids subscription.
Books says
yep! we mostly do Libby but I think he’s also searched through the Amazon kids sub
Vicky Austin says
I love this thread idea! However, kiddo is 1 and I am in a reading slump so I’m mostly just here for ideas.
Independently: n/a
Aloud: Goodnight Moon, Hungry Caterpillar, old Usborne “Find the ____” from my childhood
Grownup: Pat of Silver Bush, which I’ve been meaning to reread since it underwhelmed me in middle school
anonamama says
I’m reading aloud: Blueberries for Sal, Where the Wild Things Are, Make Way for Ducklings
4 y/o is taking these books in his bed and ‘reading’ them at night and in the morning.
Grown Up reading: Just started “Big Swiss”
Anon says
Let me know what you think of Big Swiss. I got it for free in a library giveaway a year or two ago and never picked it up because it looked silly. But maybe I should give it a try.
SC says
Over the summer, 9 year old has been revisiting Dogman and reading those to himself. He had lost interest for the past year or so, but some friends with 6 and 7 year old boys visited over the summer, and the three boys absolutely delighted in potty humor they’d learned from Dogman every chance they had.
Aloud–we read A Rover’s Story by Jasmine Warga over the summer, and I highly recommend it! It’s told from the perspective of an AI rover who’s being sent to Mars. He connects with his human builders and coders and with other robots and experiences a range of human feelings. The story is broken up by letters written to the rover by the lead engineer’s daughter, Sophie, who’s about 12 when the novel starts but keeps writing as she grows up.
Grown up–I’m listening to The God of the Woods by Liz Moore on audio, reading The Mother Act by Heidi Reimer in print, and reading The Bodyguard by Katherine Center on my Kindle.
anon mom says
Seeking advice about how to reassure a 9.5yo girl who is extremely anxious about puberty. She’s showing early signs, but probably a few years away from her period, but she is freaking out about growing up. She doesn’t want it to happen AT ALL. Someone the other day commented on where she might go to college (innocuously, the sort of mindless remark that adults make sometimes) and she sobbed the whole way home that she never wanted to leave home. She’s always been a clingy kid, but this is new, and she’s regressing in ways like asking to be read stories at bedtime that we’d given up a year ago. She’s a big reader – any books about the joy of becoming more independent? Or other ways to reassure her that it’s okay to grow up? I know it’s a phase (heightened by hormone surges!) — I want to comfort her while keeping things realistic that you can’t stop the freight train that is adolescence.
Anon says
This is so, so normal. I don’t recall a SINGLE female friend or family member who didn’t go through the same fears and anxieties. The best thing that worked for the most of us was to be involved in sports. Using your body for fun and fitness and being around friends going through the same processes was so key.
anon says
my older girls (8-12) have really like the American Girl series “A Smart Girl’s Guide to…” books, especially Manners and Knowing What to Say (they are written for 10+ so some of the titles are not appropriate yet). They are not directly on the point of “growing up” but they give specific tools/scripts for handling interactions that my girls felt unprepared for or anxious about. And they assume independence and agency so provide a nice model.
Agree that sports are very helpful.
I also find that many people/books approach puberty as though it is terrible and periods as though they are a painful annoyance to be dealt with. Do what you can to counter this narrative. The biological aspects of womanhood are an amazing privilege and we are fortunate to be able to know so much about our bodies – once my middle daughter found out about cycle charting, she started taking her temperature every morning “just for the baseline data” even though she doesn’t ovulate yet ><
As far as going away to college, one daughter is insistent that she is never going to leave home and we've just said, "OK, that would be great, we'd love to have you around." I assume she'll change her mind at some point over the next decade so it's not really worth it to argue her out of that feeling now.
Anon says
+1 to your last paragraph. Mine is younger (6) and generally an independent kid who loves camp, sleepovers and going places with her friends’ families, but cries hysterically when anyone mentions her moving out for college. We’ve told her she can live with us and we’d say that at 9 also. She’ll change her mind eventually, I’m sure of it. I remember crying myself to sleep once when I was 10 or 12 about leaving home for college and I was very, very ready to go at 18 ;)
avocado says
My 17-year-old has been eagerly attending sleepaway camp and traveling alone to visit relatives since age 6. She is SO ready to leave for college (just a few weeks now!). Even she is suddenly saying “I want to stay here with you forever.” At the same time she’s already started looking for jobs away from home next summer. Being a little freaked out about the idea of moving out permanently is totally normal and for most kids won’t be a problem at all.
Anon says
Aww yeah it’s totally normal. I definitely cried a little right after my parents drove away after dropping me off, but 20 minutes later I was having fun with new friends.
Congrats on this exciting milestone!
Anon says
+2 I said I wanted to attend the local university and live at home or with my grandma basically until 9th grade. Be assured that my tune quickly changed, I loved college, spent a semester in Paris, and moved to NYC for seven years after graduation! I am still very much a homebody, but when I was ready I spread my wings and had lots of great experiences. Don’t put too much emphasis on these worries at age 9
anonymous says
My newly-9 year old went to sleepaway camp this summer and it was great for her feelings about growing up. Only girls, no-screens/devices allowed. We got a few photos back and it was amazing to see all these girls ages 7-17, in all different stages of development, greasy, acne-d, no makeup, muddy clothes, clearly having *the best* time. My daughter was feeling very self-conscious about her body before she went but she said seeing how relaxed the older girls were about sharing cabins/showers made her feel like it would be fine. All-girls camp! I’m for it.
Anon says
I’m pregnant with our likely one-and-done and it’s a boy – I’m excited about it but sad to not have a girl to provide with experiences like you just described. A strong part of me wanted to give a girl a far better experience than I had during those crucial years.
Anonymous says
I’m not sure if this reframing is helpful, but I think it’s important to recognize that our bodies are constantly changing throughout our lives. Popular culture wants us to believe that people hit 20-something perfection and should maintain that appearance all their lives. But change is the norm, not the exception—for women in particular. Puberty is the phase of change that feels the most dramatic to a lot of people, but it’s really just the beginning. Then there’s pregnancy, post-partum, menopause, aging, etc. I don’t think puberty is about getting through some kind of transition and then never having to change again. For me it’s about starting to understand what your body is capable of in a more adult way, so that you can learn and adapt with it over time. Your daughter may feel self-conscious but she is NOT alone.
Anon says
My rising first grader dreads her school’s summer program and after-school program. What other affordable options have people tried for childcare coverage after school and on school breaks? I’m trying to think outside the box. It’s so hard to deal with her tears. I thought she might come to enjoy it and look forward to it because it’s a great program with nice staff and kids, but that has not happened. I feel stressed and guilty about it. I do work from home but she needs quite a bit of attention when she’s home with me. I’m thinking of dropping her to part-time with the after-school program and hiring a housecleaner so I have less tasks to do during the week and can handle the extra strain of less time. She will probably still resent going part-time though. Any other ideas?
Anon says
This is my situation. My kid hated the highly rate, super friendly aftercare. So I hired a babysitter to pick her up after school 3 days a week. The other 2 days she’d take the bus home and I’d meet her and bring her home, finish up my work. She knew the arrangement was contingent on her behavior. Honestly, it worked out pretty good. The babysitter was key – I paid $20 per hour, for about 4.5 hours a week.
Anon says
Thanks for sharing! That is the same amount of money I currently pay for after care, so that is encouraging to hear. Do you use the babysitter on school breaks or random days off school? How did you find the babysitter?
Anon says
Our sitter is an active retired lady. I found her on a babysitting website for our community (of all places). I didn’t use her for school breaks or the many, many random days off. Those I use full day camps at interesting places or just alternate days off with my spouse.
Anon says
I was also going to suggest trying to find an afternoon babysitter for 2 or 3 days per week.
Anon says
We have an au pair.
Clementine says
Yeah, our kid was struggling with holding it together and one of the reasons we got an au pair… Not a cheap prospect though.
Anonymous says
As a parent of a rising second grader – his ability to cope alone at home is dramatically different now than 12 months ago – so from a one off day your situation is going to get a lot easier soon. That said, I am not willing to give up paying for after care to the extent it is available yet.
Can you team up with any of her friends for summer program etc? This has helped immensely in building enthusiasm for camps etc.
It is easier for me to manage kiddo + a friend because they entertain themselves. Could you trade off – you have to go to aftercare 3 days per week and in exchange “jenny” gets to come for a play date every Tuesday. We will try this until Xmas and if you can get along we can keep going. Win for you and “Jenny’s” family?? Friday just let her watch TV when she get home. :)
NLD in NYC says
Hunger games salute. Also going through the same thing. Rising 4K-er is not liking his summer camp and there are so few options for those under 5. But I appreciate Anon @ 10:45am’s suggestion about early pick up. DS complaints that he wants to get picked up earlier. If I can only find someone to pick up…
Mary Moo Cow says
What do her friends do? Would she do better if she had a buddy in aftercare?
A few families at our school use a martial arts center. The center picks the kids up and takes them to the center where they have snack, some homework time, and some martial arts. Maybe there’s something like that in your area?
Otherwise, I think a babysitter plus housecleaner is a good option to ry.
Anon says
Her best friend has a mom who only works part-time on a flexible basis and can pick her daughter up every day after school and stay home during the day in the summer, which definitely makes it harder for my child to look positively at her own situation in comparison. Most of her other friends are in the school’s after-care program. I could arrange play dates with her BFF but they don’t always get along with each other, so I feel like it would be another source of stress for me. Something to do once in a while but not as a primary strategy.
Anon says
I’m in a similar situation to your daughter’s friend’s mom and I LOVE taking my daughter’s friends after school or during the summer. It’s fun for my kid, much easier for me (kids normally disappear into the basement and only come around when they want a snack) and I love helping out other moms. I don’t know that there’s a tactful way to ask the other mom to take your kid, but maybe if you mentioned trading childcare she would offer to host 100% of the time? I do when I know the other mom has to work.
Anonymous says
2 days a week at afterschool and hire a middle schooler or high schooler for the other 3 days. If you’re in the house, you can go a little younger on the sitter, like 13-14 vs 16-17 as you’re there if a true emergency (fire/burns etc) arises. At that age, you could have them fold laundry and practice reading homework with her.
In my area this arrangement works best when the elementary and middle or high schools in walking distance of each other and home, or when the bus route allows older kids to have alternate drop offs on some days.
Anon says
If I was in the house, I would be comfortable with a 10-12 year old mother’s helper.
Anon says
I feel like it would be hard to find a tween or teen who would be reliable and available on a consistent basis. It sounds good in theory but I have my doubts on how feasible this would be as a long-term solution.
Anon says
Depends for sure, but in our area the intermediate school ends more than an hour before the elementary school so I know quite a few people who use neighborhood 5th and 6th graders as mother’s helpers if they work from home. Obviously if you’re not around you’d want someone a bit older.
Anonymous says
I have a 12 year old and she and her friends are all very motivated to have babysitting jobs so they have spending money for lululemon and Sephora.
5 days a week would not work but 2-3 days seems doable.
Anon says
Just a big internet hug from this corner. I also have a rising 1st grader, and I realized at one point he and my younger kid (3.5) are out of the house from roughly 7 AM-6 PM during the school year, and while everyone is fine for now in their respective care arrangements…it’s a lot on little kids. I know if I had to have a workday, everyday spanning that time, I would not be super happy.
Anon says
I also have a rising first grader. Summer care and after care are two very different things, at least in my area. No one who can afford better camps uses our school after care program for summer and from what I’ve heard the kids there are pretty miserable because they just sit around bored. So I’d nix that and look for summer camps at parks & rec, Y, local universities/colleges.
For after school care, I think dropping to part-time and trying to get a mother’s helper for the other days is a good plan. If she has friends in the neighborhood you could also try to do an informal co-op where they sort of rotate whose house they play at and you’d only have to supervise one day a week or something like that. And kids typically need less parent involvement when they have friends over.
Anon says
Do any of you have a family computer or kids computer? We both use our work laptops at home, but don’t have anything set up for kids. My entering 4th grader is starting to have more frequent needs for computer for homework and just borrows my laptop, but that’s it. She’s also the slowest typist in her class. I also have an entering 2nd grader. I think there’s probably some good computer stuff we could be letting them do. So I’m tempted to get a kids computer and set up a desk in the playroom. Does this make sense? Also for those that have done this, what all have your kids used it for? Thanks! (e.g. I know some of DD’s classmates are into coding games and programs, but we’ve been so slow on tech I”m not even sure what’s out there)
Anonymous says
We have a family computer for photos, budgeting, checking bank accounts, doing taxes, etc. The kids have a separate account on it for homework but usually prefer to use their school Chromebooks.
Mary Moo Cow says
I just bought a “family computer” this spring for our rising 4th and 2nd graders. We also had some homework assignments on the computer over the school year and she really struggled with my windows PC and DH’s macbook, so we found out what she uses at school, because that’s what she knows how to use: an HP chromebook. . I found a refurbished one for $60 on amazon and DH created a family google account on it that is very locked down (like requires parental account permission to even access the county library website). The kids mostly use it to google animals because it makes great sounds and use google docs to write stories; my older daughter used it to log onto her school google account to work on her slides for her school projects. Our plan is to keep it pretty restricted and in the family room/when a parent is around and revaluate over the school year.
OP says
This is kind of exactly what I’m thinking of. Good call on checking the school IT! Thank you!
How did you keep it locked down? With google? Is this something I should be independently researching? Clearly we aren’t super techy!
Mary Moo Cow says
Oh, goodness, this experience taught me I’m not as tech saavy as I thought I was! I believe it was in “manage your Google account,” and he played around with data and privacy, security, and people and sharing. I think he might have also created a family group and made himself the manager, linking the family account to his existing account. When the kids open chrome, there is a list of preapproved sites and if they type in a new web address or attempt a google search, they get a message that this site needs to be approved, and DH gets an instant notification that he can either allow or deny access.
Strollerstrike says
Are pickled triangles with slides, wooden arch etc worth it? Just found a set for a good deal and bought them on a whim. Now having second thoughts.
We have a 12 month old and soon to be (big for his age) 5 year old.
If you had one, how intensely and in what age range did your kids play with them?
anon says
I keep thinking we should get rid of ours but then the kids keep finding new ways to use it (have had it for 10 years, youngest is 3). It’s a cave, a display rack for the dress up clothes in the “store”, a cage for the zoo animals, a sidewalk tent sign for the lemonade stand, a house for the dolls, etc. etc.
Anon says
We purchased one when my daughter was 2 and it never got much use. For things like forts, she and her friends much prefer couch cushions and blankets. But ours was simple (just a traingle) and didn’t have a slide or anything like that.
Anon says
My friend bought one new when money was tight because she was convinced it would get years of use and be so worth it, but it’s an expensive dust-catcher now. If you got a good deal, though, that lessens the sting.
Vicky Austin says
No idea, but “pickled triangle” really made me laugh this morning so thank you!
anon says
I bought the triangle, arch, and slide as first birthday presents, and now he’s 2.5yo. They haven’t gotten as much play as I had hoped, but every few days he’ll engage with them for a few minutes, usually climbing over or under 1x. Honestly, that’s probably more attention than he gives the majority of his toys.
Anon2 says
IMO they are best for infants/toddlers learning to climb and build bodily awareness (which is their original intent). They aren’t really good for older kids’ gross motor activities, as they are pretty limited. That said, my older kids do use it to set up car tracks and other imagination games, so our is used frequently, but not for the intended use, lol. I originally got it for my infant and now have another baby, so I’m still happy with my purchase. We got a big set from Wood and Hearts and it was a great price and great quality
Cerulean says
I don’t have either, but I think a Nugget might have more longevity.
Anon says
Does anyone have parenting books, courses or something of the sort to help with managing early elementary kids aged behavior problems?
My kids do well behavior wise at school but at home it’s a mixed bag. I know this is normal but the meltdowns, the rude words, the not listening. It’s draining and my toddler parenting style lacks some depth. I also just have less patience for it now that they’re older.
Anonymous says
Parenting Beyond Power book, and Your Parenting Mojo parenting program by the author.
anonamommy says
How to talk so kids will listen and listen so kids will talk – there’s a version for Kids, Little Kids and Teens. Like many parenting books, take what applies to you and it might take a few different times to figure out what works best for your kid.
I figured out that my kid responds really well to humor – if I’m feeling frustrated, I summon all my energy and do something ridiculous (or speak in a silly voice) and we usually end up laughing and can reset from there.
Anon says
Is the nugget worth it? My parents are thinking about getting it for my daughter’s first birthday. Or does anyone have other suggestions?
AwayEmily says
Yes! We adore ours. When the kids were younger they used it for wrestling, jumping off of, making forts. Now it is a reading nook in their room, plus it can be used as a guest bed for sleepovers (or even parents in case of a bad dream or rough night).
Anon says
My 6 year old’s BFF has one and they use it a lot. Seems worth it to me. (I regret not buying that instead of a Pikler triangle.)
Anonymous says
Yes! Get two if you can. We got rid of ours after 4yrs due to space issues (our kids were getting older and one wanted to start playing piano). But it was awesome for their physical development and we’d use it for cousin sleepovers. I snuggled up with them so many times to read books because it’s legitimately comfortable and it’s easier for a 1-2 year old to get on than a couch. If we had the room we would’ve kept it!
Anonymous says
To add: they are a made in the USA company in North Carolina that pays a living wage. Which is always a plus for us.
anon says
“Wish I could afford 2!” is the same thing I heard from my IRL friend who has one. Although I think that is mostly because her two kids fight with each other a lot.
Anon says
Yes. I was originally a skeptic but I’m glad I got it. And one is perfectly serviceable; we have four kids and paired ours with a crash pad from Target and it’s still plenty of fun
TheElms says
Our Nuggets are one of our most beloved toys after magnatiles and arts and crafts. My 5 year old and 2 year old play on it everyday. We got our first one when my oldest was around 18 months I think and have added to our collection. We use them for gymnastics, obstacle courses, forts, and snuggling up to read. When kids are older I plan to move them to kid bedrooms as mini couches.
Anon says
TW Food Allergies – My almost 9 month old had a very bad reaction to eggs this weekend. It was the first time we offered it to him. Within minutes he started to have issues breathing and face full of hives. Luckily we live pretty close to a good ER and they gave him an epinephrine shot so quickly. Luckily he’s doing much better now.
If feels awkward to ask other moms if they’re apart of this sad food allergy club, but if you have been, any advice? We already have a scheduled pediatrician visit coming up and they plan on doing allergen testing then. I like our pediatrician office, but I’m wondering if I should also push for a pediatric allergist referral as well? I’m pretty freaked out about how we go forward as we’re trying to incorporate more solids.
busybee says
I replied below but had a nesting fail- whoops!
GCA says
Sorry you’re dealing with this, and glad he is ok! Definitely ask for a pediatric allergist referral. They will help you make a long-term plan to test, introduce and/ or manage the allergen. We worked with an allergist till my son outgrew (miraculously, thankfully) his peanut allergy around 4+.
Anonymous says
You’d be surprised just how many folks are part of the sad food allergy club, especially when the kids are little. Don’t let it be awkward!
But I’m definitely in the camp of talking directly to an allergist. Your pediatrician may be great, but it’s really common for them to not understand food allergies very well (and they definitely won’t be up on the latest guidance).
Anon. says
Hi – been there, you’re in good company. Definitely get yourself a referral for an allergist as opposed to just your pediatrician.
Know that skin testing for allergies is helpful but far from definitive. We tested for the top 10 allergens at before we did many solids at 6 months because of various risk factors. He tested positive for like 7 out of 10 – which was terrifying to me as a breastfeeding mom. Pediatrician did not explain well that some of those are only ~50% accurate and he’s actually only allergic to 3 of the top 10. It’s still a lot but so much more manageable.
Food Allergies says
I came here to ask a different question about food allergies, haha. One of our allergies is eggs, too, and it presented similarly to yours, minus the breathing issues. Here are my answers to your questions:
You need an allergist referral. Your child had an anaphylactic reaction; you are outside the capabilities of your pediatrician’s office. Demand this, unless your ped has an allergist on staff that you’ll be seeing (some ped offices do).
Egg allergies are very common and are also one of the most commonly outgrown allergies. (Typically by age 5). In other words: this may get better. It also may not. Some children retain an allergy to non-baked eggs but can handle eggs that have been baked for a while; some retain the full allergy. But I need you to hear that an egg allergy is an allergy that *can get better*, because that will help you spiral less.
The testing should come in two phases: bloodwork first and then a skin test later. For both, bring your phone with Ms. Rachel, Cocomelon, whatever. However you feel about screen time, this is the best time to deploy it! We repeat the skin test every 6-12 months for her severe allergies; as long as they remain severe on the skin test, we do not do oral food challenges. We have done the baked egg challenge, which she passed, but she is still very much allergic to yolks/less cooked eggs.
If you find all this overwhelming, (1) you are not alone, (2) it REALLY REALLY REALLY does get a lot easier with time, and (3) there is help available. I’ll follow up with a comment about a therapist network. I had a lot of food related anxiety after we spent the whole summer calling the allergist to be like “so this happened today…”, and therapy really helped me balance things out. It does get better, I promise. It really does.
Food Allergies says
https://www.foodallergycounseling.org/directory
This is the counseling directory I mentioned. You may not need it; many women handle food allergies without needing it! But I sure needed it, and I want you to have the resource if you find that you’re really struggling.
Sad rant says
I am one and done, it was my husband’s choice and not the choice I would have made. I gave away a bunch of big baby stuff this weekend. It’s going to a dear friend, which helps, but feeling sad for what could have been.
Anon says
Hugs <3
Anonymous says
Hugs. I just did the same. We are both on the same page about kids, but that didn’t lessen the difficulty of giving away the sentimental items.
An.On. says
I’m in your boat too. Sad hugs.
Anon says
I feel for you – hugs
busybee says
I just got off the phone from making an allergist appt for my 9 month old who also has an egg allergy! His reaction was not as severe though. Our general ped referred us to a pediatric allergist. They can do periodic testing to check “levels.” Evidently allergies can be come less severe over time and allergists can also work on oral introduction therapy to help build up tolerance over time. I’m not an expert because we are just beginning this though. My kids love muffins and pancakes which I use to incorporate a lot of fruits and veggies, so I’ll have to use egg replacer for my little guy. If your child is in daycare, definitely let them know!
Food Allergies says
Oh, yes, if kiddo is in daycare, your allergist can help you develop a plan! Some kids/allergies aren’t really affected by cross-contamination, and some kids/allergies are more susceptible to the risk—an allergist will be able to help you gauge the right level of precautions.