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Luckily, my skin has improved since my preteen through college years, but I do still get the occasional deep, painful pimple. I’ve also learned that picking at it/squeezing it makes it last longer so I just let it hang out for the days it needs to. That’s not to say I love getting pimples, but luckily I’ve matured past my YM magazine “I have a zit in front of my crush” most embarrassing stories phase of life. I would have loved if this type of product existed when I was a teen, but my still occasional-zit-having self will definitely buy these and try them. This version of a pimple patch has “micro-needles” to really get the ingredients into the skin right where they’re needed, and since it’s a patch, the ingredients don’t immediately end up on your pillowcase. They are $15.99 for 9 at Amazon. Pimtox Patches 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 3.18.24
(See all of the latest workwear sales at Corporette!)
- Ann Taylor – 30% off sale; $50 off $200
- Banana Republic Factory – 50% off everything
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- Zappos – 37,000+ women’s sale items! (check out these reader-favorite workwear brands on sale, and some of our favorite kids’ shoe brands on sale)
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- Carter’s – 50% off pajamas & free shipping on all orders (ends 3/18); at least 40% off everything
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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?
Petite Mom says
Please share your tips that helped you become more patient with preschool aged kids. My son is three and I often times lose my patience. We are always in a rush rush rush. Part of the issue is disciplined. We haven’t implemented that very well and I hope it’s not too late. Happy Friday!
Anonymous says
In terms of discipline, we use Jo Frost’s naughty step method to de-escalate meltdowns, but usually that’s at the end of the day when he’s tired and more prone to meltdowns but also we’re at home and only in a rush to bedtime. For the morning rush, I find that indulging in a few moments of silliness to get a smile and some cooperation is more effective than being authoritarian which just makes my stubborn kid dig his heels in more. The most common tool we use is straight up bribery. For example, kid gets to pick the song we listen to in the car but only if he’s well-behaved getting into the car, kid gets an episode of Paw Patrol/Dinotrux after dinner but only if he’s well behaved at dinner, kid gets 3 books at bedtime but only if he’s well-behaved while toileting/brushing teeth/putting on pjs, etc. I think all humans are constantly doing a cost/benefit analysis and my kid does not appear to be someone who is motivated my ultruistic ideals of listening to mummy because it’s the “right” thing to do.
Anonymous says
Never too late! For us, the only thing that worked was simplicity and routine. I had to accept that with two preschoolers we just couldn’t get much done and couldn’t get anything done quickly. It was soooooo aggravating.
Cb says
I’m not naturally patient but have been really working on it with my son. I find playfulness helps elicit cooperation but also serves to remind me that I don’t need to take everything seriously. If he’s stalling on going for a diaper change, I’ll offer him a piggyback ride to the changing table, I’ll pretend to try and put on his clothes, we do the ‘looking for bunnies’ teethbrushing. I also use timeouts a bit as a reset for both of us if I’m losing my patience.
Anonymous says
For myself– trying to model what I tell the kids to do. I’ll literally say “I’m feeling frustrated right now, so I’m going to take a big step back, and take some deep breaths. Will you help me count them? One, two, three. Oh, I feel better now! Let me help you with those shoes.”
I also really liked How to Talk So Little Kids Will Listen.
Anonymous says
Not the OP but I’m going to do this! Thank you!
Boston Legal Eagle says
We do timers with our 3.5 year old to get him to move to the next tasks. We’ve also been having races to see who can get to the potty faster, or who can get dressed faster. So I agree on silliness – it seems to help. For discipline, I’ve been listening to a lot of Janet Lansbury lately and it’s changed my perception a lot (in a good way). Feelings are good and healthy to express, but for the behavior, physically holding him until he stops.
We also try not to have too many scheduled events during the weekend, that we would feel rushed if we missed. Weekdays are more or less consistent with getting ready then going to school.
DLC says
It is so hard! I echo the suggestions to be playful or silly. It takes a lot of effort and energy- I often have to stop and take a deep breath and convince myself to do it – but 90% of the time it works. There is a terrific book called Playful Parenting that helped me figure this out. Also- Janet Lansbury’s podcast Unruffled is great for helping me reframe my attitude towards controlling what I can control (i.e. My own expectations and sense of empathy) and not what I can’t (little kid’s big emotions and irrational timelines)
octagon says
Why are you always in a rush? Do you need more time for certain things? A few months ago I felt the same way. I moved everyone’s wakeup time 15 minutes earlier, because kiddo was always taking 2x as long as I wanted to eat breakfast. Some days we still have to rush, but most days we can still get out the door on time because there’s more slack in the schedule.
CPA Lady says
I had to get to the bottom of what was sending me over the edge. And it was having stuff I needed my kid to do at the last minute. So I focused on getting her completely ready before I get myself ready. That way if we’re running late, I only have myself to blame and I’m not losing my marbles at her.
As your kid gets more independent, you HAVE to budget more time/get up earlier to get out the door at the same time. I used to be able to get us out of the house really quickly when I did everything for my baby/young toddler. But now she does pretty much everything herself, and it takes way longer to get out the door because, not shockingly, it takes a 5 year old a lot longer to do something than a 35 year old.
As far as discipline goes, we used the 123 method, where you clearly state what you want to happen by the time you count to three and what consequences will be put in place if she doesn’t do it. Sometimes the consequences were natural, like “if you dont get in your carseat by the time I count to 3, I will have to pick you up and put you in your carseat myself” (kiddo hates that). And sometimes it’s an actual “punishment” like “if you don’t put your shoes on by the time I count to 3, you don’t get to watch a video this morning”. This method helps take the emotions out of situations because everything is clear and you can enforce consequences without losing it. You only have to do it a couple of times before they understand you’re serious.
Kelly says
Routine, routine, routine. And I think it’s from simplicity parenting and a little hokey, but I make sure I connect/touch/acknowledge before every thing I ask mine to do. And then for every ten instructions I give this way I get a “shout up the stairs” instruction that generally gets followed pretty well.
Em says
Lexapro. I’m only half kidding. I have anxiety that manifests as rage, so my ability to not lose my s*it grew exponentially when I started Lexapro. Planning ahead, doing as much as possible the night before, and getting up earlier so I am not running late also helps a lot.
AIMS says
We’re at a new preschool this year and one of the parents collected for a class gift ($50/each kid). But do we still do individual teacher gifts? What’s the protocol? And how much do you give? (We’re in NYC for reference). Thanks!
Anonymous says
No please don’t. Stop the madness. The whole point of a class gift is to not have the hassle of individual gifts.
Anonymous says
We don’t have a collection at school, so I give $50 per teacher (3 for each of my 2 kids). If I gave that amount in a collection, I would just give a handmade card (from the appropriate kid) to each teacher.
Anon says
So don’t flame me, but we contribute to a group gift (schoolwide, not just our classroom) and then give $50 per teacher to DD’s three head teachers. Our group gift is divided among 40 staff members, including many staff members who don’t have their own students (receptionist, kitchen staff, floaters). A small share of a large collection feels right to me for those people, but I want our teachers to get more. I include a holiday card with a crayon scribble from my kid as well. From talking to parents, I know there are others who do the same, although I don’t think it’s an obligation and if I felt less enthusiastic about our teachers I probably wouldn’t do it. I REALLY love them.
octagon says
Same, our school does a collection to give gifts to all staff. Then we also usually bake cookies and give a holiday card to the 2-3 teachers kiddo is closest to, and tuck in a $25-50 gift card. I’m not crazy about the gift madness, but I love that kiddo has a place to go that he loves, and the teachers are so horribly underpaid and I want to recognize their extra effort somehow.
Annie says
Same. The group gift is really low and the teachers deserve more than that. I’d feel uncomfortable if the group gift was all they got.
Anon says
We do $50 for the direct three teachers and contribute $100 to “the pot” for all of the floaters, and there are many. Maybe it’s overkill. I don’t know or care. We are comfortable with it, can afford it and would rather over do it than under do it for their wonderful care.
Anon says
We do exactly the same. I suspect it’s on the higher side for our daycare (LCOL area), but we can afford it and since I don’t really have any way of determining the average and I would rather overpay than underpay.
Anonymous says
I didn’t. I’m in NYC. For preschool, $50/kid could add up to a big gift unless your school has a much better teacher to child ratio than ours did, or is involving more ancillary staff – basically, everyone’s math is going to vary.
Anonymous says
I think it depends on who the gift is divided among. If it’s $50 per kid for jut the two preschool teachers, I call it done.
Anon says
Yes, I agree. I’m the Anon at 9:24 who donates to a group gift and does separate individual gifts, but that’s because the group gift goes to 40 people and there’s no way I could contribute $50 per person per child (and I’m sure no one else does either). If the gift were just going to our classroom teachers and the suggested amount was $50 per child, then I would not feel the need to give separately.
NYCer says
Agreed. If the group collection is just for the teachers, I wouldn’t give them another gift. If it is divided up among the entire staff of the school, I would probably give my child’s teachers something directly as well.
AIMS says
Thanks all! FWIW, the group gift is for three teachers so times roughly 20 kids it’s about $330/teacher. I may give a smaller amount to the teachers on a Starbucks gift card or something with a little hand drawn card from the kiddo.
Blueberries says
For me, the whole point of the group gift is that then you’re done, you don’t have the awkwardness of individual gifts, and the teacher gets cash instead of a billion coffee mugs with chocolate.
I don’t see the need to make life any more complicated.
Anonymous says
DH leaves today for Asia until late on the 21st (for work). I am slammed at work. While he is gone, kiddo (4) and I are going to watch all the Christmas movies and make all the Christmas cookies. So, tons of screen time and less than nutritious food. But she’ll be happy and it’ll make me feel like I’m bestowing the magic of Christmas upon her when really I’m just trying not to go insane. Will someone tell me I am a good parent and it will all be okay? Thanks in advance.
Clementine says
(Best Kris Kardashian impression) You’re doing amazing sweetie!
For reals, do you know how special my kid things some of that stuff is? Other fun things that happen when Daddy’s gone for work include Breakfast for Dinner on demand (so… scrambled eggs?), getting to say hi to the people at the Starbucks Drive Thru Window, and getting to climb in to bed with Mommy for extra morning cuddles.
AwayEmily says
Yup. These are going to be amazing memories for your kid. One of my favorite memories from being little is when my mom would travel for work and my dad and I would have “picnic dinners” — McDonalds takeout on a blanket on a floor in front of a TV. But he made it seem so special and I absolutely adored it.
Anonymous says
It would never occur to me that this is bad parenting. (Although I did assume you wouldn’t be feeding her Christmas cookies 3 meals a day :P)
Cb says
That is a lovely, magical plan! You’re a great mum and I think your kiddo will remember that as such a special time.
Anonymous says
Sounds delicious.
avocado says
This sounds like an amazing special time that kiddo will actually be old enough to remember!
EP-er says
My husband isn’t travelling for work and that is just our December plan! Since the beginning of the month we’ve watched a Christmas movie (in whole or part) most nights and Sunday is the great cookie extravaganza of baking dozens of cookies. I agree, this is all about making the memories when they are little! It is going to be awesome and you’re going to make it through the next week A-OK!
So Anon says
I’d reframe this to say that you are not only being a good parent but demonstrating other really important skills like adaptability and resiliency. Showing that you can roll with the changes, and that its absolutely ok to not do all the things so that you can make fun memories with the time and resources you have, is such a great lesson. Think of trying to show the opposite – that even when you’re a man down, all things must continue as before, with no room for change? That sounds like a recipe for perfectionism (ask me how I know).
Pogo says
That’s how I handle those types of trips. Plus outsourcing everything.
Butter says
This has been my December plan since December 1st and no one is traveling for work right now :) Can I recommend the new Grinch on Netflix? It is delightful. Also Snowy Snowy Day, Stickman, and Klaus.
Anon says
My son and I watched the new grinch last weekend and it was really cute!
CCLA says
My partner isn’t even traveling and I’m also doing many of these things. DD is 3 and I just love enjoying the holidays with her, really the first time she sort of gets it. All the movies and baking! Also, she knows now that when daddy (usually the chef in our house) works overnight she gets cereal for dinner. She loves it and it keeps me sane.
Anonymous says
Sounds like a perfect mom who can learn her kid to have a good time and be happy to me :)
Anon says
I gave daycare teachers holiday gifts today. There was a floater in the room which was a little awkward, since I didn’t have an envelope for her, but I didn’t think much of it (there are dozens of floaters and there’s usually one or more in the room at all times, so it seemed kind of unavoidable to do this in front of one of them). But then as I was leaving the head teacher introduced her as the assistant teacher’s replacement (assistant teacher is leaving in January, which I knew about). Now I feel bad, and I’m worried it’s starting our relationship with her on a bad foot because her first interaction was seeing me give other people gifts in front of her. This is our last day in daycare until January. Should I do a belated holiday card for her then? A welcome gift for when she officially starts as a teacher in mid-January? Or just let it go?
Anonymous says
Let it go. Let it go.
Anon says
Let it go. She sees that you are a generous parent and she knows she will get a gift next year.
Anon says
Thanks, that was my hope (she presumably won’t get a holiday gift from me next year because we’ll be in a different room, but she’ll get a goodbye gift when my kid leaves this room).
Anonymous says
If she’s the replacement teacher then I’d give her a holiday gift now. I wouldn’t say anything about it being belated, just say “welcome! so happy to hear you’re joining the team” or something similar which does enough to indicate that you didn’t know she was a teacher when you handed out the other cards.
Anonymous says
I’d do this when you go back in January. She’ll understand.
TK says
Should I be getting a gift for my kid’s kindergarten teacher? We gave gift cards to his teachers every year when he was in daycare / preschool, but I don’t know the rules now that he’s in public school.
Anonymous says
I do. My kid “writes” a card and I do a $10 Starbucks card, only for his main classroom teacher.
Annie says
Yes. Gift card or cash.
Anonymous says
I have a wedding to go to in January when I’ll be about 34 weeks pregnant. Wedding is black tie, on the beach. What do I wear to this?! I looked at Rent the Runway but the options are so limited and I am worried it won’t fit right when it arrives, and then I’ll be scrambling to buy something last minute – regular body me could figure it out but I don’t have any backups in my closet when pregnant.
Ideas? I have seen some on Asos that I might order and see if they fit. I also don’t want to spend $400 on this dress that I’ll wear one time and probably won’t be easily resold.
Could this be considered black tie? https://www.apeainthepod.com/bcbgmaxazria-a-line-maternity-dress/006-22972-UNA-001.html
Anonymous says
Black tie seems really out of place on the beach. Interesting. And difficult even if you aren’t pregnant. This is one of those situations where I’d be happy I was pregnant so I could have the very valid excuse for just wearing what I could find that is good enough.
anon says
Given that you’ll be very pregnant, I think you can get by with an inexpensive long jersey dress with a some sparkly jewelry and a scarf/wrap.
Anonymous says
Try the twobirds classic convertible gown on RTR. I wore it when I was a bridesmaid in a wedding at like 30 weeks pregnant, and it was great. If you look through the pictures people post you can see lots of pregnant women at different stages of pregnancy and lots of options for tying it. I would suggest a darker color because the fabric is kind of thin (although that might look weird on the beach), and making sure you have good support if you’re large chested. The blue is really pretty, that’s what I wore.
Mrs. Jones says
You will get a pass being 34 weeks pregnant so don’t kill yourself trying to find a formal dress.
Also, black tie on the beach is ridiculous.
Anonymous says
I think this will be fine because you will be so very pregnant. The only thing is that it looks super short on the model (who is probably very tall) and will look even shorter with a 34 week belly. If you are shorter than average it might work, but if you are average or tall you may want to consider something slightly longer. Maybe a fancier maxi dress?
Anon says
+1 it’s awfully short and is going to be a lot shorter with a 34 week belly was my reaction.
Anonymous says
Thanks! I kind of agree, black tie to me usually means long dress I was just hoping to cop out :) I’m really short myself, so it might work on me anyway but I do get the point and will look for a longer dress!
Pogo says
Yes, too short. Fancier maxi dress – try the brand Pink Blush. I plug them all the time, but their dresses are so comfortable and great quality for the price. You could for sure find something that fits the bill for < $100.
Black tie on the beach does not compute. Is it like, beach-side? Like at a club on the beach? That's the only thing that I can think of that makes sense.
Anonymous says
It’s at a beach club, but the wedding website says “Weather permitting our ceremony will be on the beach.”
That to me says it’s actually ON the beach itself? It’s also an evening wedding so I think they really do mean black tie…
Anonymous says
Black tie on the beach sounds awful. What are they going to do, put carpets over the sand?
Anonymous says
I asked a question like this on the main page back when I was very pregnant and invited to go to a black tie wedding and was absolutely flamed over there. I ended up ordering a sequin bodice/tulle skirt maternity dress from Asos, and I was able to wear it post-partum with a little tailoring to get a little more wear out of it. I think if you wear any long black or navy dress with the right jewellery and shoes people will give you and your 34 week belly a pass.
Anonymous says
No you werent
AwayEmily says
I love this comment because it’s completely unclear what the troll is calling you out on. No you WEREN’T able to get it tailored and wear it post-partum! No you WEREN’T able to order a dress from Asos! The blanket “NO YOU WERENT” reminds me so much of my toddler. Anyway I know I shouldn’t encourage the trolls but c’mon, troll! You had one job — be clear about what part of her statement you are insulting!
GCA says
“No you weren’t very pregnant”!! Sorry, this is cracking me up. I’m having a rough day. Get a long stretchy maternity dress and add some nice jewelry.
Eek says
Yes!! Haha
ElisaR says
haha yes AwayEmily. Troll, be more specific please!
rosie says
The fact that you will be so pregnant and they are having black tie on the beach (wtf) means you get a lot of leeway, IMO. I like the idea of a nicer maxi dress or a nicer maternity jumpsuit — do fancier accessories with either.
Lily says
Get the Lulu’s convertible maxi dress (it’s made of jersey but you can make it look kind of black-tie appropriate). Comes in a million colors and since it’s stretchy, it will be flattering even though you will put on weight between now and then. https://www.lulus.com/products/tricks-of-the-trade-rusty-rose-maxi-dress/520432.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_content=520432&utm_campaign=PLA_day-dresses&pla=1&s_kwcid=AL%217824%213%21337857861739%21%21%21g%2161865531738%21&gclid=CjwKCAiAis3vBRBdEiwAHXB29LyArUGNWDTw4R2WEEGEsfkb2KXvty2P45w4-Xzfj3phoQdvpPUBjRoC_58QAvD_BwE
I wore this when I was 7 months pregnant and felt fantastic. I could still wear it now, 20 lbs lighter.
Anonymous says
Thanks! I really like this idea. I’d been avoiding jersey because it just seems too casual to me but it sounds like if I ‘bling it up’ I can get away with it.
FP says
I went to a black tie event while in my third trimester and wore a black jersey maxi dress from Old Navy and a super sparkly necklace and pretty silvery pashmina wrap, had my hair and makeup done, and wore sparkly flat sandals (I couldn’t hack it with heels – if you can, you’re a better person than I!). I think everyone gives you a real pass for being so pregnant, and I felt pretty put together after I had my glam makeover. Photos don’t really show how casual the dress was since it was plain black. I’d really recommend going this route.
CCLA says
Same. 34 weeks pg at a black tie wedding last year, wore a black maxi jersey dress. Shiny jewelry and an updo, and definitely yes on the flat sandals. Fit right in and was so comfortable (at least as much as you can get at that stage!).
anon says
Given that you’ll be very pregnant, I think you can get by with an inexpensive long jersey dress with a some sparkly jewelry and a scarf/wrap.
Anonymous says
If you want to feel put together because it makes you happy, I’d go with the recommendation above. But at 34 weeks you can really show up in an old worn-out maxi dress and flip-flops!
Anonymous says
I did this to a black tie optional wedding at 37 weeks and it was perfectly fine and I felt amazing. I did get a blowout and did makeup carefully and wore very sparkly shoes, to even out the jersey maxi.
Anon for this says
I’m feeling really beat down today. I’m a litigator and used to love my job. But after moving to a new city for my husband’s job and switching firms, I just don’t like it anymore. I want more time at home and I’m tired of feeling constantly anxious about work-related politics. I’ve never really wanted to be a SAHM but I’m starting to feel like there aren’t many other options out there for me. The in house jobs available in my midsize city are generally corporate-focused (and I worry going in house wouldn’t be any better and may even be worse.)
I don’t know what I’m looking for here but I just really needed to admit semi-out-loud that I’m not happy with my current situation and want to change it. That’s the first step or something, right?
Anon says
I’m sorry! I was in a very similar situation about 5 years ago, although your city doesn’t sound quite as small as the one we had to move (there was only one law firm that did any corporate work at all, the rest were just divorce/PI). I also considered becoming a SAHM, even though I don’t think that would have been good to me (no judgment – it’s good for people who actually want to stay home, but not for people who are just running away from an unfulfilling job). I ended up changing careers completely. I now work 9-5 in a non-law career and am pretty happy overall – the pay is less, but the work is interesting and I have more time for my family (and hobbies, travel, etc.) and almost no work stress. Not saying that is the answer for you, but there is life after law if you can’t find a fulfilling law job in your city.
Anon says
Do you mind sharing what field you moved into? I feel like I often hear about people transitioning from private practice to non-law roles but very rarely the details of what they’re doing now or how they made the switch.
Anonymous says
I’m not this poster but posted something similar below — went from labor and employment law to labor relations, which is a fairly common switch.
Anon says
Interesting. I’ve also heard of employment lawyers going into HR management. Not my background though!
Anon says
I’m the 11:09 poster. I switched to writing/communications. I agree with the other poster that the ego stuff (“you’re doing THAT with a law degree!?”) can be a little tough sometimes, but I don’t regret going to law school or leaving legal practice. A lot of people tend to think of “lawyer” as one job, but those of us who have had legal specialties know that working in entertainment law can be closer to working in entertainment PR than entertainment law is to, say, family law. I went to law school to do a niche area and didn’t have a whole lot of interest in working in other areas of the law, even if it would have allowed me to keep the lawyer label.
I do agree with the person who said to explore in-house legal jobs even if you’re not sure you’d enjoy the work. I know many litigators who are enjoying in-house work even though it doesn’t involve much if any actual litigating.
Anon says
Thanks for replying – very interesting to hear a bit about your trajectory and some good points to think about!
Anon. says
I made the switch from a large law firm to working in the insurance industry. I use my lawyer skills all the time (policy drafting, reviewing/responding to coverage position letters, negotiating contracts etc). It was a huge pay cut but it was soooooo worth it. Not completely stress free (what job is) but I sign-off work at 5:00 every day that I’m not traveling.
anon says
As a litigator who moved in house, I’d give that option a try before bowing out altogether. I love it and, once internal, I’ve received lots of development opportunities to pick up different types of legal work. It’s amazing how you can find time to learn new areas when you don’t have to count that time in 6 minute increments. It’s also amazing not to have to worry about billables or to look for work.
Even thought I’m still litigating (at least part time), I feel less beat down in house because I support my company’s mission and know that what I do furthers that mission. It’s fun to be part of a successful company that’s making a difference.
Anonymous says
In a similar situation I did a ton of informational interviewing to help me determine whether my dissatisfaction was with my specific job/firm or with litigation in general. After talking to around 10 folks at places I though I might enjoy working, all of them were either miserable or happy but described a life I did not want to live. It took guts — fancy-pants law degree was hard to get over, emotionally – but I made a jump to an in-house jd-preferred job and three years later I’m living my best life. Before you quit to stay home, I recommend taking some time to think creatively and explore other options you might not have thought of!!
Anonymous says
I am pretty sure that you became a litigator cause you’re ambitious and smart badass. After a minute of relaxation, you’ll become incredibly bored and start looking for a new job or get kiddo to be busy.
Don’t throw off your career; you love your job, but you don’t like politics. So you need to learn how to navigate it to avoid it successfully. It’s easier than you think!
Cate says
Hi moms, my daughter came home from preschool with just one item on her list for Santa – a doll! Which we hadn’t heard before, but which I’m happy to get her. She has baby dolls but not a big girl doll. She’s about to turn 5. Any recommendations? I’d been thinking of getting her an American Girl doll in about a year? Maybe going ahead there?
If we get her an American Girl doll, is there a most popular? I find their site intimidating!
Anonymous says
I’d go for an American girl doll if she’s ready to take care of it/not too rough on toys. Even if she is you can always send the doll to the “hospital”
anon says
I would get her an Our Generation doll from Target and a fun accessory, so if she doesn’t really love it you won’t have spent gobs of money.
Anon says
+1 to the Our Generation. My 6 year old still isn’t old enough to take proper care of a $100+ doll. Bonus that they’re compatible with AG so if you end up getting another doll in a year or so, you can use all the same clothes and accessories with both dolls.
avocado says
Five is a great age for an American Girl doll, as long as she isn’t too rough on her toys. I would start with whichever Truly Me doll looks most like her, unless there is one BeForever character she’s fallen in love with from the books or catalogues or there is a Girl of the Year who shares a special interest with her. Avoid curly hair unless that is something that is important to you–it’s harder to maintain. I’d also get at least a pair of pajamas, one other outfit (maybe the outfit for your daughter’s favorite sport or activity?), and whichever official hairbrush or comb is appropriate for the doll’s hair texture. The hairbrush or comb is essential.
Teach your daughter to brush the hair in sections, starting at the bottom. If the hair gets ratty, you can spray it with a fine mist of water (cover the doll’s eyes when you do this, as they will rust if they get wet) and brush it out, then use scissors to trim any flyaways. You can clean the plastic parts of the doll with baking soda.
AwayEmily says
aaaauughhhh the idea of a doll with rusty eyes is horrifying.
Anon says
I got an American Girl doll for my 5th birthday and plan to give my DD one at the same age if she seems capable of not destroying it.
DLC says
Christmas present question:
My 7 year old wants a Barbie dream house- are there Barbie sized dollhouse we can get other than literally the Barbie Dream House? Considerations are space and cost. Also another reason I’ve resisted is all the little bits and bobs that come with it- anyone have a good method to keep things together? We have a newborn and I kind of want to say no toys with tiny parts until the baby is in preschool, but I admit that might not be fair to the other kids.
Anonymous says
How about a dollhouse bookcase, or making a dollhouse out of a cheap bookcase?
Anonymous says
A doll condo!
anon says
There’s the Malibu townhouse. No suggestions on the tiny pieces, except they have to stay in her room. DD is the youngest so we didn’t deal with that but we did have gobs of lego and it just had to stay separate from her. We divided the living room using furniture for awhile. https://www.target.com/p/barbie-malibu-house-doll-playset/-/A-76152544?ref=tgt_adv_XS000000&AFID=google&fndsrc=tmnv&DFA=71700000058847055&CPNG=PLA_DVM%2B0060H00000pDdyKQAS-HolidayFY19-HKC-GoogleSearch-Flight&adgroup=PLA_Holiday&LID=700000001393753pgs&network=g&device=m&location=9031967&gclsrc=aw.ds&&gclid=CjwKCAiAis3vBRBdEiwAHXB29OgZG-zlseT0ylIiMQI4BUCjHF5uAvejZze7waiJob01IvwpeLOsLBoCFlEQAvD_BwE
anon says
I should say that we did get DD a Barbie Dreamhouse, and she was really excited, but she pretty much only plays with it when she has friends over/someone to play with.
SC says
My parents bought me the Barbie Dreamhouse. My dad says he spent an entire Christmas Eve assembling it and still gets a look of horror on his face when it comes up. And I only played with it when friends came over. My friends all really liked it though.
Pogo says
Maybe not what you want to hear, but I loved my Barbie Dream House so much at that age. I would go with it if she’s a heavy Barbie user – it will probably keep her busy for a long time.
Anonymous says
No advice on the dollhouse, only on the small pieces. I have a 4 year old who loves legos and a dog who loves to eat legos. Legos are only allowed to be played with on a table. He adapted quickly to the rule
K. says
Kidcraft makes a dollhouse that is Barbie sized. The furniture might have less little pieces too–it’s mainly large, chunky furniture.
anon says
We are planning a trip to Europe next June/July. We arrive on Monday, and are planning to stay in London until the following Sunday. Then, we have about ten days, and a flight out of London on a Thursday. We were originally planning to go to Paris and then to visit my aunt and uncle in Germany (a small town near Freiburg) and then fly back to London on Wednesday. We have a 7, 9 and 11 year old. Questions:
1) How many days would you spend in Paris? We don’t plan on doing Disney (but is that a mistake?)
2) Is it too much to add a 4th city, and if not, what would you add? I thought about Strasbourg and Bern, but open to suggestions!
Anonymous says
Have you been to Paris before? I would not add a 4th city. Consider a day trip from Paris if you feel like you’ll need to add something else.
Nan says
This! There are so many good day trips from Paris!
Anon says
I am not a Disney fan like many others here, but I definitely don’t think it’s a mistake to skip that in Paris. I think 4-5 days in Paris is good – that should give you time to see Paris well at a relaxed pace (you know your kids better than I do, but multiple museums/day would be a struggle with many 7 or even 9 year olds) and still have time for your family visit in Germany. I would not add a fourth city as a home base, that’s too much travel for me as an adult and certainly seems too much for travel involving kids. Maybe while you’re visiting your family in Germany you could do a day trip or two to a nearby city?
So Anon says
I would skip Disney in France. There are so many great day trips from Paris, if you are so inclined to leave the city. It has been a number of years since I went to Euro Disney (was living in Europe at the time), and it really was not that great. At all.
Anonymous says
Do Disney, the kids will have fun. Day trip to Stonehenge, the Isle of Wight. The train from Paris to Strasbourg is about 2 hours but then to Freiburg is more complicated and so is getting to Bern. I’d stick with the three cities.
Anonymous says
I would do 4/5 days Paris and 6/5 days German town. If you’re on the Lake Constance side of Freiburg, you could visit Ravensburger Spielland instead of Disney. Less cost, more European and a lot of fun if your kids have ever been into puzzles and Brio trains. Much more chill than Disney.
Don’t discount your small town visit. Great for kids to see European life outside of the cities. I went to Europe a few times as a kid and thought for the longest time that everyone there lived only in big cities. If it’s a farming area you might be able to do a tour of a local farm or try local speciality products.
Anon says
Freiburg to Bern is only a couple hours on the train but Bern is not a terribly exciting city. Like, I spent a nice day there but I wouldn’t go out of my way for it. Freiburg itself is much cuter with just as much to do IMO. If you really want a fourth stop I’d do Strasbourg or Heidelberg. But I’d probably just spend the time in rural/small town Black Forest instead.
Anonymous says
If your kids have been to any other Disney park, they won’t be impressed by Disneyland Paris.
AwayEmily says
Experience gift idea: we asked my MIL to help subsidize swim lessons for my 3.5yo. Everyone is excited about this — us because it lets us afford private lessons (it’s really tough for us to make the times for the group ones) and we don’t end up with more stuff cluttering our house, my MIL because we also asked her to pick out a bathing suit (which I’m sure will be hideous but I will put my daughter in it regardless and take lots of pictures to send to my wonderful MIL). I feel so good about this!
Anonymous says
Love this!
AnotherAnon says
Would appreciate thoughts, advice or experience. I am trying to decide what is a good activity commitment for a low-energy, compliant kid. He will be 3 at the end of February. His normal after day care routine is watching 2 episodes of DT, eating dinner, then bedtime routine. We’re more outdoorsy in the summer and usually do an activity before dinner; biking, water play, etc. I just enrolled him in the Spring soccer shots session, which is 30 minutes on Saturdays. Day care also offers piano lessons during school for an extra fee. I’m considering enrolling him in those. We recently moved to a house that has a pool, so I want to put him in swim lessons. Is this too much all at once? I could wait on piano, and I could postpone swim lessons until it gets closer to the season, but I expect we will be swimming again by April and soccer lasts until May. Please don’t flame me about water safety: I will enroll him in swim lessons; I’m just wondering if January is the time to do that. He has done a “trial” swim lesson before (he cried the whole time). I think now he is mature enough to deal with his feelings and get something out of the lessons. I realize this is a very privileged post as I only have one kid’s activities to juggle right now.
Anonymous says
I’d be reluctant to add a weekday activity at age 3. Daycare is enough activity.
Once soccer is done, maybe switch to a swimming lesson. My kids always make a lot more progress with private lessons. At age 3, they are rarely going to be able to swim independently. Water safety isn’t about lessons at that age, it’s about appropriate fencing and alarms.
Anonymous says
Adding that I mean independently in the sense of swim by themselves as a result of the skills learned in lessons. At age 3, usually the parent isn’t in the water with them for the lesson.
Boston Legal Eagle says
I would probably do swim lessons now for safety reasons, and then see if you want to add the soccer. I’m not sure what a 3 year old will get out of piano lessons but since it’s during the time he’s at daycare, that’s more up to whether you want to spend that money. I wouldn’t expect him to become a piano sensation. For us, we’re just starting our 3.5 year old, who will be close to 4, in swim lessons. He can do them independently now without us in the water. We’re going to wait and see how we feel about weekends for other organized activities.
Leatty says
I’d do swim lessons over piano. It will take him months to figure out how to swim, and he can always do piano lessons later.
rosie says
I might prioritize swim lessons from a safety perspective as well as to give you ideas of how to help him get used to the water. I imagine it’s a headache from a safety perspective, but having the pool seems awesome in that you’ll be able to reinforce what he learns and build his comfort level by taking him in your pool for short periods of time frequently. Our swim instructor when we took lessons emphasized that you really just need to keep at it to help them feel comfortable, there’s only so much lessons they can do at that point, and the lessons can just be an excuse to get in the water with them and play around (fine, but you can also just do it yourself).
Does he show any interest in piano? I’d jump on that for my kiddo because she actively asks to learn to play the piano and is very into pianos and keyboards (which I’m sure would disappear as soon as I put down any $$…), but if that’s not the case, I would skip that for now, seems like otherwise a lot.
Anon says
I’m sure it’s kid/family dependent, but we could not handle a weekday activity after a full day in daycare – both in the sense that we don’t really have time (we get home, eat dinner, play for 15-20 minutes and then do the bedtime routine), but also in the sense that daycare is pretty clearly draining for my 2 yo and she’s ready to be with just family by the end of the day (I’m the same way, so it’s not a huge surprise). The only activities we’ve done/will consider doing in the near future are weekly things that meet Saturday mornings, and we only do one at a time.
Anonymous says
+1. FWIW my son was in lessons semi regularly for years and didn’t really learn to swim until he was 5 or 6.
avocado says
I don’t think piano lessons at day care add to the risk of overscheduling, unless practice is expected at home. I wouldn’t expect much from those lessons. It could be a fun thing to do during the school day if cost is not an issue.
If you really want him to learn something about music at age 3, I’d look for a program that teaches solfege. Unfortunately I can’t remember the name of the curriculum we liked, and search is failing me.
DLC says
I agree that there is generally limited long term benefit of piano lessons at age three, though if it’s during his school day, there is probably no detriment either.
You might consider private swim lessons- not sure where you are, but I have friends in Florida where many people have pools, and they hired someone to come to their house for swim lessons with their kid and her was swimming by the time he was 2.5. My daughter started weekly swim lessons at 3, but didn’t really learn to swim until she had daily lessons the summer she was 5.
rosie says
Has anyone seen Target gift cards anywhere except Target (drugstore, etc.)? I know I missed the discounted gift card day, and to add insult to injury, I cannot seem to get one from the website that will arrive before Dec 23 and I need them by the end of this coming week for preschool teachers. Not sure it’s realistic I’ll actually make it to Target before then, which I realize is the other obvious answer. Otherwise I’ll just end up with @mazon I guess but have been trying to cut back. Thanks!
Anon says
I think Target might be pulling back on where they sell their gift cards? I feel like in the past we’ve seen them at CVS and Kroger grocery stores but this year I had to go to Target to get them.
rosie says
I was just at the grocery store and did a quick look but figured maybe I missed them, which prompted my question. Sigh.
JTM says
You can order an eGift Card from Target that is delivered via email, usually within 4 hours of order. You can select denominations of $5-$1000 and have it sent to an email address or a mobile number.
Link to the page with all the eGC options – https://www.target.com/c/target-giftcards/-/N-5xsxtZzgb3egffvby?lnk=TargetGiftCards&Nao=0
Link to the Snowman Target eGC – https://www.target.com/p/snowman-sweaters-giftcard/-/A-54214082?preselect=54198446#lnk=sametab
Anonymous says
Yes. My public school seems to be around $30-40 and a small box of chocolates or tea etc (something for kid to hand over). GC are usually for Starbucks, Amazon or Target.