Skip to main content Skip to bottom nav
Community /

Parenting & Pregnancy Forum

Create a New Thread
Gif Photo Link
tommy profile picture
Parenting & Pregnancy Automated Taglist!
by tommy
Last post
January 16th
...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 Jan 2024 (updated by @MistyMagic) @daydreammemories @Iyyana @KindCatEars @Maxisthebest @MistyMagic @tealPapaya5453 @tommy @Truth22
MistyMagic profile picture
What to Expect When You're Expecting!
by MistyMagic
Last post
December 21st, 2024
...See more What to Expect When You're Expecting: Tips and Resources Whether you're pregnant, planning to be, or supporting someone who is, it’s an exciting (and sometimes overwhelming) journey. Here's a basic guide to what you can expect and helpful links to get you started. Share with us your journey and any tips or thoughts you have on pregnancy and parenting! ------------------------- General Tips for Expectant Parents 1.  Schedule Prenatal Care * Once you have had a positive pregnancy test or think you may be pregnant then that is the time to make an appointment with your doctor, as soon as possible. They can be your first point of call for confidential and professional care and advice. * Regular doctor visits ensure that your baby is growing properly and allows you to discuss plans, options and concerns. * Tests to expect: * Ultrasounds (to monitor growth and anatomy) * Blood and urine tests * Glucose screening (to check for gestational diabetes) 2. Take Care of Your Health * Nutrition: Focus on a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and prenatal vitamins (especially folic acid and iron). * Avoid: Alcohol, smoking, excessive caffeine, and unpasteurized foods. * Exercise: Light to moderate exercises like walking, swimming, or prenatal yoga can help with stamina, mood, and delivery preparation. * Hydration: Drink plenty of water daily to stay hydrated. 3. Learn About Labour and Delivery * Research options like vaginal birth, caesarean section, or water birth. * Take prenatal classes to prepare for labour, delivery, and postpartum care. 4. Prepare Emotionally * Hormonal changes can lead to mood swings; don't hesitate to seek help if you feel persistently anxious or depressed (possible signs of prenatal depression). * Involve your partner or support system in the journey—attend appointments and classes together. 5. Plan for Postpartum Life * Research breastfeeding basics and consider lactation consultant resources if needed. * Stock up on essentials: diapers, baby clothes, and postpartum care supplies for you. 6. Stay Informed * Learn about pregnancy stages: trimesters, fetal development, and common symptoms like nausea or swelling. * Keep an open line of communication with your doctor for any concerns. ------------------------- Helpful Resources and Links * General Pregnancy Guidance * What to Expect (Official Site) [https://www.whattoexpect.com/] * March of Dimes - Pregnancy [https://r.search.yahoo.com/_ylt=AwrkLlPEDWdnBwIAAokM34lQ;_ylu=Y29sbwNpcjIEcG9zAzEEdnRpZAMEc2VjA3Ny/RV=2/RE=1736016580/RO=10/RU=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.marchofdimes.org%2Ffind-support%2Ftopics%2Fpregnancy/RK=2/RS=XcMs1vVhA7DkRk5niTTk1yLMlLQ-] * Nutrition During Pregnancy * Mayo Clinic - Nutrition and Weight Gain During Pregnancy [https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle] * Prenatal Classes * Lamaze International [https://www.lamaze.org/] * BabyCenter - Prenatal Classes Overview [https://www.babycenter.com/] * Labor and Delivery Preparation * The Bump - Birth Plan Template [https://r.search.yahoo.com/_ylt=AwrkOYxnDWdnHAIAl0IM34lQ;_ylu=Y29sbwNpcjIEcG9zAzEEdnRpZAMEc2VjA3Ny/RV=2/RE=1736016488/RO=10/RU=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thebump.com%2Fa%2Ftool-birth-plan/RK=2/RS=kv8SKtjL7n6puIQ2vsiSuweVbp4-] * Childbirth Connection - Labor Comfort Measures [https://r.search.yahoo.com/_ylt=Awr.oGmUDWdnIwIA.1kM34lQ;_ylu=Y29sbwNpcjIEcG9zAzMEdnRpZAMEc2VjA3Ny/RV=2/RE=1736016532/RO=10/RU=https%3A%2F%2Fnationalpartnership.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2023%2F02%2Fcomfort-in-labor-simkin.pdf/RK=2/RS=6y1YrO1Esb41Rf7nAXYYgZYraDc-] * Postpartum Support * Postpartum Support International [https://www.postpartum.net/] * KellyMom - Breastfeeding Resource [https://kellymom.com/] * Apps to Track Pregnancy (easy to google lots of different apps)) * Ovia Pregnancy Tracker [https://r.search.yahoo.com/_ylt=AwrLAC27D2dn6wEAp78M34lQ;_ylu=Y29sbwNpcjIEcG9zAzEEdnRpZAMEc2VjA3Ny/RV=2/RE=1736017083/RO=10/RU=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.oviahealth.com%2Fpregnancy-app%2F/RK=2/RS=Aq7Aq.9x_6NXd38lIw52BrAnmK8-] * The Bump * BabyCenter [https://r.search.yahoo.com/_ylt=AwrkMR7ZD2dnDAIAlJQM34lQ;_ylu=Y29sbwNpcjIEcG9zAzEEdnRpZAMEc2VjA3Ny/RV=2/RE=1736017114/RO=10/RU=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.babycentre.co.uk%2F/RK=2/RS=Xb.kKMywOuMUgSCwVN.fkHFxpmc-]
MistyMagic profile picture
Come and Check-in For All!
by MistyMagic
Last post
October 10th, 2024
...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?
modestSea4773 profile picture
Looking for a mommies group
by modestSea4773
Last post
January 23rd
...See more Looking to find a few mommies with elementary school kids to make a little support group. I have one suspected autistic kid. I could use some help and support regarding that matter too. I just want a group of moms who can relate to each other. I have no friends or support system. It would be nice if I had something like that.
MistyMagic profile picture
Screen? or No Screen?
by MistyMagic
Last post
January 13th
...See more Screen time for babies and young children! This is a topic that sparks a lot of debate among parents, caregivers, and experts. It's hard to avoid screens entirely in today’s world, but the key is finding a balance.  I wanted to discuss this with you all to see what you think, whether you are a parent-to-be, a parent or grandparent, or even great grand-parent, or if you are just someone that came upon this post and want to contribute - this is your world too - so let’s hear what you think! Today, screens are everywhere, watch, smartphone, tablet, laptop, desktop, tv, or cinema we see and use screen technology. But, where should we be starting (or not starting) with babies and young children? We know that screen time can be used as:- a learning tool ❌ or ✅ a baby minder? ❌ or ✅ a soothing influence❌ or ✅ What else do you, or will you use it for? Let’s dive into the pros and cons with some real-life examples to make it relatable. ------------------------- Pros of Screen Time * Educational Content Screens can be a great tool for learning if used wisely. Apps and shows designed for young children, like "Sesame Street" or interactive apps like Khan Academy Kids, can teach early literacy, numeracy, or even emotional skills. For example, a 2-year-old might learn to recognize shapes and colors by watching a show like Bluey but does that excite them and make them hyperactive after watching? * Engaging and Fun Screens are entertaining, which can give parents a much-needed breather. Let’s be real—sometimes, you just need 20 minutes to cook dinner or answer an important email, and letting your toddler watch the tv can make that happen. * Exposure to Language For bilingual households, screen time can expose kids to a second language. Watching cartoons in Spanish or French can help them pick up new words in a fun way. A 3-year-old who watches shows in multiple languages might surprise you with phrases they’ve learned! * Bonding Opportunity Watching a family movie or an educational video together can be a bonding experience. For instance, sitting with your pre-schooler to watch Dora the Explorer and singing along can spark fun conversations and shared laughs. Do you agree with these? ------------------------- Cons of Screen Time * Impact on Development Too much screen time can take away from essential activities like playing, exploring, and interacting face-to-face with others. A child glued to a tablet might miss out on hands-on play, like building blocks or finger painting, which are crucial for motor skills and creativity. * Sleep Disruption Screens, especially before bed, can interfere with sleep. The blue light emitted can mess with melatonin production. For example, a toddler who watches videos on an iPad at night might struggle to fall asleep, leading to crankiness the next day. * Addictive Nature Some apps and videos are designed to keep kids hooked. If you’ve ever tried to take a phone away from a screaming toddler mid-YouTube video, you know the struggle is real. This dependency can make it harder for kids to entertain themselves without screens. * Limited Attention Span Fast-paced shows can condition kids to expect constant stimulation, which might affect their ability to focus on slower activities, like reading books. A pre-schooler used to flashy cartoon edits might lose interest in a quiet puzzle or story time. Do you agree with these? ------------------------- Finding the Balance Experts often recommend avoiding screen time entirely for kids under 18 months (except for video calls) and limiting it to an hour or less per day for children aged 2-5.  Link here [https://www.mykidsvision.org/knowledge-centre/screen-time-for-babies-and-toddlers-what-is-ok] But let’s face it, real life doesn’t always match the guidelines! Here are some tips for balance: * Interactive Over Passive: Choose apps or shows that encourage interaction. For example, a game that asks kids to match shapes is better than mindlessly scrolling through videos. * Co-Viewing: Watch with your child when you can. Point things out, ask questions, and make it a learning moment. "Look, that’s a triangle! Can you find another triangle?" * Tech-Free Zones: Create screen-free times, like during meals or an hour before bedtime, to encourage other types of play and bonding. * Set an Example: Kids mirror what they see. If you're always on your phone, they'll want to be too. Try putting your device down when spending time together. * Choose a slower speed setting like 90%so that the sound is calmer and easier to understand, and the words are more slowly pronounced can really help with speech recognition. * Using an anti-glare anti-UV screen cover can really help protect eyes. We all think about UV sunscreen and to protect our eyes we can use sun hats and sunglasses, but we allow our eyes to look at screens that may also produce UV light. So it makes sense to check and protect. ------------------------- Of course - Screen time is not inherently good or bad—it’s all about how it’s used. A little Paw Patrol here and there probably isn’t going to hurt, but replacing free play, family interaction, or outdoor time with screens could have long-term effects. The best approach is moderation and making sure screens are just one small piece of your child’s day. Now let’s find out what you watch and use on your screens for your baby or toddler. Are you a fan of a program that is calming or educational? Share with us! What are your views on screens for the younger generations?
MistyMagic profile picture
Parenting Teenagers.
by MistyMagic
Last post
November 4th, 2024
...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?
charmingGlobe3886 profile picture
Teenager problems
by charmingGlobe3886
Last post
November 1st, 2024
...See more My son is 16 and I am having a lot of problems with him.
pioneeringcousin457 profile picture
Why do my cousins and nephews brag at activities they can barely even complete?
by pioneeringcousin457
Last post
October 13th, 2024
...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.
LovelyBrei profile picture
New Mom
by LovelyBrei
Last post
August 29th, 2024
...See more Hello everyone , I haven’t been on here in ages but since then I’ve had an exciting thing happen . I became a mom six months ago 🥰. Honestly wouldn’t change it for the world best feeling ever. I thought I would never be able to become a mom not naturally anyways. I found these supplements on Amazon & they worked after trying a different product that didn’t. Loving mom life my daughter is the best thing that’s happened to me thus far ❤️.
independentCamp6187 profile picture
Parent caregiver Burnout
by independentCamp6187
Last post
June 16th, 2024
...See more As a single parent to teen with autism, I feel like I have given up my life and have zero places to vent get support. 
SoulfullyAButterfly profile picture
Parenting Hacks
by SoulfullyAButterfly
Last post
June 11th, 2024
...See more What are your favorite parenting tips/hacks?
Iyyana profile picture
Sick Kid - just venting
by Iyyana
Last post
June 5th, 2024
...See more i guess i just need a place to vent. One of my little ones has pink eye and it's been super exhausting this entire weekend. I took my other kiddos to the park and they had a blast but when i got home the one that couldn't go was just incredibly hard to deal with it overwhelmed me. my husband helped alot and he deserved a break so im glad he got that. getting our son to take the eye drops is a task in itself. he's just so cranky and i know it's because he feels terrible. i just wish there was more i could do. hopefully it all subsides in the next few days.😕
IslaBeatrice profile picture
I inherited a baby
by IslaBeatrice
Last post
June 5th, 2024
...See more TW: death, adoption, orphans . . . . Hi. So, my best friend died. When she was pregnant, she found out she couldn't breastfeed, so I induced lactation and started to pump for the baby. When he was 1 month old, she passed away. She was 20, 2 years younger than me. And yet, she left me 340k, an apartment and her baby. She didn't want him to be with anybody else. I guess it's because I was the one who supported her during pregnancy. The grandmother of the child brang him to me only 3 days after with a pack of diapers. It was the most terrifying night of my life. She brought his forniture and I painted the spare room in my house blue. I started actually breastfeeding and not sleeping at all. I would cry when he'd cry. I would ask myself why my friend would think I was fit for that. I doubted myself all the time. It's been half-a-month. I may not know exactly what I'm doing, but I'm doing my best. For him. For her.
BeachyAnne profile picture
Found out I'm becoming a full-time guardian, on short notice...? How do you adjust?
by BeachyAnne
Last post
June 5th, 2024
...See more Hey there everyone! Apologies for not knowing where exactly to post this. But, just thought I'd ask, in case anyone has some pointers for a situation I've found myself in. Long story short, I'm being given fulltime (kinship) custody, of my little nephew (5.5 yrs old), on VERY short notice-- and am feeling quite unprepared and clueless. How on earth do you transition from being a part-time aunt, to a full-time, 24/7 parent, in a blink? It's already felt equally awkward for both myself, and my nephew (who is used to me being his silly, goofy, crazy aunt). But, trying to make it work out! :)
helloOcean562 profile picture
Parenting with step children
by helloOcean562
Last post
July 3rd, 2023
...See more I would like to stay a topic regarding Parenting with step children and everything that comes with it. Perspective is refreshing. I'm curious to see what everyone has to say regarding the questions below. Perhaps share your story, advice, experiences etc. Have a blessed day Tips? Boundaries? Lines to not cross? Formal respect for all parties involved? Full time step parents

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.”


Community Resources