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Come and Check-in For All!
by MistyMagic
Last post
 October 10th
...See more I am posting this on a Frijayyyyyy! The start of the weekend when many people are thinking of relaxing and having a lie-in but for many of us the weekend routine is not really that different from the weekdays. So I have found some tips and tricks for you all Pregnancy Tips1. Rest and Relaxation * Nap Time: Take short naps to boost your energy levels. * Prenatal Yoga: Try prenatal yoga or gentle stretching exercises to relax your body and mind. 2. Healthy Eating * Meal Prep: Prepare healthy meals and snacks ahead of time to ensure you’re getting the nutrients you need. * Hydration: Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. 3. Pampering Yourself * Massage: Consider a prenatal massage to relieve aches and pains. * Bath Time: Enjoy a warm (not hot) bath to soothe sore muscles. 4. Bonding with Your Baby * Talk to Your Baby: Spend a few minutes talking or singing to your baby bump. * Reading: Start reading baby books to get into the parenting mindset. * Play music: (not too loud and no concerts yet lol!) 5. Education and Preparation * Prenatal Classes: Sign up for online prenatal classes to learn about childbirth and baby care. * Nursery Setup: Use the weekend to organize the nursery and ensure everything is ready for the baby’s arrival. Parenting Tips1. Quality Time * Family Activities: Plan activities that everyone can enjoy, like a trip to the park, a picnic, or a family game night. * Reading Time: Spend time reading with your baby or children to promote literacy and bonding. 2. Routine and Structure * Consistent Schedule: Try to keep a consistent schedule for meals, naps, and bedtime to provide a sense of security. * Chore Time: Involve kids in age-appropriate chores to teach responsibility. 3. Outdoor Fun * Nature Walks: Go for a nature walk or hike to explore the outdoors and get some fresh air. * Sports and Games: Play sports or engage in physical activities to burn off energy. * Garden play: Show them gardening and grow from seeds. 4. Creative Activities * Craft Projects: Set up a craft station with supplies for drawing, painting, or building. * Baking Together: Bake some simple treats like cookies or cupcakes with your kids. * Pizza Making!: Never too young to start on healthy pizza making, get them to arrange their own toppings from healthy vegetables. 5. Parent Self-Care * Relaxation: Make sure to set aside some time for yourself, whether it’s reading a book, taking a bath, or enjoying a hobby. * Date Night: If possible, arrange a date night with your partner to reconnect and recharge. General Tips for Both1. Plan Ahead * Make a To-Do List: Write down the activities you want to accomplish over the weekend to stay organized. * Flexible Planning: Be flexible with your plans and open to spontaneous activities. 2. Social Connections * Playdates: Arrange playdates with other families to provide social interaction for both kids and parents. * Support Groups: Join a parenting or pregnancy support group to share experiences and advice. 3. Mindfulness and Mental Health * Meditation: Practice mindfulness or meditation to reduce stress and stay present. * Journaling: Keep a journal to document your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. By incorporating these tips, you can have a balanced and enjoyable weekend whether you’re expecting a baby or already parenting. So now it's your turn. Please introduce yourself so we can all get to know each other. Pick out a few tips that you do already or that you may start to use. How are you feeling this week?
Parenting & Pregnancy Automated Taglist!
by tommy
Last post
 July 5th
...See more Welcome to the Parenting & Pregnancy Taglist This thread is an auto-updating list. The list is regularly updated by forum leaders and can be found below. Having issues? Reply to this thread and someone will help you! Why should I join the taglist? ✔ Never miss out on sub-community check-ins, discussions or events ✔ Get tagged and notified by community leaders whenever a new relevant thread has been posted ✔ Become a more active member of the community. What do I need to do? ✅ To add yourself to this taglist, press the Post to Thread button below and write the exact words Please add me. ❌ To remove yourself from this taglist, press the Post to Thread button below and write the exact words Please remove me. ------------------------- Current taglist as of 12th July 2024 (updated by @Misty) @KindCatEars @Iyyana @MistyMagic @tommy @Truth22
Parenting Hacks
by SoulfullyAButterfly
Last post
 June 11th
...See more What are your favorite parenting tips/hacks?
Mental Health Awareness Month-May 2024 (Questions Every Parent Should Ask)
by calmMango9611
Last post
 1 day ago
...See more Hello Community: May is Mental Health Awareness Month, as you may already know. This is a repost from the Newbie Hub. I was asked by @Heather225, to repost this here. So I will. Fast Facts About... Your Child's Mental Health: 12 Questions Every Parent Should Ask Does my child.... Often seem sad, tired, restless, or out of sorts? Spend a lot of time alone? Have low self-esteem? Have trouble getting along with family, friends, and peers? Have frequent outbursts of shouting, complaining, or crying? Have trouble performing or behaving in school? Show sudden changes in eating patterns? Sleep too much or not enough? Have trouble paying attention or concentrating on tasks like homework? Seem to have lost interest in hobbies like music or sports? Show signs of using drugs and/or alcohol? Talk about death or suicide? If you answered yes to four or more of these questions, and these behaviors last longer than 2 weeks, you should seek professional help for your child. U.S Department of Health And Human Services Substance Abuse and Mental Services Administration Center for Mental Health Services
Early Pregnancy
by amicableBlackberry7974
Last post
 November 7th
...See more Hello, I'm six weeks pregnant, and I've just had my blood test. It showed an indication of thalassemia, which could potentially harm the baby. This trait can come from either me or my partner. We will have another blood test on Monday to confirm. I'm worried 😟
Parenting Teenagers.
by MistyMagic
Last post
 November 4th
...See more Coping with teenagers can be challenging, but with the right approaches, it’s possible to maintain a strong relationship, support their growth, and handle conflict in constructive ways. Here are some tips and ideas to help you navigate this journey effectively. 1. Focus on Communication, Not Control * Listen Actively: Teenagers are often navigating intense emotions and experiences. Rather than jumping in with solutions or judgments, listen attentively to understand what’s really bothering them. This shows that you respect their feelings and can help de-escalate tension. * Use Open-Ended Questions: Avoid questions that can be answered with a simple "yes" or "no." Try something like, “How did you feel about what happened at school today?” This can encourage them to open up. * Empathy Over Solutions: When teenagers vent or share frustrations, sometimes they just want to feel heard. Try empathizing by saying something like, “I can see how that would make you feel upset,” rather than immediately offering solutions. 2. Establish Boundaries with Flexibility * Set Clear Expectations: Teens may push boundaries, but they also need them. Explain rules clearly and ensure they understand the consequences if they’re broken. Be consistent with enforcing these rules, which helps build a sense of security. * Allow for Negotiation on Some Rules: If you’re open to compromising on smaller issues, it can help teens feel they have some control over their lives, which is essential for their development. For example, if they’re unhappy with a curfew, allow them to discuss it respectfully and maybe compromise. * Involve Them in Rule-Making: When appropriate, let them help create some of the rules or consequences. This can encourage them to take responsibility for their actions and understand why the rules are in place. 3. Be Their Role Model * Demonstrate Healthy Behavior: Teens absorb more from what they see than what they’re told. Model respect, patience, and healthy communication in your own behavior. * Own Up to Mistakes: If you react too harshly in a moment of frustration, apologize. This not only shows maturity but also teaches them the value of accountability. * Self-Care is Key: Coping with teens can be draining. Taking care of your mental and physical health sets a good example for them while helping you stay balanced. 4. Encourage Independence and Responsibility * Assign Age-Appropriate Responsibilities: Give them tasks that they can handle, whether it’s managing their own schedules or contributing to household chores. This teaches them about responsibility and helps build self-confidence. * Encourage Decision-Making Skills: When they’re faced with choices, help them evaluate pros and cons rather than making decisions for them. This approach fosters critical thinking and accountability. * Celebrate Small Wins: When your teen demonstrates responsibility or follows through on something challenging, celebrate it! Positive reinforcement is often more effective than punishment. 5. Stay Calm During Conflict * Take a Pause if Needed: When arguments get heated, take a break before responding. You can say, “I need a moment to collect my thoughts. Let’s talk about this in a few minutes.” This helps prevent saying things in anger. * Use “I” Statements: Instead of saying, “You’re so irresponsible,” try “I feel worried when you don’t communicate with me about where you are.” This keeps the focus on your feelings rather than placing blame. * De-Escalate by Lowering Your Voice: Speaking softly, even in tense situations, can have a calming effect on both of you and prevent the conflict from escalating. 6. Understand Their Need for Identity and Peer Connection * Give Them Space to Explore Identity: Adolescence is when teens start defining who they are outside of their family identity. Encourage safe exploration, even if it involves hobbies, fashion choices, or music that you might not understand. * Respect Their Peer Relationships: Teens often value peer opinions more than family. This can be challenging for parents, but it’s essential to respect these relationships as long as they’re healthy. Offer a safe space to talk about their friends without judgment. * Encourage Healthy Risk-Taking: Teens need experiences to learn and grow, so it’s okay to support safe, challenging activities like joining a sports team, pursuing an art project, or taking up a challenging hobby. 7. Offer Consistent Unconditional Support * Check-In Regularly: Even if they seem uninterested, short check-ins like “How was your day?” or “Anything interesting happen today?” let them know you’re there for them, even if they don’t feel like talking. * Remind Them of Their Strengths: Teens can be self-critical, so take moments to acknowledge their efforts and successes, big or small. This reinforces their sense of self-worth and boosts their resilience. * Be Patient: Building a trusting relationship with a teenager takes time. They may pull away and push back, but with patience, you can stay connected and supportive. 8. Seek Support When Needed * Don’t Hesitate to Seek Counseling: If conflicts are intense or if your teen is showing signs of mental health challenges, consider reaching out to a family counselor or therapist. Professional support can provide both you and your teen with strategies to cope better. * Find a Support Network: Sometimes, sharing experiences with other parents of teens can provide fresh perspectives and remind you that you’re not alone. Look for local support groups or online forums where you can talk through parenting challenges and gain advice. Final Thoughts Remember that every teenager is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. Staying flexible, open-minded, and focusing on maintaining a supportive, respectful relationship will go a long way. Remember that parenting is a skill and we can all learn tips and share our feelings hereto help us navigate the pitfalls of parenting. Now, over to you! 🏃‍♂️ Share some of the things that have worked for you as a parent. 🏆Teenagers will someday be the adults in this world, what might that look like in their future? 💚How do you feel as a parent? How are you doing?
Teenager problems
by charmingGlobe3886
Last post
 November 1st
...See more My son is 16 and I am having a lot of problems with him.
Really struggling today...
by Fearneyyy
Last post
 October 29th
...See more Struggling to recuperate, or rather recalibrate after the intense few days with emotions. Feeling so hurt and angry towards others for the choices made, the bullying, the lack of understanding or inconsideration. Feeling helpless with trying to protect those close but feel like I'm failing with this too. The sudden outbursts towards loved ones as I feel stuck, racking my brain to find a solution but also trying to appear unaffected by the dilemma at the time. But then, there's just turning inward, becoming silent because you've simply exhausted yourself and possibly those around you too. It's overwhelming, it's difficult and it feels like a never ending battle.
Why do my cousins and nephews brag at activities they can barely even complete?
by pioneeringcousin457
Last post
 October 13th
...See more The other day my cousins was helping me (15) and my mom get groceries out of the car,  my guy comes out and flexes his arms telling us all how strong he is. I watch him as he proceeds to reach into the car and grab the gallon of milk, from the minute he picked it up he struggled pretty significantly to carry it into the house, he basically dropped it bringing it out of the car, And he struggled even more putting it up on the table. He was so proud of himself after that. He started running around the house with his shirt off flexing his arms again and really bragging that he brought the milk in to the house by himself and that he’s stronger than all of us. I’m sitting here thinking,  calm down there  little guy, you’re bragging that you’re super strong, and you can’t even lift a jug of milk.  even when you used both of your hands and all of your body weight, you struggled literally the entire time, from the very second you picked it up. You weren’t even strong enough to open the back door, and you needed your aunt to place the milk on the counter for you. So yeah, kiddo, that little milk jug that you could barely even lift is not anything to brad about, it is not heavy at all and you almost cannot pick it up Today my other cousin  insisted she turned off a couple of the lights that we left on as we were leaving the house, I watched her get up on a  stepstool, stretch out her arms, and start jumping, still barely grazing the switch, I’m pretty sure she just got lucky given that she had to jump up so many times. She then was bragging about how she was tall and able to reach the light switches. I mean  Chill out.  kiddo, you just gave me a hug, and all I can do was rub the top of your hair to show you affection because you… Aren’t very tall… You were literally hugging my shins/knees. I just watched you climb up on a  stepstool, stretch your arms up, and even need to jump as high as you could. You had to readjust that  stepstool a good four or five times even  once you finally got it, your finger is barely raised it. On top of that, little one, I just had to help you open the car door because you couldn’t reach the door handle, I mean not that any of my cousins would be strong enough to open the door… Oh yeah, my mom had to pick you up and put you in the car seat because you’re not tall enough to do it yourself. Also, when I’m walking with any of my cousins, I’m literally walking ridiculously slow and they can’t seem to keep up, let alone an average pace. Like OK yeah kiddies you’re not very fast at all.  When we were walking in the grocery store both of my cousins had a really hard time keeping up with us. We ended up carrying one of them while the other one rode in the cart; they  are not fast at all It is the same story with my nephew., like OK, sure, I guess you helped me set the table, when in reality she isn’t strong enough to carry the plates, or even tall enough to put them on the table. When she tried to carry the cups over she dropped them all on the floor. So she didn’t really do anything as I did it. And here is my nephew bragging that she set the table, then proceeds to use a tall stepstool to climb into a chair with her booster, still being seated pretty low. After dinner she thought she was being really helpful by cleaning up. When in reality me and my mom had we’re giving her small and light items for her to carry to the sink, and like I said, she isn’t tall enough to reach anything on the table, let alone the counter. So her help was slowing down tremendously. So why would I pretend that my cousins or my nephews  put in an actual good effort?  What is impressive about bringing a little milk jug inside? If that’s the case then me bringing in the other groceries should be impressive. flipping three average switches, if that’s the case then me turning off the alarm system is impressive. Keeping up with someone walking normally, or even at a slow pace is not difficult, if that’s the case then me walking up a flight of stairs is impressive. To add to all of this, my cousins struggled to even remotely do these very simple tasks.
Second Pregnancy
by azurePineapple3040
Last post
 October 11th
...See more Hai, I'm new here and I've never done this before so I hope I do it right. I'm a young mother to a beautiful daughter and expecting a second baby (2nd trimester) and lately I've been struggling with sadness. I feel this deep sadness and dread that I don't know the origin of, I chuck it off to hormones but sometimes it gets too overwhelming that I idealise about having a miscarriage. I hate that I'm pregnant, I'm guilty about not being excited about this second child because it never asked to be brought into this world (that was a decision me and my partner made actively). My marriage is suffering because of it, I'm angry and sad which makes being a good mother to my daughter very difficult because I lash out at her sometimes and I know she doesn't deserve any of that. It leaves me more guilty and sad than I initially was. I'm scared that I might get postpartum depression and hate my baby when it eventually comes.
Come and Check-in For All!
by MistyMagic
Last post
 October 10th
...See more I am posting this on a Frijayyyyyy! The start of the weekend when many people are thinking of relaxing and having a lie-in but for many of us the weekend routine is not really that different from the weekdays. So I have found some tips and tricks for you all Pregnancy Tips1. Rest and Relaxation * Nap Time: Take short naps to boost your energy levels. * Prenatal Yoga: Try prenatal yoga or gentle stretching exercises to relax your body and mind. 2. Healthy Eating * Meal Prep: Prepare healthy meals and snacks ahead of time to ensure you’re getting the nutrients you need. * Hydration: Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. 3. Pampering Yourself * Massage: Consider a prenatal massage to relieve aches and pains. * Bath Time: Enjoy a warm (not hot) bath to soothe sore muscles. 4. Bonding with Your Baby * Talk to Your Baby: Spend a few minutes talking or singing to your baby bump. * Reading: Start reading baby books to get into the parenting mindset. * Play music: (not too loud and no concerts yet lol!) 5. Education and Preparation * Prenatal Classes: Sign up for online prenatal classes to learn about childbirth and baby care. * Nursery Setup: Use the weekend to organize the nursery and ensure everything is ready for the baby’s arrival. Parenting Tips1. Quality Time * Family Activities: Plan activities that everyone can enjoy, like a trip to the park, a picnic, or a family game night. * Reading Time: Spend time reading with your baby or children to promote literacy and bonding. 2. Routine and Structure * Consistent Schedule: Try to keep a consistent schedule for meals, naps, and bedtime to provide a sense of security. * Chore Time: Involve kids in age-appropriate chores to teach responsibility. 3. Outdoor Fun * Nature Walks: Go for a nature walk or hike to explore the outdoors and get some fresh air. * Sports and Games: Play sports or engage in physical activities to burn off energy. * Garden play: Show them gardening and grow from seeds. 4. Creative Activities * Craft Projects: Set up a craft station with supplies for drawing, painting, or building. * Baking Together: Bake some simple treats like cookies or cupcakes with your kids. * Pizza Making!: Never too young to start on healthy pizza making, get them to arrange their own toppings from healthy vegetables. 5. Parent Self-Care * Relaxation: Make sure to set aside some time for yourself, whether it’s reading a book, taking a bath, or enjoying a hobby. * Date Night: If possible, arrange a date night with your partner to reconnect and recharge. General Tips for Both1. Plan Ahead * Make a To-Do List: Write down the activities you want to accomplish over the weekend to stay organized. * Flexible Planning: Be flexible with your plans and open to spontaneous activities. 2. Social Connections * Playdates: Arrange playdates with other families to provide social interaction for both kids and parents. * Support Groups: Join a parenting or pregnancy support group to share experiences and advice. 3. Mindfulness and Mental Health * Meditation: Practice mindfulness or meditation to reduce stress and stay present. * Journaling: Keep a journal to document your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. By incorporating these tips, you can have a balanced and enjoyable weekend whether you’re expecting a baby or already parenting. So now it's your turn. Please introduce yourself so we can all get to know each other. Pick out a few tips that you do already or that you may start to use. How are you feeling this week?
Single mom fears.
by Gh0sstt
Last post
 October 9th
...See more I am 22 years old and currently 19 weeks pregnant and I think I’m going through antenatal depression. At first I was excited about being a mother but now I have more doubts than ever. I feel very alone even if I have many people to want to support me. What I fear most is never finding love again or someone who would accept me and my child and take in as their own child. Has anyone on here found love again after having a baby? It would make me feel better to know other peoples experiences.
Need Parental Advice.
by UnseenxUnloved
Last post
 October 1st
...See more I'm 23 years old, soon to be 24, and I can't get on my feet. I have no family, no friends. No one to teach me how to drive so I can get to work. Food has always been very low access, which has caused me to become very physically weak and unhealthy. I weigh 118. I've lost almost 20 pounds just this year alone, and for that I'm unable to sustain a job regardless. All I have energy to do day-to-day is stay in bed. Just keeping up with basic self care is beyond exhausting, and I can't do it most days. My body is focused on survival. I've spent years reaching out to everyone that I can for help. Doctors, therapists, people around me, but no one knows what to do, and they give up after that. They leave me to stay in this situation. It's a pattern I can see continuing for the rest of my life. I do my part in seeking help, but it seems like everyone has failed me in providing it. I'm making this post because I'm still trying to find help for getting on my feet. I'm still searching for the right people. All I need is a place to stay temporarily while I study. I want to be independent, I want to be successful, I want to be healthy, I want to make new family and friends, I want an education, and I want to live my 20's, not waste them being stuck against my will. I work so hard to reach my goals—I'm currently trying to study coding through free websites—but all my effort means nothing when I'm in need of a little support towards my goals. Trying to learn these skills without proper support is impossible as well, I keep hitting deadends and can't progress. I honestly don't know what to do. I have so many aspirations, but no way to reach them. I don't want this post to sound whiny or pathetic. I've just been stuck in such a low place for so many years that I'm getting increasingly hopeless and desperate. I just want someone to see how much I want to succeed and give me a chance. To help me. To care about me. To be a friend, or family. This situation is incredibly painful, and I hope someone can provide honest help. It may sound unrelated, but I think it's worth mentioning that I've spent a lot of time dreaming about being 'adopted.' Having real parents, having that connection, that support, the love, namely from someone who has always wished to be a parent, but never had the chance to have a relationship like that themselves. In any case, thank you for taking the time to read this. Any resources would mean the world to me.
Birth Time
by Amber341
Last post
 September 12th
...See more Hey! I am 42 weeks pregnant and am not being induced, but letting nature takes it's course. It's so hard dealing with the contractions and kicking, does anyone have any tips?
Expecting a Bundle of Joy? Introduce Yourself!
by Truth22
Last post
 September 5th
...See more Are You Expecting? Congratulations! Introduce yourself here! Feel free to add the following: - Your Due Date - Whether you're having a boy or girl or leaving the gender a secret

Parenting and Pregnancy Support

Welcome to the Pregnancy and Parenting Support! We are so pleased you have stumbled across our little internet corner. Our community is here to support you through your parenting and pregnancy journey. From pregnancy woes and wins, milestones with your little ones, resources, general support, offering personal experiences, and more! Feel free to discuss anything and everything related to the life that is raising a child, growing a child, supporting someone who is growing and or raising a child, or co-parenting while raising a child. 


What are the different forum topics for Parenting and Pregnancy?

Community Space: A place to introduce yourself and participate in our community check-ins, games, and more!

CoParenting: A place to connect with others in a co-parenting arrangement, share your story, and support others!

Parenting: A place to receive support, ask questions, and start and participate in discussions regarding the parenting journey!

Pregnancy: Want to share your pregnancy experience? Have questions and want to hear the experiences of others? Discuss it here!


How can I help?

You can help us by simply responding to threads and sharing your story (if you're comfortable). Check-in with us, join a discussion, or start one! Alternatively, join us as a Forum Leader. Check out this thread for more information.


Helpful Threads

Taglist: Do you want to stay up to date with our community? Then join our tag list to be notified whenever there is a new discussion or update within the community!


Parenting and Pregnancy FAQ

Q: Are there any sub-community-specific guidelines that we need to adhere to?

A: You can find Sub-community-specific guidelines below, which you should follow in addition to the general forum guidelines.


Help! I still have a question!  If you need help, feel free to contact a community leader or post here, and someone will contact you!

Community Guidelines

1. Include a trigger warning (TW) when referencing sensitive topics such as miscarriages, death, abortion, etc.

2. Respect the views of other members within the sub-community. Parenting is not easy and is often done differently from person to person.

3. Do not attempt to diagnose another member's child. You may share your experience with your child with the same or similar symptoms and the outcome, but diagnosing should be left to a medical professional. 

Not Helpful: “[I think] Your child has [xxx].

Helpful: “My child had/has symptoms [xxx] and [xxx] and was/is diagnosed with [xxx]; you might consider taking your child to a medical professional to rule this out.”


Read the 7 Cups Guidelines
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