Advice

Featuring parenting and relationship questions (and answers!) from our community of real moms, this content features advice on a wide range of important topics. For the best advice from real moms, this is where you want to be.

What Can I Do to Treat a Diaper Rash That Just Keeps Coming Back?

What Can I Do to Treat a Diaper Rash That Just Keeps Coming Back?

/ Advice /

A mom writes in asking for advice about diaper rash. She says her 2-month-old baby has had issues with diaper rash ever since he was born. Everything she has tried has not helped. She is concerned her baby may be allergic to the diapers themselves because she cannot think of why the diaper rash continues to return. She adds that she is willing to try anything at this point to cure the diaper rash. Any advice to help her accomplish that?

What Can I Do to Treat a Diaper Rash That Just Keeps Coming Back? Read More »

My Infertility Is Causing Me to Experience Depression, Particularly in Relation to My Mom Friends: Advice?

My Infertility Is Causing Me to Experience Depression, Particularly in Relation to My Mom Friends: Advice?

/ Advice /

A woman writes in asking for advice about infertility and depression. The OP says she is infertile, and it has recently been causing her to experience depression. She specifically mentions that her friends sometimes have “mom nights” and do not invite the OP because she is not a mom. She adds that it feels like no one, even her supposed friends, understands or cares about how lonely and sad she feels. She turns to our community of moms for advice about how to cope.

My Infertility Is Causing Me to Experience Depression, Particularly in Relation to My Mom Friends: Advice? Read More »

I'm Struggling with Virtual Learning and Feel Like I'm Going to Lose It: Advice?

I’m Struggling with Virtual Learning and Feel Like I’m Going to Lose It: Advice?

/ Advice /

A mom writes in asking for advice about virtual learning. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many families are struggling to adjust to virtual learning vs. in-person school, and this mom is no exception. She has two kids who have virtual school. She is required to be present with both at the same time because they are young and need her help. She is struggling with the schedule and organizing, and she is reaching the end of her patience with this new system of learning. Any advice for this mom on how to make virtual learning at home easier for both her and her children?

I’m Struggling with Virtual Learning and Feel Like I’m Going to Lose It: Advice? Read More »

I Was Told My Baby May Have Trisomy 21 (Down Syndrome): Advice?

I Was Told My Baby May Have Trisomy 21 (Down Syndrome): Advice?

/ Advice /

A mom writes in asking for advice about trisomy 21, commonly known as Down syndrome. She says that she took the Panorama blood screen when she was 13 weeks and the results came back stating her baby is a high risk for trisomy 21. This worried mom asks for advice from other moms who have been through similar. Have any moms been told the same thing and gone on to deliver a baby who did not have trisomy 21? Any advice or words of encouragement for this mom-to-be?

I Was Told My Baby May Have Trisomy 21 (Down Syndrome): Advice? Read More »

What All Should I Pack in My Hospital Bag Ahead of My Due Date?

What All Should I Pack in My Hospital Bag Ahead of My Due Date?

/ Advice, Pregnancy /

A mom writes in asking for advice about packing a hospital bag. She asks other moms in the community what they forgot to pack in their hospital bags ahead of giving birth that they regret not packing. She adds that she is 36-weeks pregnant and does not want to forget anything important. Below, we’ve rounded up some great advice from the community about what should be included in a hospital bag, but here is a good checklist to look over as well.

What All Should I Pack in My Hospital Bag Ahead of My Due Date? Read More »

My 1-Year-Old Constantly Fights Me During Diaper Changes: Advice?

My 1-Year-Old Constantly Fights Me During Diaper Changes: Advice?

/ Advice /

A mom writes in asking for advice about diapering. She says that her daughter, who is 1-year-old, always fights her when this mom goes to change her diapers. “She wiggles and kicks everywhere,” this mom says. She adds that this is her first child, so the whole experience is still somewhat new to her. Have any other moms experienced their children putting up a fight when changing diapers? What did you do to change the behavior?

My 1-Year-Old Constantly Fights Me During Diaper Changes: Advice? Read More »

I'm Freaking Out About Giving Birth During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Advice?

I’m Freaking Out About Giving Birth During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Advice?

/ Advice, Giving Birth /

A mom writes in asking for advice about giving birth during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. This mom is set to be induced in just a few days, and she is “freaking out.” Will she need to wear a mask the entire time? What are the rules about having others in the delivery room? What precautions are being taken by the hospital? What precautions should this mom take? She is looking for advice for anyone who has given birth during this strange time and would love to hear what their experiences have been.

I’m Freaking Out About Giving Birth During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Advice? Read More »

My Husband and I Disagree About When We Should Start Stocking Up on Baby Essentials: Advice?

My Husband and I Disagree About When We Should Start Stocking Up on Baby Essentials: Advice?

/ Advice, Product Recommendations /

A mom writes in asking for advice about buying baby essentials. She is currently 12 weeks pregnant, and she and her husband are currently having a disagreement. She wants to start buying baby stuff now because she likes to be prepared. Her husband, however, wants to wait to start buying baby things until she is at least six months pregnant. She asks other moms when they started stocking up on baby goods, and below, the community shares their advice.

My Husband and I Disagree About When We Should Start Stocking Up on Baby Essentials: Advice? Read More »

I Think I'm Ready to Draw a Line in the Sand Between My Child's Father and Us: Advice?

I Think I’m Ready to Draw a Line in the Sand Between My Child’s Father and Us: Advice?

/ Advice, Relationships /

A mom writes in asking for advice about her child’s father. She says her child’s father left her years ago when she was pregnant with their child. Now, her son is two-years-old. In all of that time, the child’s father has only seen his son twice. He lives in a different state and is generally not at all involved in their lives. However, recently he has demanded that this mom send their child to him so he can spend time with his other kids. This man doesn’t pay child support or provide in any other way. And it gets worse from there. Should she draw a line in the sand with her child’s father?

I Think I’m Ready to Draw a Line in the Sand Between My Child’s Father and Us: Advice? Read More »

I'm Worried Having Kids 10 Years Apart Will Cause a Big Rift: Advice?

I’m Worried Having Kids 10 Years Apart Will Cause a Big Rift: Advice?

/ Advice /

A mom writes in asking for advice about age gaps. She wants to hear from other moms who have kids who are several years or more apart. She just found out she is pregnant and is concerned that her daughter, who will be 10 when the new baby arrives, will view the baby as “a major rift… instead of a blessing.” So she asks other moms: How is it having kids who are 10 years apart? What advice do they have that might ease her anxiety?

I’m Worried Having Kids 10 Years Apart Will Cause a Big Rift: Advice? Read More »

I'm Running Low on Formula and Will Run Out Before My Next Paycheck Clears: Are There Any Safe Formula Substitutions I Can Use?

I’m Running Low on Formula and Will Run Out Before My Next Paycheck Clears: Are There Any Safe Formula Substitutions I Can Use?

/ Advice /

A mom writes in asking for advice about formula. She says she is running low on formula for her 3-month-old son. She has enough to get him through the night but won’t have any for the next day. Unfortunately, she will not receive her paycheck until later and must therefore go without buying formula until she receives her money. She wants to know if there are any safe formula substitutions she can use to help in the meantime or if there are any resources she could use to secure formula for free.

I’m Running Low on Formula and Will Run Out Before My Next Paycheck Clears: Are There Any Safe Formula Substitutions I Can Use? Read More »

Should I Allow My Child's Father's Sister to Be Apart of Our Lives Even Though the Father Is Not?

Should I Allow My Child’s Father’s Sister to Be Apart of Our Lives Even Though the Father Is Not?

/ Advice, Relationships /

A mom writes in asking for advice about her child’s father’s sister. She says that the father of her unborn child “wants nothing to do with the child.” However, the child’s father’s sister learned through a mutual friend that this mom is expecting what is to be her niece. This aunt wants to be involved in the mom and child’s life, even though her brother (the child’s father) is not. The mom is unsure if this is wise, especially given that she has not met this woman. She still also holds a torch for the child’s father and worries involving his sister may be complicated emotionally.

Should I Allow My Child’s Father’s Sister to Be Apart of Our Lives Even Though the Father Is Not? Read More »

I've Been Shamed Into Feeling Like I Shouldn't Buy My Daughter Many Christmas Gifts Due to COVID-19: Advice?

I’ve Been Shamed Into Feeling Like I Shouldn’t Buy My Daughter Many Christmas Gifts Due to COVID-19: Advice?

/ Advice, Lifestyle /

A mom writes in asking for advice about buying Christmas gifts for her daughter. This mom always likes to shop ahead of the holiday season to avoid higher prices and related drama, and this year has been no different. Except that she claims a lot of people in her life are making her feel bad for doing so because of how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the economy. They say she shouldn’t spend so much money on gifts for her child. This mom doesn’t see the problem, as she isn’t spending beyond her means, but she is feeling guilty after facing the backlash.

I’ve Been Shamed Into Feeling Like I Shouldn’t Buy My Daughter Many Christmas Gifts Due to COVID-19: Advice? Read More »

My Husband Is Leaving Me for Someone Younger: Where Do I Go From Here?

My Husband Is Leaving Me for Someone Younger: Where Do I Go From Here?

/ Advice, Divorce / Separations, Relationships /

A mom writes in asking for advice about her husband. She says she recently learned her husband is leaving her for a younger woman. He has told her she needs to move out of the house they built together, and even more tragic, they share three children together. This mom doesn’t know what to do or who to turn to. Should she try and stay and fight? Should she just pick up, leave, and move on? Below, the community shares their advice for this mom in need.

My Husband Is Leaving Me for Someone Younger: Where Do I Go From Here? Read More »

How Long Should You Wait to Tell Your Family You're Pregnant?

How Long Should You Wait to Tell Your Family You’re Pregnant?

/ Advice, Pregnancy, Relationships /

A mom writes in asking for advice about when she should tell her immediate family that she is pregnant. She is curious to hear from other moms when they decided the time was right to share the big news with their families. What factors are there to consider? Below, our community shares their advice and their stories about how and when they decided to reveal their pregnancies to their families.

How Long Should You Wait to Tell Your Family You’re Pregnant? Read More »

My 7-Year-Old Keeps 'Accidentally' Pooping Her Pants: Advice?

My 7-Year-Old Keeps ‘Accidentally’ Pooping Her Pants: Advice?

/ Advice /

A mom writes in asking for advice about her daughter. She says her 7-year-old daughter, who is currently doing online school from home, has started “accidentally” pooping her pants. She uses the toilet as per usual to pee. This mom says her daughter told her that she doesn’t want to stop playing with her siblings in order to go to the bathroom, hence the accidents. This mom has tried talking to her “like a friend.” She has tried yelling. Nothing seems to be solving the issue. What should she do?

My 7-Year-Old Keeps ‘Accidentally’ Pooping Her Pants: Advice? Read More »

My Child Is Being Bullied at School: How Should I Handle It?

My Child Is Being Bullied at School: How Should I Handle It?

/ Advice, Parenting /

A mom writes in asking for advice about bullying. She says her child is being bullied at school and that she has actually witnessed said bullying. What are some ways she can address the issue and put an end to the bullying? She turns to the community for support and advice. We’ve included some of the community’s feedback below. But what would you do if your child was being bullied at school?

My Child Is Being Bullied at School: How Should I Handle It? Read More »

My 11-Month-Old Doesn't Respond to His Name: Should I Be Worried?

My 11-Month-Old Doesn’t Respond to His Name: Should I Be Worried?

/ Advice /

A mom writes in asking for advice about her 11-month-old infant. She says her son does not respond to his name when it is spoken. He also does not point to things. This mom plans to mention it to their pediatrician at her son’s one-year checkup, but she is curious if other moms have experienced similar with their children. She adds that she doesn’t necessarily think it is a hearing problem, because he responds to sounds such as her snapping her fingers near his ears. Should she be worried?

My 11-Month-Old Doesn’t Respond to His Name: Should I Be Worried? Read More »

How Old Is Too Old When It Comes to Breastfeeding?

How Old Is Too Old When It Comes to Breastfeeding?

/ Advice /

A mom writes in asking for advice about breastfeeding. She says she has been breastfeeding for the last year and has no plans on stopping anytime soon. But she wants to know when she should stop. She asks other breastfeeding moms when they stopped nursing their children and what were the factors they considered when they decided to stop. Ultimately, she wants to know: Is there an age her child will reach that she should stop breastfeeding?

How Old Is Too Old When It Comes to Breastfeeding? Read More »

Is It Possible to Co-Parent Without Getting the Courts Involved?

Is It Possible to Co-Parent Without Getting the Courts Involved?

/ Advice, Divorce / Separations, Parenting, Relationships /

A mom writes in asking for advice about co-parenting. She wonders if any other moms have experience co-parenting their children shared with an ex without the need to go through a court process and settle on an official arrangement. She says she is not technically separated from her partner yet, but it’s coming. He has told her, after they split, she’ll be able to see their child every day and he is adamant they don’t involve the courts. But he also refuses to put a schedule in writing, which worries this mom.

Is It Possible to Co-Parent Without Getting the Courts Involved? Read More »

My Ex-Husband Should Still Be Paying Child Support Even Though I Recieve SSI... Right?

My Ex-Husband Should Still Be Paying Child Support Even Though I Recieve SSI… Right?

/ Advice, Parenting /

A mom writes in asking for advice about child support. She wants to know if her ex-husband is still obligated to pay child support even though she receives some Supplemental Security Income (SSI). She specifies that she only receives $150 a month in SSI, while his child support should be $300 a month. She adds that he is already $21,000 behind in child support payments. Should she fight for the child support, or is she out of luck?

My Ex-Husband Should Still Be Paying Child Support Even Though I Recieve SSI… Right? Read More »

I Want to Try Co-Sleeping with My Child, But It Isn't Going So Well: Advice?

I Want to Try Co-Sleeping with My Child, But It Isn’t Going So Well: Advice?

/ Advice, Parenting /

A mom writes in asking for advice about co-sleeping. She says she and her wife have always kept their one-year-old son in his crib and have not had any issues. However, she would ideally like to move to co-sleeping. Unfortunately, it has not gone so well when she’s tried. She says her son thinks it’s “time to party and play” when she brings him into bed. What can this mom do to make co-sleeping work for her and her family?

I Want to Try Co-Sleeping with My Child, But It Isn’t Going So Well: Advice? Read More »

Do I Have to Change My Last Name Once My Divorce Is Finalized? Because I Really Don't Want To!

Do I Have to Change My Last Name Once My Divorce Is Finalized? Because I Really Don’t Want To!

/ Advice, Divorce / Separations, Relationships /

A mom writes in asking for advice about last names after divorce. This mom is currently in the process of divorcing her second husband. Though the two don’t share any children together, each has children from their previous marriages. She says despite that, she does not want to change her last name when the divorce is finalized because of the hassle. Her soon-to-be-ex-husband, however, has asked her to change her last name when all is said and done. Does she need to change it? Should she?

Do I Have to Change My Last Name Once My Divorce Is Finalized? Because I Really Don’t Want To! Read More »

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