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.

How Can I Get My Fiancé to Have More Pride in Our Home and Its Upkeep?

How Can I Get My Fiancé to Have More Pride in Our Home and Its Upkeep?

/ Advice, Relationships /

A mom writes in asking for advice about her fiancé, who is on a different page than her when it comes to maintaining their home. She says that though she is not materialistic, her family “holds a strong reputation” where she lives, and she likes to keep her home in order because of that. Her fiancé, however, “couldn’t care less.” He leaves visible messes, such as oil spills in the driveway. He has left their Christmas lights up for at least 7 months. How can this mom work with her partner to get him to help take better care of where they live?

How Can I Get My Fiancé to Have More Pride in Our Home and Its Upkeep? Read More »

I Got Accepted Into My Dream Program, But Now I'm Horribly Anxious About Being Away from My Kids: Advice?

I Got Accepted Into My Dream Program, But Now I’m Horribly Anxious About Being Away from My Kids: Advice?

/ Advice /

A mom writes in asking for advice about anxiety stemming from a potentially major life change. She says she was recently accepted into the program of her dreams. The problem? It will mean she spends a lot less time with her twins. She has been a stay-at-home-mom since she had her twins two years ago, and she is struggling with the thought of being away from her babies for most of the week. She asks for advice from other moms about how to cope with this big change… or even whether she should consider delaying her start in the program.

I Got Accepted Into My Dream Program, But Now I’m Horribly Anxious About Being Away from My Kids: Advice? Read More »

Tubal Ligation vs. Vasectomy: Which Is the Better Option?

Tubal Ligation vs. Vasectomy: Which Is the Better Option?

/ Advice, Relationships /

A mom writes in asking for advice about family planning. She says she and her husband are in agreement that they do not want any more children. The issue? She wants him to get a vasectomy, and he would rather she get her tubes tied (tubal ligation). She wants to know if one method is more effective than the other, or if the risks of one procedure outweigh the risks of the other.

Tubal Ligation vs. Vasectomy: Which Is the Better Option? Read More »

Have Any Other Parents Been Forced to Quit Their Jobs Because of COVID-19 Related School Closures?

Have Any Other Parents Been Forced to Quit Their Jobs Because of COVID-19 Related School Closures?

/ Advice /

A mom writes in asking for advice about having to quit her job because of COVID-19 related school closures. She says that, because her son’s school will not be doing in-person learning as a result of the ongoing pandemic, she is going to have to quit her job in order to be home with him while he does online school. She asks other parents who may be in a similar situation for advice about how she can make such a massive change work for her family effectively.

Have Any Other Parents Been Forced to Quit Their Jobs Because of COVID-19 Related School Closures? Read More »

My Husband Does Not Want Me or Our Son to Attend His Military Promotion Ceremony: Is This Fishy or Am I Overreacting?

My Husband Does Not Want Me or Our Son to Attend His Military Promotion Ceremony: Is This Fishy or Am I Overreacting?

/ Advice, Relationships /

A mom writes in asking for advice about her husband. She says that her husband recently informed her he earned a promotion, which usually involves a ceremony. She asked him if she and their son should attend, and he told her that, due to COVID-19, they weren’t allowing family to attend these ceremonies. This mom learned from friends and social media that that doesn’t seem entirely true. So she confronted him, which caused an argument. Her thoughts are running wild about the reasons why he wouldn’t want her to be there, but is she overreacting?

My Husband Does Not Want Me or Our Son to Attend His Military Promotion Ceremony: Is This Fishy or Am I Overreacting? Read More »

How Honest Should I Be with My 4-Year-Old About the Fact That His Father Is in Jail?

How Honest Should I Be with My 4-Year-Old About the Fact That His Father Is in Jail?

/ Advice, Parenting, Relationships /

A mom writes in asking for advice about her 4-year-old son and her son’s father. Her son’s father, who was involved in their lives for a time, is currently in jail. He has two years of his sentence remaining, and she says he plans to be involved when he is released. He talks to his son while in jail, but this mom has told her that his dad is “working.” She is wondering if lying to him about his father’s actual location is harmful. Should she tell her son where his father really is?

How Honest Should I Be with My 4-Year-Old About the Fact That His Father Is in Jail? Read More »

Should I Still Be Covering My 18-Year-Old Son's Bills?

Should I Still Be Covering My 18-Year-Old Son’s Bills?

/ Advice, Parenting /

A mom writes in asking for advice about her son. She says her son, with whom she has “never really gotten along,” moved out “the second he turned 18.” She still loves him and wants to support him in an appropriate way, and to that point, she is wondering: Should she still be covering his car insurance and cell phone bills? Let’s see what the community had to say.

Should I Still Be Covering My 18-Year-Old Son’s Bills? Read More »

When Is It Appropriate to Stop Changing While Your Kids Are in the Room?

When Is It Appropriate to Stop Changing While Your Kids Are in the Room?

/ Advice, Parenting /

A mom writes in asking for advice about when it is appropriate to stop changing clothes while your child is in the room. This mom has a 7-year-old daughter, whom she says is “more like 3 to 4” mentally. A friend recently told her that she should stop changing in front of her daughter, claiming that the daughter is “too old” for that to be appropriate. Is this mom out of line, or did she get some bad advice?

When Is It Appropriate to Stop Changing While Your Kids Are in the Room? Read More »

My Husband's Friendship with a Married Woman 12 Years Younger Than Him Really Bothers Me: Am I Overreacting?

My Husband’s Friendship with a Married Woman 12 Years Younger Than Him Really Bothers Me: Am I Overreacting?

/ Advice, Parenting, Relationships /

A mom writes in asking for advice about her husband’s relationship with their neighbor. This mom explains that she and her husband have neighbors with whom they’ve been friendly over the years. The neighbor’s husband is in the military and is sometimes deployed. This mom noticed that while deployed, her own husband’s relationship with the man’s wife was developing, and the two have become very good friends and often do things together. A lot of things about the situation make the OP uncomfortable and jealous. Does she have a right to be? Or is she overreacting?

My Husband’s Friendship with a Married Woman 12 Years Younger Than Him Really Bothers Me: Am I Overreacting? Read More »

My Daughter's Father Has Been Pretty Much MIA Since the Pandemic Began: Advice?

My Daughter’s Father Has Been Pretty Much MIA Since the Pandemic Began: Advice?

/ Advice, Relationships /

A mom writes in asking for advice about her daughter’s father, aka her ex. She says she and her ex ended on okay terms and initially shared custody of their daughter 50/50. But since the novel Coronavirus pandemic began earlier this year, she says, he has not seen much of his daughter. Nor has he contributed financially towards his daughter’s care. (She specifies that they do not have a child support arrangement currently, but she is now thinking of asking for one, given how little help he is providing.) In the end, she is looking for advice from other moms about how to handle this situation.

My Daughter’s Father Has Been Pretty Much MIA Since the Pandemic Began: Advice? Read More »

My Son Has Broken His Arm 3 Times in Less Than a Year: Advice?

My Son Has Broken His Arm 3 Times in Less Than a Year: Advice?

/ Advice /

A mom writes in asking for advice about her 6-year-old son. She says her son recently fell and broke his arm for the third time in a year. She says she has taken him to the pediatrician, and they said her son is healthy. But she is concerned, given the frequency of broken bones she has had to deal with. She wants to know if any other moms have experienced something similar and whether anyone has advice or suggestions about what might be wrong or next steps.

My Son Has Broken His Arm 3 Times in Less Than a Year: Advice? Read More »

My Best Friend's Fiancé Hit On Me: Was I Wrong to Tell Her? And If Not, Then Why Do I Feel So Bad?

My Best Friend’s Fiancé Hit On Me: Was I Wrong to Tell Her? And If Not, Then Why Do I Feel So Bad?

/ Advice, Relationships /

A woman writes in asking for advice about a situation involving her best friend. This woman says that her best friend’s fiancé hit on her. She has texts and other receipts proving this. She ended up telling her best friend that this happened, a decision which, though she feels was right, has caused a great deal of pain for both women. The fiancé in question has been working to keep the women apart and to convince his fiancée to stay with him and drop her best friend. This woman is looking for support and advice, and she wants to know: Was telling her the right thing? And if so, why does she still feel so bad?

My Best Friend’s Fiancé Hit On Me: Was I Wrong to Tell Her? And If Not, Then Why Do I Feel So Bad? Read More »

Can I Get a Blood Test to Determine My Baby's Sex at 10-Weeks Pregnant? Will It Be Accurate?

Can I Get a Blood Test to Determine My Baby’s Sex at 10-Weeks Pregnant? Will It Be Accurate?

/ Advice, Pregnancy /

A mom writes in asking for advice about getting a blood test to determine her baby’s biological sex. She is 10-weeks pregnant and is wondering if that is too soon to get the test, and if not, would the results even be accurate? She adds that she had the test done when she was pregnant with her daughter, but she was 19-weeks pregnant at that time.

Can I Get a Blood Test to Determine My Baby’s Sex at 10-Weeks Pregnant? Will It Be Accurate? Read More »

New Parents: How Do You Find Time to Be Intimate with Your Partner?

New Parents: How Do You Find Time to Be Intimate with Your Partner?

/ Advice, Relationships /

A mom writes in asking for advice about intimacy after giving birth. This new mom welcomed her daughter just over a month ago via C-section. Now that six weeks have passed, she says her husband, who has been understanding, has started pushing for intimacy. She’s up for it sometimes, but with the new baby schedule, she is finding it a struggle. She wants to hear from other moms about how they found time to be intimate with their partners so soon after a new baby.

New Parents: How Do You Find Time to Be Intimate with Your Partner? Read More »

Which Airline Is the Best to Fly an Unaccompanied Minor?

Which Airline Is the Best to Fly an Unaccompanied Minor?

/ Advice /

A mom writes in asking for advice about airplanes and airlines. She says she is sending her oldest son, aged 11, to stay with her father for a while as punishment for lying and stealing. Her question, though, has nothing to do with his behavior and everything to do with how to get her son to her father. She says her kids have never flown before, let alone flown alone. She is seeking advice about which airline is best to fly an unaccompanied minor on.

Which Airline Is the Best to Fly an Unaccompanied Minor? Read More »

I'm About to Be a Mother-of-Three: Is an SUV or a Minivan Better for My Family?

I’m About to Be a Mother-of-Three: Is an SUV or a Minivan Better for My Family?

/ Advice /

A mom writes in asking for advice about buying a new car. This mom is soon to become a mom-of-three, all under 4-years-old. She is in the market now for a new vehicle and is torn between an SUV (sport utility vehicle) and a minivan. While she doesn’t love the look and reputation of a minivan, she understands many families get one for practical reasons that may be appealing to her. She asks the community to share their thoughts on the difference between an SUV and a minivan to help her make her decision.

I’m About to Be a Mother-of-Three: Is an SUV or a Minivan Better for My Family? Read More »

Is It True That Having Kids Closer in Age Is Harder for the Parents But Better for the Relationship Between Kids?

Is It True That Having Kids Closer in Age Is Harder for the Parents But Better for the Relationship Between Kids?

/ Advice /

A mom writes in asking for advice about age gaps. She says her son is turning one, and she is aiming to have another one within the next year. It would give a 21 or 22 month age gap between kids. She is wondering if this is a good amount of time between kids. She wants her children to be close, but she doesn’t want to miss out on her first baby’s big moments. Is it true that when babies are closer in age it’s a lot more work for the parents despite the fact the kids are likely to be closer to one another?

Is It True That Having Kids Closer in Age Is Harder for the Parents But Better for the Relationship Between Kids? Read More »

How Can I Help My Grown Stepchildren Learn to Fend for Themselves and Generally Become Better Adults?

How Can I Help My Grown Stepchildren Learn to Fend for Themselves and Generally Become Better Adults?

/ Advice, Extended Family, Relationships /

A mom writes in asking for advice about getting her grown stepchildren to fend for themselves. This mom says she tragically lost her own daughter, but she raised her husband’s two children. She says one of those children, now aged 22, brought his girlfriend home to this mom’s home. She says they proceeded to do literally nothing except lay in bed and watch TV. They did not get jobs or help around the house. Their unhygienic habits caused an infestation of bugs that cost $2000 to fix. How can this mom help her stepchild and his girlfriend learn to fend for themselves and “move on with life.”

How Can I Help My Grown Stepchildren Learn to Fend for Themselves and Generally Become Better Adults? Read More »

Is 11 or 12 Too Young to Leave My Child Stay Home Alone?

Is 11 or 12 Too Young to Leave My Child Stay Home Alone?

/ Advice /

A mom writes in asking for advice about the appropriate age at which she could consider leaving her child at home. She says that she is gearing up to go back to work, and now that her son is entering sixth grade, she no longer has the option to use her essential worker daycare, which is K-5 only. She is considering letting her son, who is 11 and will be 12 soon, stay home alone (where he will be doing remote learning) while she works, but she is nervous that he may be too young.

Is 11 or 12 Too Young to Leave My Child Stay Home Alone? Read More »

I'm 39-Weeks Pregnant and Looking for Ways to Naturally Speed Up the Labor Process: Advice?

I’m 39-Weeks Pregnant and Looking for Ways to Naturally Speed Up the Labor Process: Advice?

/ Advice, Giving Birth, Pregnancy, Women's Health /

A mom writes in asking for advice about speeding up the labor process. She says she is about 39 weeks pregnant. Her doctor informed her that she is currently dilated between 3 and 4 centimeters. She has been having mild contractions. She turns to our community of moms for advice on ways she might naturally help speed the labor process along, though she specifies she’s looking for suggestions other than having sex.

I’m 39-Weeks Pregnant and Looking for Ways to Naturally Speed Up the Labor Process: Advice? Read More »

My Fiancé Feels 'Emasculated' Because I Don't Want to Take His Last Name: Advice?

My Fiancé Feels ‘Emasculated’ Because I Don’t Want to Take His Last Name: Advice?

/ Advice, Love & Marriage, Relationships /

A mom writes in asking for advice about taking her fiancé’s last name. She says that she already has two last names, and she is the only one of her siblings who has her mother’s last name. Therefore, she does not really want to change her name. She says it doesn’t feel right. Her fiancé, however, is upset by this. He says he feels ’emasculated.’ She adds that her fiancé’s father is also upset about her decision not to take the last name. What should she do?

My Fiancé Feels ‘Emasculated’ Because I Don’t Want to Take His Last Name: Advice? Read More »

I Need Co-Parenting Advice: How Often Should I Speak with My Ex? Do We Need to Keep It 'Business Only'?

I Need Co-Parenting Advice: How Often Should I Speak with My Ex? Do We Need to Keep It ‘Business Only’?

/ Advice, Relationships /

A mom writes in asking for advice about co-parenting. She wants to hear from other moms in co-parenting situations about how often they communicate with their exes. She is also curious whether most people keep it “business only” and discuss only matters pertaining to the children or if there is room for friendly conversation. She wants to hear specifically from moms who say they have a “friendly” relationship with their ex.

I Need Co-Parenting Advice: How Often Should I Speak with My Ex? Do We Need to Keep It ‘Business Only’? Read More »

My Boyfriend, the Father of My Child, Cheated on Me: But Is Our Relationship Worth Saving?

My Boyfriend, the Father of My Child, Cheated on Me: But Is Our Relationship Worth Saving?

/ Advice, Relationships /

A mom writes in asking for advice about her boyfriend, who is also the father of her child. She says that her boyfriend cheated on her. He told her a week after it happened. “It got bad,” she said, before adding that she told everyone in their lives what had happened. Since then, her boyfriend has apologized, calling it the biggest mistake he’s ever made, and they have been going to see a therapist. This mom wants to know if their relationship is worth fighting for.

My Boyfriend, the Father of My Child, Cheated on Me: But Is Our Relationship Worth Saving? Read More »

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