1.
Yes, My Toddler Sleeps In Our Room. No, We Haven't Stopped Having Sex.
A mom shares her experience co-sleeping with her 3-year-old and how she and her husband manage to maintain intimacy. They avoid having sex in their bed, opting instead for the bathroom or a cot across the room. Experts weigh in, noting that it's generally fine for parents to be intimate near a newborn, as infants lack the understanding of sex. However, once children become mobile and verbal, parents should find privacy. The idea of separate bedrooms is a modern development; historically, families often shared spaces. Ultimately, parents are encouraged to get creative and flexible with intimacy while respecting their child's awareness.
2.
Toy Organization + Storage
They discuss practical strategies to keep toys tidy and accessible, emphasizing the importance of involving kids in the process. By creating designated spaces for different types of toys, families can minimize clutter and make clean-up easier. The Voetbergs also highlight the benefits of rotating toys to keep children engaged and prevent overwhelm. This approach not only fosters responsibility but also encourages creativity, allowing kids to rediscover their favorite items. Overall, their tips aim to create a more organized and enjoyable play environment for families.
3.
Thursday, California Parents Get Heard — and Australia Moves to Watch Your Child’s Inbox
This week, two significant developments regarding children's safety emerged from California and Australia. In California, parents will finally get a chance to voice their concerns about medical exemptions for immunizations at a hearing on November 12. This follows the passage of SB 1377, which aims to ease restrictions on doctors issuing medical exemptions. The hearing is crucial, especially after recent elections that saw proponents of stricter exemption laws gain power.
Meanwhile, Australia is pushing a new Digital Duty of Care bill that could allow the government to monitor children's online activities, including their emails, to protect them from harmful content. This has raised concerns among social media companies about over-censorship. While protecting kids from inappropriate material is essential, the balance between safety and privacy is delicate.
As these debates unfold, it's vital for parents to take an active role in teaching their children about safety and trust. Elizabeth has created a resource to help guide those conversations, emphasizing the importance of open dialogue about who to trust online. It's a good time to sit down with your child and discuss these issues together.
4.
Small Hanukkah Gifts That Your Kids Will Still Love Come January (And Beyond)
Hey! So, I was just reading about some ideas for smaller Hanukkah gifts, and I thought of you. The gist is that a lot of parents are moving away from those huge, flashy presents and are looking for things that are actually useful and won't just add to the toy pile. This article is basically a list of smaller, more practical gift ideas that are meant to last beyond the holiday season, for kids aged three to eleven.
They're focusing on items that aren't just fleeting trends, so hopefully, they'll still be cool in January, or even later. It sounds like the goal is to find things that kids will genuinely enjoy and use, rather than just accumulating more stuff. It’s a nice shift in thinking, right? Less clutter, more lasting fun.
5.
Your Adult Child Doesn’t Own the Truth About Your Family
I hear you—when an adult child’s story becomes the only one you’re allowed to live by, it feels like you’ve lost a seat at the table. The piece reminds us that while parents should own their missteps, the child’s memories are also filtered, sometimes over‑simplified, and can paint parents as villains without nuance.
A healthy back‑and‑forth means each side acknowledges that their recollection is partial. Parents can listen without swallowing every accusation, and adult children can pause before labeling any pushback as gaslighting.
The goal isn’t a one‑sided apology; it’s a mutual space where both feelings and responsibilities are seen. When each person respects the other’s hurt, the conversation moves from blame toward genuine repair.
6.
How To Make Fewer Grocery Trips & Still Eat Well
Grocery shopping can feel overwhelming, especially with rising prices. Experts suggest that one big shopping trip a week is often the sweet spot to save both time and money. If you have the space and budget, biweekly shopping might work too, but it’s not for everyone. Before heading out, check your fridge and pantry to use what you already have. Meal planning around existing ingredients can help minimize waste.
Consider organizing your meals by using hardy ingredients first, like sweet potatoes and carrots, and saving more perishable items for earlier in the week. Frozen and canned foods can be just as nutritious as fresh, so don’t shy away from them. Simple habits, like designating an “eat first” zone in your fridge for leftovers, can help keep food from going bad. Remember, eating well doesn’t have to break the bank; nutrient-dense foods like beans and lentils are affordable staples that can stretch your meals.