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.

I Want to Put My Infant in a Single Bed: Is That a Bad Idea?

I Want to Put My Infant in a Single Bed: Is That a Bad Idea?

/ Advice, Parenting /

A mom writes in asking for advice about her infant daughter. She says she is considering moving her three-month-old out of her cot and into a single bed placed next to the parents’ bed. She says that her daughter tends to find sleeping on a bed more comfortable. Is this mom thinking too far ahead? Is it safe to put an infant in a single bed? The community weighs in with advice below.

I Want to Put My Infant in a Single Bed: Is That a Bad Idea? Read More »

I'm a Single Mom in the Middle of a Head Lice Nightmare: Advice?

I’m a Single Mom in the Middle of a Head Lice Nightmare: Advice?

/ Advice /

A mom writes in asking for advice about head lice. She says that, unfortunately, she and her children have contracted head lice. She has been running down the list of treatments and common recommendations, but so far, the problem persists. After trying things like Nix, combing, and even putting mayonnaise on her own head under a plastic bag. But she says her son, at least, is still scratching, despite the fact she doesn’t see any lice when she looks. What else should she try?

I’m a Single Mom in the Middle of a Head Lice Nightmare: Advice? Read More »

Am I Responsible for Replacing a Computer My Son Broke at Someone Else's House?

Am I Responsible for Replacing a Computer My Son Broke at Someone Else’s House?

/ Advice /

A mom writes in asking for advice about a situation involving her son. She says her son damaged something — a computer — while staying over at someone else’s house. She wants to know if she is responsible for paying to fix the damaged computer. She believes she should not have to pay for it, because, for one thing, the adults at the house should have been watching the kids (or that they should have taken care to keep such a valuable item away from the kids), which in theory would have prevented the damage. Should she pay up?

Am I Responsible for Replacing a Computer My Son Broke at Someone Else’s House? Read More »

How Can I Help My Child Grieve the Loss of His Beloved Great-Grandma?

How Can I Help My Child Grieve the Loss of His Beloved Great-Grandma?

/ Advice, Mental Health /

A mom writes in asking for advice about grief and grieving. She says her two-year-old son is grieving the loss of his beloved great-grandma. Since her death at the beginning of the year, he has stopped talking. He takes a picture of himself with his great-grandma with him everywhere and won’t let anyone touch it. He has also been sleeping with the blanket that belonged to his great-grandma when she was in the nursing home. The doctor told this mom her son may just need a grieving period, but how do you help a toddler process such powerful emotions?

How Can I Help My Child Grieve the Loss of His Beloved Great-Grandma? Read More »

My 5-Year-Old Suddenly Wants to Nurse Again: Is This Normal?

My 5-Year-Old Suddenly Wants to Nurse Again: Is This Normal?

/ Advice /

A mom writes in asking for advice about nursing. She says her now-5-year-old daughter “all of the sudden” wants to start nursing again. She adds that she nursed her daughter for 3.5 years. But for the last year and a half, she has not nursed. She is confused as to why this might be coming up again now, especially given that she says they haven’t been around anyone who is currently nursing. Is this normal?

My 5-Year-Old Suddenly Wants to Nurse Again: Is This Normal? Read More »

Can You Microwave a Baby Bottle in Order to Warm It Up?

Can You Microwave a Baby Bottle in Order to Warm It Up?

/ Advice, Parenting /

A mom writes in asking for advice about baby bottles. She asks — formula-feeding moms, specifically — for their opinions on whether it is okay to microwave a baby’s bottle in order to warm it up. Below, the community weighs in with suggestions and tips about how they managed their formula-fed babies and whether they used a microwave to warm bottles.

Can You Microwave a Baby Bottle in Order to Warm It Up? Read More »

My Husband and I Have Looked for Baby Girl Names Everywhere, But We Can't Agree: Any Ideas?

My Husband and I Have Looked for Baby Girl Names Everywhere, But We Can’t Agree: Any Ideas?

/ Advice, Baby Names, Pregnancy /

A mom writes in asking for advice about baby names. She says that she is five-months pregnant with her first baby girl. Congratulations! She adds that she and her husband have been looking for names “everywhere” but can’t agree on a name they both like. After searching and searching, she turns to the community for baby girl name ideas that are “uncommon/sweet.” The community responded with hundreds of ideas, some of which we’ve included below.

My Husband and I Have Looked for Baby Girl Names Everywhere, But We Can’t Agree: Any Ideas? Read More »

What's a Normal Amount of Weight to Gain During Pregnancy?

What’s a Normal Amount of Weight to Gain During Pregnancy?

/ Advice, Pregnancy, Women's Health /

A mom writes in asking for advice about weight gain during pregnancy. This mom, who is pregnant with her second child, recently learned she had gained 30 lbs. at her 22-week check-in. This surprised her because, for the first 14 weeks of her pregnancy, she could barely keep food down. She is wondering if it is normal to gain that much weight that quickly. Her experience during her first pregnancy was slightly different, and she’d like to hear from others about their weight gain experiences.

What’s a Normal Amount of Weight to Gain During Pregnancy? Read More »

I'm Looking for Fun Ways to Tell My Husband I'm Pregnant: Advice?

I’m Looking for Fun Ways to Tell My Husband I’m Pregnant: Advice?

/ Advice, Getting Pregnant, Pregnancy, Relationships /

A mom writes in asking for advice about telling her husband that she is pregnant. This mom-to-be is wondering if the community has any thoughts on ways (presumably fun and interesting ways that go beyond simply stating the fact) for her to tell her husband that they are expecting a baby. Below, the community weighs in with some thoughts and suggestions.

I’m Looking for Fun Ways to Tell My Husband I’m Pregnant: Advice? Read More »

My Toddler Refuses to Hold My Hands, Which Means I Can't Take Him Anywhere Safely in Public: Advice?

My Toddler Refuses to Hold My Hands, Which Means I Can’t Take Him Anywhere Safely in Public: Advice?

/ Advice /

A mom writes in asking for advice about her toddler. She says that her toddler refuses to hold her hand when they go places in public. She adds that if she tries to hold his hand, he sits on the ground and won’t move. But if she isn’t holding his hand, her son will run around like crazy and will often do things like run into the street. It has gotten to the point where this mom feels she can’t safely take her toddler anywhere. Is there anything she can do to change this behavior?

My Toddler Refuses to Hold My Hands, Which Means I Can’t Take Him Anywhere Safely in Public: Advice? Read More »

My Baby Struggles to Poop But Her Doctor Won't Really Listen to Me: Advice?

My Baby Struggles to Poop But Her Doctor Won’t Really Listen to Me: Advice?

/ Advice /

A mom writes in asking for advice about her daughter and her relationship with her daughter’s doctor. This mom says that after she brought her baby home, she was on a fairly normal routine when it came to bowel movements. Recently, though, her daughter has been straining “all day” and “all night” just to pass gas. This mom does not think it is constipation due to a few reasons. The issue, aside from that, is that her doctor seems to be giving her the brush-off. This mom feels like the doctor is not really listening to the details of the issue and is instead giving her generic advice. What should she do?

My Baby Struggles to Poop But Her Doctor Won’t Really Listen to Me: Advice? Read More »

Should I Send My Daughter, Who Is Sick with the Flu, to Her Dad's Just Because of Our Custody Agreement?

Should I Send My Daughter, Who Is Sick with the Flu, to Her Dad’s Just Because of Our Custody Agreement?

/ Advice, Divorce / Separations, Parenting, Relationships /

A mom writes in asking for advice about what to do with her daughter, who is sick with the flu. She is conflicted about whether she should send her sick daughter to her father’s. The father thinks that their daughter should still come stay with him, and, per court order in their custody agreement, it is technically his weekend to have her. Still, this mom feels like her daughter shouldn’t go until she’s feeling better. Who’s right?

Should I Send My Daughter, Who Is Sick with the Flu, to Her Dad’s Just Because of Our Custody Agreement? Read More »

My 6-Year-Old Daughter Won't Stop Talking About Farts, Butts, and Poop and It's Causing Problems: Advice?

My 6-Year-Old Daughter Won’t Stop Talking About Farts, Butts, and Poop and It’s Causing Problems: Advice?

/ Advice /

A mom writes in asking for advice about her 6-year-old daughter’s behavior. She says her daughter has recently become obsessed with farts, poop, and butts. Not out of the ordinary for a 6-year-old. The problem is that this mom runs a day home, and her daughter’s obsession has started spreading to other children. Other parents are starting to notice, she says. All day long, it’s poop, farts, and butts, and this mom doesn’t know if she should work harder to shut that kind of talk down.

My 6-Year-Old Daughter Won’t Stop Talking About Farts, Butts, and Poop and It’s Causing Problems: Advice? Read More »

My Husband's Family Is Planning a Whole Trip Without Me: Do I Have a Right to Feel Left Out and Hurt?

My Husband’s Family Is Planning a Whole Trip Without Me: Do I Have a Right to Feel Left Out and Hurt?

/ Advice, Relationships /

A mom writes in asking for advice about a situation involving her husband’s family. She says her husband’s family, her in-laws, invited him to join them for a fishing trip. No problem, right? Well, the thing is that his family is paying the way for everyone involved in the trip… But they told this mom that if she wants to go, she has to shell out $1,500. She is wondering if she is overreacting, but ultimately she just feels hurt and excluded. What should she do?

My Husband’s Family Is Planning a Whole Trip Without Me: Do I Have a Right to Feel Left Out and Hurt? Read More »

Expecting Moms: In the Age of Coronavirus, How Long Are You Waiting Until After the Baby Arrives to Have Visitors?

Expecting Moms: In the Age of Coronavirus, How Long Are You Waiting Until After the Baby Arrives to Have Visitors?

/ Advice, Parenting /

A mom writes in asking for advice about how soon she should consider receiving visitors after giving birth in the age of COVID-19. This mom is expecting her new baby in less than four weeks. She is “really nervous” about what happens after the baby comes. Given the ongoing lockdowns and safety protocols in place during the novel Coronavirus pandemic, she is unsure when she should receive visitors to see the baby. The doctor told her to wait at least two weeks before welcoming guests, but even that makes her uncomfortable, as many people she knows have given up on social distancing.

Expecting Moms: In the Age of Coronavirus, How Long Are You Waiting Until After the Baby Arrives to Have Visitors? Read More »

How Did You Know When You Were Done Having Kids? Which Factors Should I Consider?

How Did You Know When You Were Done Having Kids? Which Factors Should I Consider?

/ Advice /

A mom writes in asking for advice about having more kids. This mom says she and her husband currently have three children altogether. (They have one child together and then each has a child from a previous relationship.) Her husband has a vasectomy scheduled for October, which initially this mom was fine with, but after thinking more about it, she is worried she may end up wanting more children down the line. What factors should she seriously consider before deciding for sure she is done having kids?

How Did You Know When You Were Done Having Kids? Which Factors Should I Consider? Read More »

I Have Concerns About the Idea of Kids Wearing Masks at School: Advice?

I Have Concerns About the Idea of Kids Wearing Masks at School: Advice?

/ Advice, Parenting /

A mom writes in asking for advice about kids wearing masks to school. Do the ongoing novel Coronavirus pandemic, subsequent lockdowns, and general mass confusion, school has become a hot-button issue. Though laws change from state-to-state, many places require children over a certain age to wear masks if they go to school or daycare. But this mom is unsure of how it really works in practice. Do kids actually keep their masks on? Do kids swap their masks or otherwise break protocol, because they’re kids and don’t know any better?

I Have Concerns About the Idea of Kids Wearing Masks at School: Advice? Read More »

I'm Pregnant with My Third Child: Why Am I More Anxious Than Ever Before?

I’m Pregnant with My Third Child: Why Am I More Anxious Than Ever Before?

/ Advice, Mental Health, Pregnancy /

A mom writes in asking for advice about having a third child. This mom says she has two children ages 7 and 5, and she is currently pregnant with her third. Despite this not being her first rodeo, this mom is experiencing severe anxiety thinking about balancing jobs, finances, and life with three kids. Have any other moms experienced a similar uptick in anxiety when having multiple kids?

I’m Pregnant with My Third Child: Why Am I More Anxious Than Ever Before? Read More »

I'm Conflicted About Letting My Mom and Sister, Both Addicts, Into My Life and My Baby's Life: Advice?

I’m Conflicted About Letting My Mom and Sister, Both Addicts, Into My Life and My Baby’s Life: Advice?

/ Advice, Relationships /

A mom writes in asking for advice about her own mother and sister. She says she is conflicted about letting her mom and sister from whom she is currently estranged back in her life ahead of the arrival of her first child. She specifies that both her mom and sister are drug addicts and have been for a long time. Understandably, this mom has had a rough and complicated relationship with her family due to this. But her mom wants nothing more than to be there during the OP’s pregnancy and the arrival of her child. Is there a way she can invite them back into her life without it causing upset to her or her baby?

I’m Conflicted About Letting My Mom and Sister, Both Addicts, Into My Life and My Baby’s Life: Advice? Read More »

Is It Weird to Throw Yourself a Baby Shower vs. Having Your Family Throwing One For You?

Is It Weird to Throw Yourself a Baby Shower vs. Having Your Family Throwing One For You?

/ Advice, Pregnancy, Relationships /

A mom writes in asking for advice about baby showers. She says that her family does not get along with her husband’s family, and therefore they have both decided not to involve them in their baby shower in order to avoid drama. However, this mom’s husband said it might feel weird to throw their own shower, given how it is usually thrown by family or friends of the expectant couple. See what advice the community has for this baby shower scenario below.

Is It Weird to Throw Yourself a Baby Shower vs. Having Your Family Throwing One For You? Read More »

I Don't Know How to Keep My Kids Busy and Entertained During the Pandemic Without a Computer or TV: Advice?

I Don’t Know How to Keep My Kids Busy and Entertained During the Pandemic Without a Computer or TV: Advice?

/ Advice, Parenting /

A mom writes in asking for advice about activities she can have her kids do to keep them busy during the pandemic. This mom says her two children only want to play on the computer and/or watch TV. They have other games and activities around the house, but the kids find them boring and thus return to their technology. This mom adds that before the pandemic began, extracurricular activities kept her kids busy, but now it’s a very different world. Any ideas for this mom and her kids?

I Don’t Know How to Keep My Kids Busy and Entertained During the Pandemic Without a Computer or TV: Advice? Read More »

My Baby Has Never Slept Through the Night and I Feel Ready to Die of Exhaustion: Advice?

My Baby Has Never Slept Through the Night and I Feel Ready to Die of Exhaustion: Advice?

/ Advice /

A mom writes in asking for advice about her baby’s sleep. She says her baby, who is almost 10-months-old, has never slept through the night. She says he wakes up “four-plus times a night” and recently has stopped napping as well. This mom has tried everything she can think, but the problem only seems to be getting worse, and both she and her baby are more tired from lack of sleep than ever. Adding to her stress is that she just started a physically demanding job for which she needs rest.

My Baby Has Never Slept Through the Night and I Feel Ready to Die of Exhaustion: Advice? Read More »

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