This post may contain affiliate links and CorporetteMoms may earn commissions for purchases made through links in this post. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
“It is a truth universally acknowledged” that kids love things like pirates, rocks, and dinosaurs. Dinosaurs are still going strong in my household, so this dinosaur building set will guarantee a huge grin.
Kids can use this set to build five dinosaurs or they can mix and match to make creations that evolution couldn’t contemplate. Designed for kids one to five, this 14-piece kit includes soft dino parts and colorful magnetic bars. There are also other compatible sets including farm and safari animals.
SmartMax’s Magnetic Discovery My First Dinosaurs is available at Amazon.
P.S. To all veterans, thank you for your dedication and sacrifice.
Sales of note for 9.10.24
(See all of the latest workwear sales at Corporette!)
- Ann Taylor – 30% off your purchase
- Banana Republic Factory – Up to 50% off everything + extra 20% off
- Boden – 15% off new styles
- Eloquii – $29 and up select styles; up to 50% off everything else
- J.Crew – Up to 50% off wear-to-work styles; extra 30% off sale styles
- J.Crew Factory – 40-60% off everything; extra 60% off clearance
- Lands’ End – 30% off full-price styles
- Loft – Extra 40% off sale styles
- Talbots – BOGO 50% everything, includes markdowns
- Zappos – 26,000+ 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 – Birthday sale, 40-50% off & extra 20% off select styles
- Hanna Andersson – Up to 50% off all baby; up to 40% off all Halloween
- J.Crew Crewcuts – Extra 30% off sale styles
- Old Navy – 40% off everything
- Target – BOGO 25% off select haircare, up to 25% off floor care items; up to 30% off indoor furniture up to 20% off TVs
Anon says
HSAL, I keep thinking about you. Just a few weeks ago I think you referrenced your 10 year anniversary. I’m so so sorry for your sudden loss.
Anon says
I’m thinking of you too, HSAL.
More Sleep Would Be Nice says
Same. As someone else said, we’re all here to support how we can.
Spirograph says
Same. Big virtual hugs to you and your kids, HSAL.
Boston Legal Eagle says
Thinking of you too, HSAL. I wish there was a way we could contact you, although I am sure you’re overwhelmed with requests and messages right now.
NOVA Anon says
Same here – I am so sorry for your loss. You’ve been a giving and kind member of this community as long as I’ve been a part of it.
anon says
We’re heading to Chicago next weekend with a 10 month old. DH and I used to live there so we’ve done all the tourist stuff, but I’m struggling on what to do with a pre-walking baby in the cold.
I have wedding stuff for a good portion of Fri and Sat and DH and DD will visit their friends with kids while I’m busy. I have a few pockets of time that I’d like to spend with her though and I’d like ideas on what to do. We’re staying downtown, no car but happy to Uber.
Macys Christmas display and Santa
Navy Pier (not sure what to do here but supposedly kids love it?)
Bean is under construction but depending on weather, some parts of Michigan Ave
Anon says
10 months old is way too young for Navy Pier. When people say kids love it they’re talking about more like elementary schoolers, maybe pre-K, but not babies.
I’m a bit of a broken record on this point, but with a 10 month old you can do whatever you want to do, and there’s no reason to do baby-specific things …you have years and years of doing kid-friendly stuff ahead of you, I promise. So just do whatever sounds most appealing to you now.
It’s actually pretty warm here right now (highs in upper 50s/low 60s) and is supposed to be nice through next weekend! So you can probably be outside quite a bit.
Anon says
+1 I think back to all the fall fests, Santa visits and “fun places” I went to with my first infant and if I could do it all again I would have sat at home drinking cider and being lazy. Babies definitely don’t need or even want special entertainment. If they can be held, put in a stroller, or roll around on a floor, anything will be fine!
TheElms says
If it were me I’d visit the Christkindlmarket and Shedd Aquarium because I like those and they are baby friendly.
Ifiknew says
Our son is 4.5 and has been having a really hard week. He needs reminders at school to keep his hands to himself but this week everyday has had one or more incidents of pushing or kicking kids. Never at a time of disagreement, just like someone is sitting there and he goes and shives them. He used to do this when he was 2.5 to 3 and i thought he had outgrown it but its come up again and feels more high stakes since hes older. He knows its not right and he says he feels bad for hurting friends. He did have an adhd evaluation at 4 years 1 month and the pyschokogiat did diagnose him and i had been wondering if it qas accurate because he had become so much easier at home and until now at school too. We are trying a behavior chart at home for days without incidents, no screen time on days he hurts friends which he really values, talking a lot about how it hurts people and what else we can do. It seems to generallt be occuring between 1030 and 12 which makes me wonder if hes hungry?? Not at all an excuse but just grasping at straws trying to find any correlation. Any tips or suggestions?
Anon says
4.5 is still pretty young and shoving isn’t uncommon, especially if it’s a “move over” shove not an “I’m mad at you” shove. TBH, I still see my kindergartner and her classmates doing the former kind of (gentle) shoving and no one seems terribly concerned.
I know all daycares and teachers are different, but our experience was that daycare teachers were Very Concerned about every instance of even mild bad behavior and now in kindergarten our kid seems to be regarded as the class angel and I know her behavior hasn’t changed much. So I’m not saying to ignore this, but also maybe don’t put too much weight in daycare teacher’s concerns.
Anon says
What kind of school is it? It’s still really hard for many 4.5 year olds to sit still and follow a program all day, and this behavior is in the realm of developmentally normal. It could for sure be hanger; my son gets very impulsive and aggressive when he’s too hungry.
How are the teachers handling it/helping to prevent it? At that age it’s best to correct it in the moment, and it can be hard for kids to connect consequences that happen hours later with what they are feeling in the moment (which you seem to be seeing, if your approach isn’t “working”. Though less screen time in general is usually a good thing for kids with suspected ADHD).
Maybe you can role play with some toys? Or help brainstorm/practice other things he can do with his body when he is feeling worked up?
OP says
Following up that I had a call with the school and they said he has until the end of December or hes going to have to find a new program. The class is also 28 4’s kids with 2 teachers and 1 in training, so it feels like they dont have the tools to handle kids that cant get in-line and consistently follow directions. It’s only been occuring this month and really largely this week, but it’s a pretty academically rigorous program. They said the only time he consistently follows directions and is engaged is during phonics and math and at circle time and all other times, hes walking around the classroom, trying to talk to friends at other tables at lunch etc.
I don’t feel like he’s difficult at home and correcting his behavior at school with loss of privileges at home also feels ineffective, but something we’re continuing to try. It feels pretyt devastating right now, but Ive read enough here to know that there will be another program that will be a fit for a few months before public kinder next fall.
Boston Legal Eagle says
That does sound like completely developmentally normal behavior (do 4 year olds actually follow an all day of instruction?!) I hope you find a better program for him.
Anon says
28 kids!?! That’s insane to me. Our elementary school class sizes (in public school) are much less than 28.
But yes, you’ll find another program that’s a much better fit – I would look ASAP, don’t wait until the end of the semester. Academic rigor is completely unnecessary at this age, and may explain some of the acting out. He doesn’t want to have to sit and do worksheets, which is completely developmentally appropriate. Look for a play-based program with lots of outdoor time.
Anonymous says
I wouldn’t try to punish him at all. What for? Being a kid with a new diagnosis and not know how to handle himself?
Anon says
is this a public prek program? i can’t imagine 28 kids in a class. mine had 17 with two teachers and that was considered large for our private prek program. i feel like with 28 kids you need like at least 4 teachers and a very large classroom
Anon says
Yeah my kid had 20 kids in her play-based daycare pre-K class (mixed group of ages 3-5) and it was quite chaotic at times. There was a noticeable change from the year before when (due to Covid restrictions) they’d only had 16 kids. I can’t imagine 28 four year olds!
Cerulean says
That sounds like both a lot of kids and a very structured/academic program that probably isn’t a good fit for his needs. To be honest, I’m not sure that sort of program is good fit for most four year olds.
Anonymous says
+1 Academic preschools do not give kids an advantage, and frankly these kids do WORSE in school by later elementary school. I’d pull your kid out because the program is the issue, not your child.
Anonymous says
So how are you treating the ADHD diagnosis? You got it, now what?
Anon says
I think getting him out of this class would be the first step. Those are unrealistic expectations for a neurotypical 4 year old, let alone an ADHD one.
OP says
What do you guys recommend? Everything ive read online for a 4 year old seems parent training is the most effective and we have done that. I read books frequently on strategies, took that PPP class, and like I said, I dont find him particularly challenging at home, but maybe school is where ADHD shows up? I don’t even know, its hard to parse out the noise of him being 4 vs. a true diagnosis as well, but I want to do whatever is needed. There is obviously no shame in having the diagnosis, im just not sure what we can do at 4.
Anon says
I have a kid with a lot of ADHD behaviors, although no official diagnosis, at least not yet. My first step would be finding a new school. Being made to sit still a lot and do schoolwork in pre-K is really not good for any kid, but especially ADHD kids. Beyond that, I think it may be more about educating teachers so they’re compassionate. I don’t think punishment works great for ADHD in general, and personally I would not punish a kid that age at home for in-school behavior.
OP says
thats helpful, thank you. Do you think I should let the in-school behavior go? like do i need to do anything at home beyond talking about why its okay to not push or kick etc? Im not getting a “why” he did or its illogical like they said its outside time and its not, so I kicked them? I just dont know how to understand that.
Anon says
I’d probably start by talking to the teachers and see what. We got a lot of teacher complaints at that age, but when we had a meeting and asked point blank what they wanted us to be doing at home, they didn’t really have an answer, so that made us feel less guilty about letting stuff go.
We’ve also had some success with positive reinforcement, so rather than taking screentime away for bad behavior you’d let your kid earn more with good behavior. My kid really likes sticker charts where she gets a sticker for small things (like making it through a day without a note home) and then gets bigger prizes after a certain number. I’m not suggesting it’s a silver bullet by any means, but one thing to potentially try.
Anon says
*see what they say.
anonM says
Hey, I’m the adhd poster below. I’d really focus on emotional regulation now. Take a look at the Little Otter Mindful Kids Cards, for example. Make sure whatever school/class you end up deciding on has, or will agree to implement, some kind of Calm Corner. Encourage LO to use it when they need to calm/feel overwhelmed. Encourage asking for help/telling you when things are too much. Get in the habit of using visual charts at home and encourage school to do so too. The more you can lay this foundation now the better Kindergarten will be. GL!
anonM says
ADHD update/invitation for opinions. Yesterday DS, 5.5yo, got an official ADHD diagnosis. (Previously, we did OT and he was assessed as having gross motor and auditory processing delays). While it is not a surprise, it has been a bit emotional to unpack – DH never was diagnosed but pretty clearly has it, one of his brothers was diagnosed as a kid, my sister was diagnosed as a adult, and my mom probably has it too. So, we have this wide array of experiences as far as how it impacted people, opinions on medication, etc. etc. I’m not very concerned with our home life — DH obviously knows how he learned to cope with it, and I have apparently been around it a lot before realizing it, so I’m used to work arounds and coping strategies. Our main issue is school. We have started the 504 plan process, and I really think some quiet “reset” breaks throughout the day will make a big difference. The doctor yesterday broached medication, which DH is against but willing to consider once we try more accommodations. Right now, DS is getting consistently in trouble for behavior in all classes, including gym/art, etc. Has anyone had 504s and parenting shifts make enough of a difference? Or, if it is that severe have you ended up using medication? I know everyone has different Opinions on this, but I’m very interested to hear some more views, advice, etc. Thanks for reading.
Boston Legal Eagle says
This is timely for me too. We’re in the process of having our older son evaluated, and our therapist mentioned that therapy + medication (not either alone) is the gold standard, so I am open to medication if the time comes. I know for me, personally, SSRIs have made all the difference and I don’t think I would have gotten here without therapy. Is your husband’s concern that he will need to take something for the rest of his life? Or that he is somehow “broken” for trying medication? A lot of that can be the anxiety in ADHD talking, IMO.
anonM says
Thanks for sharing that BLE. Re DH, it is more that he himself has found ways to make his ADHD his superpower. He has a great ability to hyperfocus and has maintained a unique and creative thought process and really feels like his ADHD is part of who he is at his core and that it overall helps him. (And, honestly, it does! His skill set is really unique and powerful.) There is some defensiveness there, but at its core I think it is more a fear of the school system, medication, etc. squashing our son’s special and unique traits in favor of conformity. And, there is some fear of the emotional blunting/zombie effect that some we know remember hating and resenting as a kid. All of which is fair.
Anonymous says
Counterpoint: If a child is always struggling to regulate his behavior and getting in trouble, medication can actually be a relief to the child and not just to the adults around him.
anonM says
Yes! This is something we talked a lot about. And is part of our discussion that trying it doesn’t mean it is forever. We can see how he feels. And just because Path A worked for DH doesn’t mean it will for DS.
Boston Legal Eagle says
Re-reading, in my earlier post I meant I wouldn’t have gotten here WITH JUST therapy. And totally get that on the medication. I don’t know the specifics of ADHD medication, but I know for myself, I am still me (more anxious than the average person), but it doesn’t interfere with my life or cause constant mental ruminations as much. And there are certainly ranges – if your husband hasn’t had this interfere with his life as much, then maybe he doesn’t need medication. And I get the piece on conformity too – but with ADHD, I think it’s not just about having to sit still for a longer than maybe developmentally appropriate time – it also interferes with your own self esteem and causes outsize reactions to a lot of things, and can interfere with social relationships too. But I am certainly not an expert, just my own experience.
anonM says
I understood that’s how you meant it initially. And, yes, it really is causing social problems. I’m still trying to understand how much of it is ADHD v personality v auditory processing etc, but yeah, he has problems making friends with peers at school for sure. It’s a good point re DH. Thanks again.
Anon says
No advice, but I’m glad you got a diagnosis and I hope things improve for you soon!
Spirograph says
We’re going down this road with my daughter right now and re: medication + therapy, the therapist gave an analogy I liked:
Let’s say I, really hungry and don’t know how to make dinner. The long-term solution is that I need to learn to cook. I can take a cooking class, and after a while, I’ll know how to make all kinds of delicious stuff. But right now, I can just pick up the phone and order a pizza.
We are absolutely interested in medication because of the social impact ADHD is having. My daughter lashes out at friends and classmates. She’s contrite later and often apologizes, and she still has a handful of friends, but kids are not infinitely forgiving. This doom spirals into low self esteem, etc. Yes, she needs long-term coping strategies, but she also needs help to control those impulses while she learns, so she can make and maintain healthy relationships with her peers. Medication should not always be considered a last resort, depending on what behavior you’re facing. Your might not need to use it forever, but it can prevent longer term harm.
Boston Legal Eagle says
I think it’s great that so many of us are looking into this while our kids are still young. With my and my husband’s parents, there was definitely more of a mentality of, just deal with whatever mental/emotional thing you’ve got going on, or ignoring it and hoping for the best (and I love and am grateful for my parents, but they’re not perfect).
anonM says
Spirograph, that is a great point and analogy. Good to know therapy is helpful in this context.
And BLE, Yes! Like, addressing my child’s needs is NOT babying them. Sorry FIL you don’t get to weigh on this one. Sigh.
Anonymous says
IME experience medication is the only thing that really made a difference. Also, ADHD medication is not going to turn your kid into a zombie, it’s just going to allow him to regulate his emotions and attention somewhat better.
anonM says
Hm, that is exactly what I thought some folks here had said before. (And I’m not really worried about the zombie thing- I know friends that said they had that, but from what I’ve researched this seems more like a poor med type/dosage issue we can address if it happens.) What did you try first? What age did your kiddo start with medication? Looking back now, any advice? Wish you’d started meds sooner? And any advice on what type to try first? Thank you!
Anonymous says
Yeah, I don’t think it’s possible for stimulant medications (the first line for ADHD) to turn a kid into a zombie. Another thing to keep in mind is that there is emerging evidence that medicating ADHD early and consistently (so no weekends off) can rewire the brain pathways involved in ADHD.
Anonymous says
At the very least, it is much easier to make habits and learn good coping skills while medicated that help a lot when not medicated. It’s so hard to work out the emotional regulation/organiztion/productivity methods that work for you when you’re fighting your brain every step of the way. I’m currently not taking stimulants and, although its a challenge, its less of a challenge than it could have been if I hadn’t had the opportunity to build skills first.
Anonymous says
For those with somewhat older kids, how do you prepare for sleepovers?
My daughter wants a bday party sleepover. We are in a NYC apartment so I can’t just send everyone to the basement and I want to make it feel festive and fun. There are services that will rent you tents, mattresses, fairy lights, etc., but I am debating whether the money is worth it. On the one hand, they are pricey and on the other it would take all the stress away. Thoughts?
Also, if anyone has used one, let me know, & if in NYC, specific recommendations welcome!
Anonymous says
I wouldn’t use tents unless there is a tent big enough that all the kids can fit inside. Most of the fun of a sleepover is giggling together, which smaller tents would inhibit.
We have a small house with no basement and just line the sleeping bags up on the floor in the family room in front of the TV. No mattresses. Fairy lights would be fun, but you can buy those cheaply and the type with metal wires and tiny lights are very compact to store for future parties.
FVNC says
My daughter just had a sleepover party for her 10th birthday. We did pizza, cake and presents, then a movie. Only two out of the four guests spent the night, which made it super manageable. They watched the movie together in my daughter’s room (we have a projector we set up in her room) cuddled together on an air mattress. They just slept in her room, too…air mattress and sleeping bags on the (carpeted) floor. We put up some balloons and “happy birthday” banners but otherwise didn’t prep the house at all. They all seemed to have a good time! The major stress reducer for me was keeping the guest list small and manageable. Have fun!
Anonymous says
I would never do those services. I’m not a millionaire. Sleeping bags on the floor are fine. And I’d keep it super small.
NYCer says
We have not used one of those services, though my daughter has been to parties that have. Personally it seems over the top to me, but reasonable minds can differ on that point. I will say that the girls seem to have had fun regardless of how the party is organized. One thing that has been a hit for us is buying (cheap) matching pajamas for the girls. They were all thrilled!
NYCer says
Oh, and I will second what others have said…. Keep the guest list small!
Anon says
so i lived in NYC as a kid and recall attending sleepover parties. I think those services are cute, but not necessary at all. How many kids are we talking? And how many bedrooms is your apartment? Does your apartment building have a party room? i have a lot of ideas, just depends on your set up
Anonymous says
OP here. I am a terrible party planner so I welcome all your ideas!
No party room. Two bedroom apartment. Between 5-7 kids total, including mine. We have a reasonably large living room so was thinking all kids will sleep there. Our couch is one of those easy to move modular types. I am okay throwing some money at this to make it feel special but agree that $1000 for a sleepover does seem like a bit much.
Anon says
Put disposable tablecloth on your table. Purchase the $5 craft kits from target per child, or get cheap white pillow cases and fabric markers for kids to decorate – or both. depending on timing of party, i say serve pizza and cake early to get the sugar out of their systems. Or let them decorate their own cupcakes. Get one of those multicolor light up plug in disco dance things and let the kids have a dance party (on the earlier side as to not disturb the neighbors), have kids change into pjs for movie with popcorn. Maybe give them glow sticks to wear. Idk your daughters interests/crowd, but they could also decorate their own sweatbands and do a calm down yoga video before bed if that’s their thing. Mad Libs can be great for a small group of girls. I like choosing some kind of color scheme. Depending on budget you could get the girls matching pjs or sleep masks or slippers to wear as the favor. Don’t expect anyone to get a lot of sleep. Think of an easy breakfast.
Lily says
If you really like the tent idea, search for “kids reading tent” or “kids play tent” on amazon. You can get a pretty big canvas one (may fit 5 girls if they’re just in there hanging out, not sleeping) for under $100 and easily put pretty twinkle lights and cozy blankets in it. Not sure you’d have anywhere to store it after the party, though (but if your kids’ room is big enough, it’d be fun to have in there permanently).
I’d spend the money you would have spent on the service on something matching for the girls (PJs, slippers, something they will actually get use out of after the party and doubles as a party favor) and yummy food. If your girls like to craft, maybe a non-messy activity they could do while just hanging out or while watching a movie.
Anon says
The only family I knew who used one of those services has a giant mansion in Westchester. You need a TON of space to set up those glamping sleepover tent setups.
Anon says
Yeah, I’m not sure where this tent thing would fit in most NYC apartments.
Anonymous says
Can I tell you, I live in an NYC apartment and like to camp and figuring out where/how to dry out our tent if it rains when we go camping is such a logistical challenge. Several times we have set it up in front of our apartment building in desperation, which I think really alarms the neighbors. It really won’t fit anywhere except maybe our living room, if it filled the room, or I suppose we could pitch it on top of our bed if it wasn’t filthy.
Anon says
Kind of a random question, but does anyone have a particularly interesting or unique summer camp (day camp) near you that you’d recommend? Bonus points if you live in an area that would be fun for tourists :) I promised my 6 year old a week of “campcation” (I work remotely, she does camp, we have nights and the weekend to explore a new place) and now I need to figure out where to go and what to do. She has pretty typical interests for her age – animals, arts and crafts, STEM stuff, nature. Not so much into ball sports, but likes dance, climbing and swimming.
Anonymous says
I live in DC and there are Smithsonian camps (but they are really hard to get into, you need to be a donor), and there used to be a Zoo camp but I’m not sure if they’re bringing that back. To be completely candid I have heard mixed reviews about the Smithsonian camps but if I could get my kids in, I would do it. If she likes biking, there is a really great bike camp my kid actually has done called Capital Cycle camp. They meet in the Eastern Market area (a great place to stay) and bike all over the city, go to parks, pools, the museums, the zoo, etc. It was awesome and my kid loved it. Some of the local theaters (Shakespeare, Arena), run day camps too.
OP says
Thanks! The biking camp sounds super cool although I’m not sure she has the stamina for that kind of thing now, maybe in a year or two. I should have mentioned that we have excellent zoo camp in our town and she’s going to do a week of that here, so I’m less interested in zoos than other museum-type camps, which we’re lacking. Although the Smithsonian is on a different level than our zoo for sure.
anon says
In the DC area, there’s also a sailing camp on the Potomac that is fun. If you go for a few sessions you can work to get your sailing license.
In NOVA, my kids liked “Battle Camp” which was a mix of fencing and archery. They got to try out things they’d only read about in books (e.g., Redwall).
Anonymous says
There are also learn-to-sail camps in Annapolis that look really fun. we’re thinking of doing a camp-cation there next year.
that Battle Camp sounds amazing, and also thanks for the reminder about Redwall, I remember my brother loved those books as a kid, but I don’t think I’ve tried them for my son yet!
Anonymous says
I live in DC suburbs (in MD) and Camp Olympia looks really neat, it has horseback riding and swimming.
Anonymous says
I would go to Costa Rica!
AIMS says
If you want to come to NYC, we have a place called Art Farm in the City that would fit all those interests. They have animals, do art projects, etc. Two locations – one on the east and one on west side.
Meg says
If you are up for the Midwest, the St Louis zoo runs a great summer camp. Thursday night is even a sleepover at the zoo, where they sleep outside (if it doesn’t rain), and the kids wake up to the lions roaring in the morning. Or you can pick her up after dinner if she is too young for sleepover.
I think St Louis is a great place to visit with kids, btw. Lots of free(!) things to do in forest park, arch, see a baseball game, etc.
OP says
Thanks! We’re in the Midwest and not that far from St Louis but for some reason it’s one of the few big Midwest cities we haven’t visited with our kid. We were thinking of going for a long weekend in the spring but maybe I need to look at the zoo camp. She’d love the overnight. She’s mad that she’s too young for the Girl Scout sleepaway camp some of her troop is going to.
Anon. says
Whether you do the camp or not, the St. Louis Zoo is absolutely worth your time if you live close-ish. We are about a 3-hour drive and my kids adore it.
Meg says
Just saw your note about maybe not zoo, the science center in STL also does really good camps, but I think you would have to pair two half day sessions with a lunch bunch.
Puppy Teeth! says
can we please have a thread of all the reasons that you love your dog and can’t imagine life without them? I need to focus on the positives and not just fixate on feeling that we ruined our easy lives.
AIMS says
Our dog knows when we are sad or sick and will not leave our side at those times. He woke up with me to nurse my kids at night. Tried to help me look for lost pacifiers under the crib at 3 am. He even barks when the kids do something dangerous.
The puppy phase is hard but dogs are great.
anon says
When my kids get upset I’ll often find them cuddling with and talking to our dog. She’s the best at calming them down and a huge source of comfort for them. They really adore her, and I love her even more for it.
Anonymous says
Our dog literally saved me and my then-baby from a home invasion. The fierce loyalty of dogs is unmatched! I could say many other things, too, but my family will never forget that specific incident.
Puppy Teeth! says
this is crazy and also such a lovely example of a good reason to have a dog. my kids and I are alone often. our dog is going to be huge and is clearly loyal already. this bring peace! I am sorry you had to go through that but so thankful for your pup.
Boston Legal Eagle says
Me again, and I’m right there with you in the hard puppy phase! But I already love our doggie so much and see how much she benefits our lives. For my older kid, she’s going to be a source of calm for when he feels stressed or overwhelmed, and she is always open to cuddle or run around and play (the nipping will end… eventually), and for my younger kid, I think it will help him get over his fear of large animals and also provide a companion for him.
Puppy Teeth! says
love this, Boston Legal Eagle! I have been thinking of you, too! I know our kids like him already but haven’t had as much benefit from the running around due to the nipping. when the dog is chill though, they really do enjoy cuddling up, talking to him, reading to him…
Puppy Teeth! says
thank you for these! this is what I need. these both melt my heart.
Anonymous says
My dog is now a snuggler, although he didn’t start that way, and I love it, it’s such a source of stress relief for me to cuddle with him. My kids also see him as a really important part of the family and my oldest in particular is drawn to him when she is upset or having some big feelings she doesn’t know what to do with. I think it’s really good for her to have him in her life. I’ve also read reporting of studies that kids with pets in their lives have fewer allergies.
NOVA Anon says
Thanks for starting this thread, because we are right there with you and with Boston Legal Eagle. Keep them coming, y’all!
Puppy Teeth! says
thanks NOVA! just seeing this feels like a hug. I’ve been really struggling with this transition and really like knowing we’re not alone and it’ll be ok.
Anonymous says
I grew up with dogs, and so did my husband and we really miss having them around. We finally have a house big enough and jobs that will accommodate a dog, but we want our daughter to be a bit older before we get a dog. I miss having a dog to sit with me on a cold morning, to sit quietly with me when I’m sad or sick, to play with and be goofy when I need a cheer up distraction. They really know how to read our emotions and respond in such sweet ways. Plus the structure having a dog requires can be really good. I know my mum needs dogs around to keep her eating at regular intervals when my dad is away. If they’re hungry, then it must be dinnertime, so she makes herself a meal at the same time.
Runner says
Twins (5) birthday is tomorrow! We picked a kiddie gym/playplace and invited both of their preschool classes; we’ve got about 23 RSVPS for kids and I am thinking will have maybe 30 parents. We are allowed to bring our own food into the party room. Party is around 5pm, kids will get to play in the kiddie gym for an hour and then do pizza/cake.
Question: do I discreetly bring in a cooler with some beer/wine in cans for the adults? I cannot find anything on the website expressly forbidding it, but I have not asked because I am still debating if its better to ask for permission or forgiveness. I would appreciate a glass (can?) of wine at that time during a social situation where not everyone knows each other well.
Anon says
I would not, but mainly because in my circles the adults don’t eat or drink much at these sorts of parties anyway. And I assume the pizza/cake part is like 30 min and then everyone’s leaving? I enjoy a good beverage in the backyard, leisurely, but with a bunch of hopped up kids at a play place in a rush to eat and leave I would not. I’ll drink when I’m back home lol.
Boston Legal Eagle says
Same. Around here, if the parents host at their house, there is often alcohol provided (I don’t usually drink though because watching my hyper kids and drinking around strangers is not much fun), but at a public place, it’s never done. I would feel really awkward as a parent, either offering or taking.
Anon says
I would not. I’ve attended 20+ preK and K parties in the last year and none of them had alcohol. Also maybe it’s different in a big city, but where I live everyone drives, and it seems weird to encourage people to drink, even in moderation, when they’ll be driving home immediately afterwards. Most of the drinking I do as an adult is with neighbors or at the beginning of a dinner party so people have a couple hours for the alcohol to wear off before it’s time to drive.
Cerulean says
I would appreciate a glass of something if you had a gathering at home, but think it would be a bit strange and would assume they wouldn’t allow it for liability reasons. Don’t risk getting kicked out. At the very least, ask permission.
Anon says
Yeah, don’t they need a liquor license for this? And most kids play places are obviously not going to have that. I would definitely not do without asking.
Anon says
Unsolicited tip – make sure you have several extra cupcakes, and ideally some extra favor bags (or label the favor bags with the kids’ names so if siblings attend they don’t nab the favor bags and leave you short for the invited guests). Last year we a couple people show up with out RSVPing, and several who brought siblings without advance notification.
NYCer says
I never drink at kids’ parties, but I have definitely attended parties at gymnastics / play places where alcohol has been served. These are parties in NYC, so no one is driving. That being said, I would ask the venue if you can bring alcohol vs. just showing up with it. If they say no, then you have your answer.
FWIW, we never have wine or beer at kids’ parties we host, and everyone is fine.
Anon says
I’ll be the odd one to disagree. Most of the prek birthdays I’ve been to have been outside the home (we live in nyc) and there has been beer and / or wine. And usually sparkling water La croix etc. About half the parents drank alcohol. .
Anonymous says
Not sure about this but I would definitely offer La Croix. Every parent had some at the party I went to at a play place like this. If there had been like little bags of chips or something I think the parents would’ve enjoyed that too.