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.

My Boyfriend Told Me We Needed Time Apart, But Does That Mean It's Actually Over?

My Boyfriend Told Me We Needed Time Apart, But Does That Mean It’s Actually Over?

/ Advice, Relationships /

A woman writes in asking for advice about her boyfriend. She says that her boyfriend recently told her they needed to take some time apart. After dating for two months, this woman says they argued frequently about petty things. Her boyfriend has not been very clear about how long he wants this break to be, but he says that he cares about her. She is worried that this was a rebound relationship and that maybe she should let it go for good, but first, she wanted to ask for advice.

My Boyfriend Told Me We Needed Time Apart, But Does That Mean It’s Actually Over? Read More »

My Husband and I No Longer Have a Love Life, But He Doesn't Have a Problem Taking Care of Himself: Advice?

My Husband and I No Longer Have a Love Life, But He Doesn’t Have a Problem Taking Care of Himself: Advice?

/ Advice, Relationships /

A woman writes in asking for advice about her husband. She says they no longer have a sex life. Instead, her husband can be found most days watching adult movies on the internet and taking care of things himself. Though this woman doesn’t have a problem with the idea of adult movies or her husband watching them in general, she is a bit hurt that he chooses to watch them but not be with her. It has. left her feeling ignored and “not good enough.” Advice for her?

My Husband and I No Longer Have a Love Life, But He Doesn’t Have a Problem Taking Care of Himself: Advice? Read More »

I'm Worried I May Have a Drinking Problem: Advice?

I’m Worried I May Have a Drinking Problem: Advice?

/ Advice /

A mom writes in asking for advice about herself and what she feels may be a drinking problem. This mom says that she got pregnant very young and has never really lived an adult life. Now, with three kids and a husband, this mom finds that she often drinks. Though she says she doesn’t get sloppy or mean, she is still concerned, especially because of her family’s history. The community offers advice for this mom below.

I’m Worried I May Have a Drinking Problem: Advice? Read More »

My Husband Gives Me the Silent Treatment All the Time: Advice?

My Husband Gives Me the Silent Treatment All the Time: Advice?

/ Advice, Relationships /

A mom writes in asking for advice about her husband. She says that her husband, who is a great father to their children, will often give her “the silent treatment” when he is upset with her and during arguments. He sometimes continues to give her said silent treatment for days or even weeks. It is deeply upsetting to this mom, who has tried everything she can to engage with him when it happens, but nothing seems to work.

My Husband Gives Me the Silent Treatment All the Time: Advice? Read More »

Is It Okay to Have a Second Baby Shower?

Is It Okay to Have a Second Baby Shower?

/ Advice, Pregnancy /

A mom writes in asking for advice about having a second baby shower. She says she is expecting her second child, a boy, this summer, and is wondering what she should do about throwing a shower. She is not especially interested in gifts but might want to throw a gathering to celebrate the baby’s arrival anyway. But it seems many have told her that having a second baby shower is unnecessary, causing her to feel bad.

Is It Okay to Have a Second Baby Shower? Read More »

My Husband and I Split Household Costs 50/50, But He Definitely Doesn't Do 50 Percent of the Housework: Advice?

My Husband and I Split Household Costs 50/50, But He Definitely Doesn’t Do 50 Percent of the Housework: Advice?

/ Advice, Love & Marriage, Relationships /

A mom writes in asking for advice about her husband. She and her husband both work full time in addition to having a son. She says her husband believes they should split the cost of everything 50/50, and they do. But it gets more complicated because this mom says that his “50/50” attitude does not

My Husband and I Split Household Costs 50/50, But He Definitely Doesn’t Do 50 Percent of the Housework: Advice? Read More »

My Ex Bought My 5-Year-Old Daughter an iPhone Against My Wishes: Advice?

My Ex Bought My 5-Year-Old Daughter an iPhone Against My Wishes: Advice?

/ Advice, Relationships /

A mom writes in asking for advice about her ex. She says her ex, the father of her 5-year-old daughter, was abusive and generally terrible to her. Since leaving him, she has tried to reconcile and create a good co-parenting relationship for the sake of their daughter, but it hasn’t been easy going. Recently, her ex bought their daughter an iPhone. This mom feels her daughter is too young for the device and does not like the way her ex seems to be manipulating their daughter and her emotions via the phone. What should she do?

My Ex Bought My 5-Year-Old Daughter an iPhone Against My Wishes: Advice? Read More »

My Friend Is Dating a Taken Man: Should I Say Something or Mind My Own Business?

My Friend Is Dating a Taken Man: Should I Say Something or Mind My Own Business?

/ Advice, Relationships /

A woman writes in asking for advice about her friend. She says her friend is “proudly” dating a taken man, and this woman is confused about whether she should say something. She feels bad for the woman who doesn’t know she is being cheated on and wants to know if she should say something to her, even though it would effectively end her friendship with the woman who is dating the taken man. Should she say something or mind her own business?

My Friend Is Dating a Taken Man: Should I Say Something or Mind My Own Business? Read More »

My Ex Gave My Old Engagement Ring to His New Fiancée: Do I Have a Right to Be Upset?

My Ex Gave My Old Engagement Ring to His New Fiancée: Do I Have a Right to Be Upset?

/ Advice, Love & Marriage, Relationships /

A mom writes in asking for advice about her ex, whom she says gave her old engagement ring to his new girlfriend. She says that she and her ex are on good terms, and she is also on good terms with his girlfriend (who recently became his fiancée). But she is bothered by the fact that he proposed using a ring she used to wear, and that she had hoped would eventually be passed to one of the two sons she shares with her ex. Does she have a right to be upset, or should she let it go?

My Ex Gave My Old Engagement Ring to His New Fiancée: Do I Have a Right to Be Upset? Read More »

My Son's Father Wants to Claim Our Son on His Taxes Next Year: Can He Do That?

My Son’s Father Wants to Claim Our Son on His Taxes Next Year: Can He Do That?

/ Advice, Relationships /

A mom writes in asking for advice about a situation involving her son and her son’s father. She says her son’s father has requested that he be allowed to claim their child on his taxes next year. This mom has full physical custody of their son (and split legal custody). Moreover, her son’s father has not been super involved in his son’s life, particularly lately during the pandemic. Is her ex allowed to claim their son on his taxes? What can she do?

My Son’s Father Wants to Claim Our Son on His Taxes Next Year: Can He Do That? Read More »

My Husband Asked for Scandalous Photos from a Girl on Snapchat: Advice?

My Husband Asked for Scandalous Photos from a Girl on Snapchat: Advice?

/ Advice, Relationships /

A mom writes in asking for advice about her husband. She says she accidentally learned that her husband requested scandalous photos from a girl he apparently friends with on the popular social media app, Snapchat. She found a saved conversation in which her husband was replying to a photo of the girl, who was in a barely-there outfit, in which he asked why she had not sent the photos to him directly. How should she confront her husband?

My Husband Asked for Scandalous Photos from a Girl on Snapchat: Advice? Read More »

I'm Worried About the Health and Safety of a Family Member's Baby: Should I Step In?

I’m Worried About the Health and Safety of a Family Member’s Baby: Should I Step In?

/ Advice, Relationships /

A woman writes in asking for advice about a family member’s baby. She says she is not a mom herself, but the health and safety of a family member’s 8-month-old baby have her concerned. Though she had a “falling out” with this family member, she keeps up with them via social media. She is concerned about what they feed their baby, how the baby sleeps, and some other situations they’ve put the baby in, at least according to photos they’ve shared. Is it her business to step in and say something?

I’m Worried About the Health and Safety of a Family Member’s Baby: Should I Step In? Read More »

My Husband Spends Three Hours a Day in the Bathroom, Supposedly Pooping... But That's Not Normal Right?

My Husband Spends Three Hours a Day in the Bathroom, Supposedly Pooping… But That’s Not Normal Right?

/ Advice, Love & Marriage, Relationships /

A woman writes in asking for advice about her husband. She says that he has always taken at least an hour in the bathroom “to poop,” but lately, that time has been getting even longer. It recently reached three hours. She says he takes his computer into the bathroom. He is defensive when she asks him to explain what, exactly, is taking so long. Is she overreacting? What should she do?

My Husband Spends Three Hours a Day in the Bathroom, Supposedly Pooping… But That’s Not Normal Right? Read More »

My Ex-Husband and I Greatly Disagree About Our Teenage Daughters Smoking Weed: Advice?

My Ex-Husband and I Greatly Disagree About Our Teenage Daughters Smoking Marijuana: Advice?

/ Advice, Relationships /

A mom writes in asking for advice about a disagreement she is having with her ex-husband. She says their two daughters have started smoking marijuana. She has a “zero drug policy,” but her ex-husband laughs it off and says it is normal teenage behavior. This mom says she wants to drug test her daughters or give them the choice to go live with their father if they want to keep smoking. Is she overreacting?

My Ex-Husband and I Greatly Disagree About Our Teenage Daughters Smoking Marijuana: Advice? Read More »

Is Smoking Marijuana While Breastfeeding Safe?

Is Smoking Marijuana While Breastfeeding Safe?

/ Advice /

A mom writes in asking for advice about smoking marijuana while breastfeeding. She says her mother-in-law brought a concern to light about this mom’s (the OP’s) brother-in-law’s wife. Her MIL caught this woman smoking marijuana at her house, even though she is currently breastfeeding a baby. Both the OP and her MIL are concerned about the baby and wondering if they should say something, and if so, what?

Is Smoking Marijuana While Breastfeeding Safe? Read More »

Should I Be Concerned About My Husband's Prolific 'Adult Movies' Habit?

Should I Be Concerned About My Husband’s Prolific ‘Adult Movies’ Habit?

/ Advice, Love & Marriage, Relationships /

A woman writes in asking for advice about her husband. She says she walked in her husband pleasuring himself while watching adult movies two years ago. Since then, she says, he does this every time he goes to the bathroom. She has tried to talk to him about it, but he will not engage. This behavior bothers this woman, but she wants to know if she’s overreacting. Thoughts?

Should I Be Concerned About My Husband’s Prolific ‘Adult Movies’ Habit? Read More »

Money Issues: Would It Be Wrong to Tell My Child's Father to Keep Him for the Summer Due to Financial Problems?

Would It Be Wrong to Tell My Child’s Father to Keep Him for the Summer Due to Financial Problems?

/ Advice, Food, Parenting, Relationships /

A mom writes in asking for advice about her son and her son’s father, whom she is no longer with. She says that she has not been together with her son’s father for a long time; they did not work out as a couple. According to this mom, she eventually lost primary custody of her son, who elected to live with his father after being “showered” with gifts. She was supposed to have her son this summer, but her ex refuses to provide any financial support, even for groceries for their son, when she has them, which puts this mom in a financially impossible situation.

Would It Be Wrong to Tell My Child’s Father to Keep Him for the Summer Due to Financial Problems? Read More »

My 9-Month-Old Baby Wakes Up Multiple Times a Night in Tears: Is This Normal?

My 9-Month-Old Baby Wakes Up Multiple Times a Night in Tears: Is This Normal?

/ Advice /

A mom writes in asking for advice about her 9-month-old infant daughter. She says her daughter has recently begun waking up multiple times a night in tears. She adds that her daughter will not go back to sleep until she is held by her mother, but then this mom is unable to put her daughter back down without the crying starting again. Her daughter used to be a great sleeper, but now things are different. Should this mom be concerned?

My 9-Month-Old Baby Wakes Up Multiple Times a Night in Tears: Is This Normal? Read More »

My One-Year-Old Daughter Has Suddenly Started Gagging and Spitting Out Her Food When She Eats: Advice?

My One-Year-Old Daughter Has Suddenly Started Gagging and Spitting Out Her Food When She Eats: Advice?

/ Advice, Food /

A mom writes in asking for advice about her 1-year-old daughter. She says her daughter gags when she eats. “She will not eat,” this mom says, before adding that she’ll gag and spit out her food. This is apparently a recent development, which has this mom worried. Should she be? What she can she do to help her daughter eat?

My One-Year-Old Daughter Has Suddenly Started Gagging and Spitting Out Her Food When She Eats: Advice? Read More »

My Fiancé's Teenage Son Is Cruel to Our Toddler Daughter: Advice?

My Fiancé’s Teenage Son Is Cruel to Our Toddler Daughter: Advice?

/ Advice, Relationships /

A mom writes in asking for advice about her stepson, a 15-year-old boy, who she says is mean to the daughter she shares with her fiancé. Her fiancé’s son, she says, is constantly hurting and scaring their daughter. He pushes her down. Or he does something else troublesome and tries to blame the toddler. He has repeatedly scared her at night after she’s been put to bed. Her fiancé has tried to speak with his son, and though it has helped, some of the behavior still continues.

My Fiancé’s Teenage Son Is Cruel to Our Toddler Daughter: Advice? Read More »

How Can My Boyfriend Adopt My Kids if Their Father Won't Relinquish His Parental Rights?

How Can My Boyfriend Adopt My Kids if Their Father Won’t Relinquish His Parental Rights?

/ Advice, Parenting, Relationships /

A mom writes in asking for advice about how her boyfriend might go about adopting her children. She says the children’s biological father has not been very involved in their lives. He does not pay the child support he owes. He has put up fights in court. This mom would like her current boyfriend to formally adopt her kids, but the father refuses to give up his paternal rights, despite his lack of involvement. What can she do?

How Can My Boyfriend Adopt My Kids if Their Father Won’t Relinquish His Parental Rights? Read More »

My Toddler Isn't Much of a Meat-Eater and Is Very Picky in General: Advice?

My Toddler Isn’t Much of a Meat-Eater and Is Very Picky in General: Advice?

/ Advice, Food, Parenting /

A mom writes in asking for advice about her almost-three-year-old toddler daughter. She says she is not much a meat-eater. She is also, as of recently, not much of a veggie eater. She’ll take a single bite of dinner and refuse to eat more. In short, she’s a very stubborn picky eater. It’s gotten so bad overall that her daughter is waking up in the middle of the night hungry because she has refused to eat. Advice?

My Toddler Isn’t Much of a Meat-Eater and Is Very Picky in General: Advice? Read More »

Single Moms: What Is It Like to Move Away with Your Child and Start Over?

Single Moms: What Is It Like to Move Away with Your Child and Start Over?

/ Advice, Parenting, Relationships /

A mom writes in asking for advice from single moms who have left their town or city and started over with their children, but otherwise alone. This mom says her daughter’s dad “wants us gone,” and she is seriously considering picking up, moving away, and starting over. She is not happy in her relationship and

Single Moms: What Is It Like to Move Away with Your Child and Start Over? Read More »

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