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Amazon’s best deals on toys, in my experience, are the week before Black Friday — but there’s a nice little sale on Alex Toys like this kit today. This one was $45, but now comes down to $19 — there are other kits for science and the like. It seems steep, I’ll grant you, even on sale — but when it’s a rainy day and you’ve got ready-made projects you’ll be thankful for them. Ladies, are you all set for presents for your kiddo(s) — or are you still researching and ordering things? ALEX Toys Little Hands My Giant Busy Box This post contains affiliate links and CorporetteMoms may earn commissions for purchases made through links in this post. For more details see here. Thank you so much for your support!Sales of note for 4.18.24
(See all of the latest workwear sales at Corporette!)
- Ann Taylor – 50% off full-price dresses, jackets & shoes; $30 off pants & skirts; extra 50% off sale styles
- Banana Republic Factory – Up to 50% off everything; extra 20% off purchase
- Eloquii – 50% off select styles; 60% off swim; up to 40% off everything else
- J.Crew – Mid-Season Sale: Extra 60% off sale styles; up to 50% off spring-to-summer styles
- Lands’ End – 30% off full-price styles
- Loft – Spring Mid-Season Sale: Up to 50% off 100s of styles
- Nordstrom: Free 2-day shipping for a limited time (eligible items)
- Talbots – Spring Sale: 40% off + extra 15% off all markdowns; 30% off new T by Talbots
- Zappos – 29,000+ 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
- Carter’s – Up to 70% off baby items; 50% off toddler & kid deals & 40% off everything else
- Hanna Andersson – Up to 50% off spring faves; 25% off new arrivals; up to 30% off spring
- J.Crew Crewcuts – Up to 60% off sale styles; up to 50% off kids’ spring-to-summer styles
- Old Navy – 30% off your purchase; up to 75% off clearance
- Target – Car Seat Trade-In Event (ends 4/27); BOGO 25% off select skincare products; up to 40% off indoor furniture; up to 20% off laptops & printers
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And — here are some of our latest threadjacks of interest – working mom questions asked by the commenters!
- If you’re a working parent of an infant with low sleep needs, how do you function at work when you’re in the throes of baby’s sleep regression?
- Should I cut my childcare down to 12 hours a month if I work from home?
- Will my baby have speech delays if we raise her bilingual?
- Has anyone given birth in a teaching hospital?
- My child eats everything, and my friends’ kids do not – how should I handle? In general, what is the best way to handle when your child has some skill/ability and your friend’s child doesn’t have that skill/ability?
- ADHD moms, give me your tips to help with things like behavior in the classroom, attention to detail, etc?
- I think I suffer from mom rage…
- My husband and kids are gone this weekend – how should I enjoy my free time?
- I’m struggling to be compassionate with a SAHM friend who complains she doesn’t have enough hours of childcare.
- If you exclusively formula fed, what tips do you have for in the hospital and coming home?
- Could I take my 4-yo and 8-yo on a 7-8 day trip to Paris, Lyon, and Madrid?
KCMom says
My two year old has a strong Dad preference and it is breaking my heart. He has a 3.5 month old baby brother who monopolizes my time, so I certainly get it to some extent. But it’s become really stark lately and I don’t know why. His preference for Dad started toward the end of my pregnancy when I was too exhausted to do my fair share of toddler parenting, and it continued after we brought the new baby home and I spent much of my time breastfeeding and recovering from my c-section (couldn’t pick toddler up for weeks, etc.). But it has intensified drastically in the past few weeks, even though nothing has changed that I can tell. I’ve seen advice suggesting I lean in and spend more time with him, which I’m trying to do (while also balancing the demands of the fussy breastfeeding infant who doesn’t sleep well). What else can I do? I end up in tears every night. I hate this so much.
J says
Aw, that does sound so hard. I feel for you. I can’t speak from direct experience, as I only have one. My suggestion would be to try to include the two year old in your activities with baby. He can be a big helper by getting diapers, wipes, blankets, gently rocking baby, etc. Also, I was an emotional MESS after my child was born. I understand now that I made mountains out of so many molehills with my anxiety. I don’t know if this could be you, too, but try to take a step back and make sure you’re not taking anything more personally than you should. Hopefully the little one’s feeding demands will get more predictable and even soon. Maybe you can plan “dates” with your toddler that are special time with Mommy? Like going out for lunch on a weekend or something.
H13 says
I am in a similar situation. My now 4.5 yo has always preferred his dad. As much as it breaks my heart, I have learned to let it be. They have a special bond and I just remind myself (like, actually say the words in my head) that it doesn’t mean that he doesn’t love me. We find special time and there are things that we do together that he doesn’t do with his dad (usually baking). It helps. A little.
I’ve also learned to accept that i am always going to be the less fun one. I am the one that remembers he needs a bath or that it is time to go to bed, etc. It is part of carrying the mental load. And, again, I remind myself that it is just as important that kids have that structure and that is what I provide.
Hugs. I know how hard it is. Hang in there.
blueridge29 says
This is hard. My kiddos are 20 months apart and as soon as I was capable of leaving the house for more than 1 hour I signed the older kid up for a music class. It helped to have a scheduled one on one engagement each week, plus we could listen to the cd and talk about class the remainder of the week. It may have only made me feel better, but it certainly did not harm my eldest. Good luck!
Commiseration says
Just chiming in to say you’re not alone. My 4 year old spent over half an hour crying and whining (from the time I told him to put on his shows and coat until I handed him over to his teacher) that he wanted a “huggy from daddy” and “I want daddy”. A hug from me wasn’t any good. Neither was a hug from me and baby bro “from daddy”. Neither was talking to daddy on the phone. All in all I felt like s*** by the time I got to work.
I just hope it will get better in time — the preference has always been there, but is much more pronounced since baby bro was born. But agreed, it’s both heartbreaking and infuriating.
PEN says
This is hard. I went through it with my oldest when he little brother was born. Honestly, it took until the baby was 1.5, but now the daddy preference has gone away and I feel like we are back where we were before the baby.
Anonanonanon says
There’s so many of these! (Currently browsing while on a conference call). I may order a few to have on hand to entertain my older one when the baby comes
Anonanonanon says
scored a “big fun domino run” kit (almost 50% off) and a fingerprint mini science lab. Both should keep older kiddo entertained and require little participation from me. Double win!
TK says
Great pick Kat! I’m stocking up on these for my almost-4 year old to get us through a long Minnesota winter.
Cleaning up says
Daughter is 13 months and leaving a trail of toys in her wake. How old was your child when you started teaching them to clean up, how did you do it, and best tips and tricks for success? I really really really don’t want her to think mommy’s job is to pick up after her.
GCA says
Following. We’ve always made a game of it, with a little jingle (‘clean up, clean up, everybody everywhere’)… but it doesn’t help that my husband doesn’t see the point of tidying up till after kid goes to bed.
Anonanonanon says
I don’t remember the age we started (sorry!) but my biggest tip for success was having a designated place for certain types of toys, and making sure that designated place was acceptable for toddler-level organization.
For example, I helped clean up books until my child was old enough to put them on a shelf facing the correct direction, because I didn’t want to go behind him and undo what he did but couldn’t stand having them facing all different directions.
However, for plastic dinosaurs, wooden blocks,etc. I made sure each had a dedicated bin and he could just chuck them in there however he wanted. THen it was easy for him to know what went where and actually accomplished the objective of a clean space.
SC says
Kiddo started learning to clean up at daycare this year, and we’ve also watched some Daniel Tiger videos about cleaning up. He often really wants to clean up, which is cute. We try to set a timer for when it’s time to stop playing, and we spend a few minutes cleaning up before bath time or pajama time. Kiddo isn’t very efficient and doesn’t really accomplish a “clean space” by himself, but at this point, I feel like the habit is more important than the end game.
Anon in NYC says
+1 to daycare. They really started working on this in the toddler room. Also, there’s a “clean up” song (google it, I think it’s from barney), which we sing.
Anon says
In the same boat (3 year old and 4 month old). The Dad preference was really strong for a couple of months and then 3year old got sick and started clinging to me. It has since balanced out a bit. We also do an “adventure” together like a 1 hour trip to a museum or Trader Joe’s while DH feeds the baby with a pumped bottle.
H13 says
I just need to share something that is bumming me out today. I foolishly agreed to be the class parent for the two rooms my kids are in at daycare. I just wanted to make sure the teachers were taken care of – they do so much! Anyway, I did all the work of collecting money for holiday gifts, annoying people with reminders, shopping, writing the heartfelt notes, etc. and didn’t even get to deliver the gifts. Major working mom disappointment.
EB0220 says
Aw, that’s a bummer. I’m sure your figurative fingerprints are all over the gifts and the teachers will know who put in the work.
H13 says
Thank you!
NewMomAnon says
Awww. Hopefully there is a thank you note to let you know you were appreciated – because I’m sure your efforts were appreciated.
Betty says
Morning Help!! I need any and all advice about getting young elementary-age kids ready in the morning. I get the kids on the bus in the morning (DH leaves about the time they wake up), and the last week has been horrible for all involved. I had a new boss start this week, so I know that I am a bit more stressed but I also cannot be late right now.
I get the kids up (if not already) about an hour before the bus arrives. I give them time to wake-up, and then we do breakfast. It seems to be when it is time to get dressed that everything goes off the rails. They don’t want to get dressed, complain and delay. The temperatures have plummeted in New England this week, requiring a whole new requirement in the morning of snowpants either in the backpack or worn on the bus. Any tips?
SC says
When I was growing up, I had to get dressed before breakfast. That way, if I delayed and stalled, I could eat quickly (or, when I was older, grab a granola bar), and we could leave on time. Also, is there anything you can do the night before? I vaguely remember a rule that I had to pack my backpack (and get my mom to sign any forms, etc.) before bed.
mascot says
Yeah, this is our routine too, beginning in kindergarten. Breakfast is not served until your bed is made, your teeth are brushed, and you are dressed. We aren’t as diligent about the backpack being packed the night before, but we are moving in that direction since it makes a big difference.
Anonymous says
Bribery helps – we often have a small piece of chocolate once we are all ready to go. My son also has some screentime in the AM and can’t do that until he is done eating and dressed. (Of course turning off the screen then causes conflict, so approach with caution). Sometimes he can also be motivated by racing the time to see how fast he can do something.
Do they dislike getting dressed because it is cold? I remember when I was a kid pre-warming my underwear on the heating vent in my room – maybe going to a warmer room or something would help?
anne-on says
+1 to bribery and visual countdown timers (or an hourglass). If they do not get dressed on time they do not get to watch TV (or play a game on the ipad or whatever works for you).
NewMomAnon says
Someone here gave me this advice when kiddo was tiny, and it’s been helpful – keep the entire morning prep in one room. When you wake up the kids, pick out their clothes and bring them to the room where your kids will eat breakfast. Have toothbrushes at the nearest sink; if they eat in the kitchen, brush teeth in the kitchen. Have boots, snow pants, backpacks, lunches, etc all in that room.
Also, I have a set of timers on my phone for the morning prep. One is our “breakfast time is almost over” reminder (followed by “breakfast is over” timer), one is “10 minutes to get dressed,” one is “7 minutes to get ready to leave.” Whatever state kiddo is in when those timers go off is the state she stays in through the next phase; if she hasn’t finished breakfast, we take a snack to school. If she isn’t dressed, we take her clothes to school and she goes wearing whatever she is wearing, which will probably get me in trouble someday when I drop her off in undies and a pj shirt. It’s a bit militant, but kiddo gets an inch and takes a mile, so it’s better to have an objective system.
Anonymous says
This is one thing that drives me crazy and turns me into a yelling monster. So I decided the only way to make them learn is to give them consequences. You give yourself tons of time to get ready (like, start getting the kids dressed 20 minutes before you have to leave). Give a very firm countdown. When you say your boots need to be on in 5 minutes, you mean it. And if they’re not on in 5 minutes, then that child is walking out of the house without boots. Kid will be cold and wet. Oh well, too bad, you didn’t listen to Mom.
Redux says
This is all aspirational as I am not yet following my own advice, but: (1) pick out clothes the night before. my kid is so pokey in the morning and it kiiilllsss me to watch her pick out a sock for like 4 minutes. (2) dress before anything else. no breakfast, etc. until she’s wearing clothes. (3) leave backpack, coat/hat/gloves, and boots near the door the night before. we spend so much time looking for the hat she maybe left in the car, or a single glove that accidentally got dropped in the hamper.
Bonusquestion says
Is it fair that my bonus was paid pro-rata because I took maternity leave this year and was specifically told it was because of maternity? A part of me thinks yes, I did not work those weeks, but everyone I talk to seems to think it’s absolutely absurd and unfair.
NewMomAnon says
Does your company have that written in a policy somewhere such that you could have predicted it before going out on leave? If not, then no, that’s a crummy trick to play on someone, especially if your company offers maternity leave as a benefit. Maternity leave isn’t just “we’ll hold your job until you get back.” It means “we view our relationship with you as a long-term investment, and our short-term loss during these [x] weeks of leave are part of that investment.”
BigLaw says
I don’t think that that’s unfair — for my line of work, it’s market. I guess if you were so far above goal that even if you factor out leave, you’d had made it, then it’s unfair.
e.g.,
bonus is all or nothing based on 2200 hours/year
you have 2200 hours
you should get full bonus
even if you took 16 weeks off, you should get the full bonus if you had 2200 hours
but if you had 1600 hours and took 16 weeks off on leave, you should get prorated bonus (not no bonus)
not sure how it goes where you are, but this is what I am used to
CCLA says
This was totally market at the firms I’ve worked at (two biglaw firms and one boutique) and it felt fair to me. Hours targets were reduced pro rata for any official leave (maternity, paternity, and I believe disability), and bonus eligibility was based off of whether you met the pro rated hours target during your shortened time. I had carefully read the employee handbook at my current firm before getting pregnant, so when I got my prorated bonus the year I was on mat leave for 4 months, it was as expected.
One exception was that one firm had a profit sharing component in past years, and I know that for that piece, it was NOT prorated for leave, since the view was employees were sharing in the prosperity of the firm and it was not an individual hours or merit assessment. So if a bonus were not tied to productivity but rather a profit share or similar, I might feel differently about prorating it.
E says
Just another data point. I’m in big law (in California, if that makes a difference – there are some state-specific labor laws here) and my bonus was NOT pro-rated for my blissfully long maternity leave. Our bonus is not tied to a billable hours requirement.
Pogo says
I’m not in law, but my bonus was not prorated for my leave. However, it’s not based on hours. It’s based on overall yearly performance, both mine and the company’s.
I would think your offer letter should have spelled out the bonus structure if it’s not a company-wide policy.
Pogo says
Talk to me about reverse cycling.
Kiddo was on track to go down to 1 feeding at night and then I started back at work. The last two nights he’s been up essentially every 3 hours.
He is eating pretty well during the day; I think he just prefers to nurse. I do nurse twice in the evening but last night he woke at 10:30 and resisted all forms of pacification by Daddy. Ditto 3am and 5am.
Not only do I not sleep but when he wakes up later than 3-4, he won’t wake up on his own til well after 8. Some of us have to work, kid.
It gets better, right? I’ve only been back for two weeks.
Knope says
How old is kiddo? Could be a sleep regression and not reverse cycling, especially if he is eating ok during the day.
Pogo says
Yeah, could be that. He’s four months. But if it’s a sleep regression I feel like DH should be able to get him back down with bottle, rocking, shushing… and he is having none of it.
Some days he eats ok and other days he doesn’t. I know either way it’s a phase, but its depressing after he was sleeping pretty well!
Knope says
Four months is prime sleep regression time. We had the worst, worst experience with it, and it also started two weeks after I returned to work. No matter what the underlying issue is though, as long as he’s eating ok during the day and his weight gain is good, you can take steps to reduce the night feeds. Research night weaning strategies and decide what works best for you guys, and make sure you split the responsibilities with DH. You both need sleep, it’s not optional – I tried to muscle through our regression handling most wakeups by nursing, and after a week I had a breakdown. Don’t let that happen to you!
Anon. says
It gets better. My DS went from one wake up a night to waking every 2 hours when I went back to work right at 4 months. It was a killer because all maternity leave I was reasonably well-rested, and then as soon as I started working again and needed to be on I was sleeping less. For us it lasted about 2.5 weeks and then he eased back into his usual routine. We did gradually increase the size of his bottles at daycare from 4 oz to 6 oz to make sure he was getting enough.
Anonymous says
Breastfeeding help please. I have a cracked nipple and it’s extremely painful. Pumping hurts, wearing a shirt hurts. I put nipple cream on, but it seems each time I put a nursing pad over it it forms a scab on the nursing pad, and when I take it off it never heals. Do I just need to air out and let it dry? I work full time and have a 2 yo and 4 month old. Do I just walk around topless when I get home? Is this going to scar my 2 yo?
SBJ says
A couple of possible suggestions (apologies if you’ve already tried these!):
-Medela makes breast shells (https://www.amazon.com/Medela-SoftShells-for-Sore-Nipples/dp/B00LSP1PE6/ref=sr_1_5_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1513360208&sr=8-5&keywords=breast+shells) that will give your nipples some space. They aren’t subtle, though, so won’t help at work, but should help you at home!
-For nursing, have you tried a nipple shield? I’m not a huge fan in general, but they are helpful in some situations.
-I hear good things about the Lansinoh soothies, but don’t have personal experience. But maybe could avoid the issues with a fabric/padded nursing pad?
-For pumping, I found that a very liberal application of lanolin directly in the horns (not just on me) made it a lot more comfortable. I find the Medela brand lanolin is nicer than others–thinner and spreads more easily, so you’re not trying to goop sticky lanolin all over a tender area.
Good luck getting things to heal quickly!
Pogo says
I used the Ameda ComfortGels (which I think are like the soothies?) when I had issues.
Can you also put so much Lanisoh on that you don’t stick to the pad? Essentially that’s what the gel pads do.
Knope says
Ouch! I have been there! A couple things – are you using APNO nipple cream? If not, do so now – the standard stuff is not going to be as effective. It’s available by prescription, but you can DIY also – here are directions: https://eventualmomma.wordpress.com/2015/08/26/diy-all-purpose-nipple-cream/.
At home I’d wear one of those technical-material running shirts without a bra. If you feel self-conscious or cold, wear a scarf over that. When you need to wear a bra and go out, put the cream on and then let it absorb/dry a bit before putting on the nursing pad and bra.
I hope you feel better soon.
NewMomAnon says
This was going to be my suggestion – APNO cream. I got it from a nurse-midwife at my OB practice. You should be seen ASAP; painful cracked nipples won’t get better without help, and both you and baby can get infections if you try to power through it (thrush….ugh). Also: probiotics for you and baby to head off a thrush infection.
Consider giving yourself a break from pumping for a day or two to let things heal. You have a 4 month old, so your supply is likely established by now – it won’t tank from a day or two of rest. Also consider asking an LC for guidance on how to position your pumping horns; I spent a month pumping wrong and got seriously chafed before figuring it out via YouTube videos.
Anonymous says
My 3yo still sees me naked (and he’s a boy), so I don’t think that it’s going to scar your 2yo. I believe the rule is “when one of you feels uncomfortable” re: nakedness (usually when your kiddo starts asking for privacy while changing/using bathroom). Are you using disposable or reusable nursing pads? You could try switching to bamboo reusables (“bamboobies” brand were great), or you could put a piece of nonstick gauze in between the disposable and your npple, so the scab stays on?
Anonymous says
Just walk around topless at home. It 100% will not scar your 2 year old.
When you are clothed, try making a donut shape with a tissue or cutting the middle out of a few nursing pads and stacking them under the top nursing pad, that way the nursing pad will not press directly on your nipple.
I had the best luck with Johnson brand nursing pads. I changed them as soon as they got the least bit damp.
E says
I have no advice about the cracked nipple, which sounds horrible. But I am 100000% sure that your nudity will not scar your older child.
RDC says
Late but in case you’re still reading – my LC raves about silver3tt3s. Not cheap, but allegedly the silver has anti-bacterial properties? Or some such. Available on amaz0n. Similar to the cups, they keep the fabric off the skin and promote healing. I think you can also use them with APNO as recommended above.
Anonymous says
My lactation consultant had me use a homemade APNO all-purpose nipple ointment. Equal parts OTC cortisone cream, neosporin, and lotrimin. Apply after each feed, go topless if pratical, and wipe off before next feed. It healed things pretty quickly.
And yes, the 2 year old will be fine. Nudity generally doesn’t bother them for several more years.
EB0220 says
My kids are 3 and 5, and I just have this nagging feeling that I’m not parenting intentionally. I’m trying to get them to the bus/get myself to work/whatever it is and it’s easy to lose track of the guiding principles…I’m not sure they’re even clarified enough to remember them. My husband and I are generally on the same page but we do struggle with our intense 3 year old. So – do you have an explicit parenting philosophy? If so, any resources for developing? Advice for sticking with it when you’re rushing out the door? Parenting those tiny babies was so easy…just feed them and change their diapers (haha).
Anonymous says
I don’t think you need an express ‘philosophy’. Traditions and play are key in our house. My kids seem to love routine/traditions (I high five everyone after they are buckled in their car seats. It takes two seconds but it’s our ‘thing’ and they always remind me if I forget). And they really like when you play with them, even 10-15 minutes of quality time in the evening can really matter. Anytime I get a larger cardboard box or piece of cardboard, I haul out the markers/crayons. and we draw all over it and imagine. Last night we did magic carpets, we’ve also done surfboards or airplanes. Or one night we spent 20 minutes seeing who could make the highest tower with wooden blocks and I made one as tall as me. Or you can do a tea party in like 20 minutes. They set up while you clean up from dinner, you have ‘tea’ with them and their stuffies for like 20 minutes, then it’s bedtime. We allow tv after daycare before supper but not after supper. Since we’re consistent with that rule, they don’t complain or ask for it.
Mama Llama says
I don’t have an overall parenting philosophy other than….survival (mine and the kid’s), maybe? I do have some overarching values – kindness, politeness, independence, being a problem-solver, gratitude/not wasting things – that I try to keep in mind when making decisions.
EB0220 says
This makes me feel better but at the same time it’s definitely time for me some more structure (especially for my opinionated 3 yo). Maybe I just needed some Janet Lansbury. I skimmed the sections of her book that seemed applicable to me and I’m totally blown away. Not sure why I didn’t read her sooner since she’s been recommended repeatedly here!
E says
If you are looking for more toddler parenting books and refreshers, I also loved “How Toddlers Thrive” which was recommended here a few years ago.
NewMomAnon says
My guiding philosophy came from a new mom’s group, in which the instructor noted that your child’s internal monologue will be in your voice, unless they do something drastic (long-term therapy, drugs, etc) to replace it. I always try to ask myself whether I would want my daughter repeating my words about herself, or if I would be happy knowing that the attitude I’m taking toward her is the attitude she takes toward herself. If the answer is no, then I need to do better.
Interestingly, it’s helped me notice when my interior voice is my mother’s voice, and set that aside when it’s inappropriate. I think being gentle to my kiddo has made me gentler to myself.
EB0220 says
I have that philosophy, too. It’s amazing how frequently I hear my parents’ voices in my head. Maybe this is partly the source of my discomfort, since my parents were pretty gentle but good at setting firm boundaries. I don’t think I am very good at setting boundaries. Something to work on!
mascot says
Is “mama tried” a philosophy? Because that’s really what we boil down to. We love our child fiercely, but we are human and this is new for all of us. So we do the best we can and apologize when we get it wrong.
There are also a few traditions that sprang up that have stuck. Example- each night after we leave his room, there is a call and response between kid and parents of “goodnight everything I’m going to say mom/dad” “goodnight everything you’re going to say kid” I’m absolutely certain this started a few years ago when one of us had had it with the stalling and was trying to cut off the running commentary. And now, it’s this sweet nugget. Kids love the little moments of magic. I remind myself that the fact I’m even stressed about whether I have a philospophy means that I am doing something intentionally.
CPA Lady says
uhhh…. I dont even know what “parenting intentionally” is or means. I have maybe never even heard that phrase, so you’re probably doing better than I am.
My husband travels 75% of the time, so my parenting philosophy could be described as any of the following:
– lackadaisical
– screen-time based
– the try not to yell too much method
Also, I’d recommend reading “All Joy and No Fun” as a good reminder that “parenting” wasn’t even a thing until like 30 years ago.
EB0220 says
I made it up, it may not be a thing at all although google searches indicate a couple of books/seminars.