Parenting - November 2007

I have 4 year old twin girls. Up until this weekend they didn't even know what a gun was. Toy guns are not allowed in our home or at their day care center. We never watch movies that show violence or guns while the kids are at home or awake.

On the weekend we were at my parents house (they live on a farm) when my step dad pulls out an air rifle, sets up a target and everyone starts shooting. I understand that on a farm guns are need for a number of reasons but using them for target practice in front of 4 year olds is not one of them.

My husband and I were upset that they would pull guns out in front of our kids so we took them inside. My parents then went on at me that I should let the kids have a turn at shooting them. My husband was mortified (he grew up with guns) at the idea and my family were really angry with us. They can think what they want as far as I am concerned.

My question is who lets a 4 year old shoot a gun?

2007-11-04 11:36:12 · 15 answers · asked by the_little_one_said 3

Do you think it's possible to afford to be a stay at home mom anymore? I've heard the saying "It takes two incomes to live nowadays" quite often.

If it is possible, how much (roughly) do you believe the spouse would have to earn to make this work?

2007-11-04 08:38:53 · 16 answers · asked by kiki 6

2007-11-04 06:49:02 · 10 answers · asked by Katelyn 2

tonight, i have had a child knocking on my door and running off, swearing at me and my children, throwing things at my window and generally being a nuisance. never seen this child before, so what i did was this, i hid in my porchway, and waited for her to come into my garden again, as soon as she did, i stepped forth and drenched her with a bucket of icy cold water! my question is, was i out of line? bearing in mind i didnt touch her, and she was on my property.

2007-11-04 06:20:57 · 32 answers · asked by Anonymous

My sister-in-law is almost completely blind due to an injury during her childhood. She has a 3 1/2 year old daughter, which she has done a good job raising. However, she has decided that since she likes children so much, and is a stay at home mom, that she should start babysitting other peoples children at home. She has started distributing flyers and has had a few responses. My biggest complaint is that she has not informed (nor intends to inform) the parents of her visual condition. She put in her flyer that she will take any child who has started walking, so she could get a child as young as 1 year old. Although my sister-in-law has done a good job with her own daughter, I have seen numerous times where she misses things her daughter has done (playing with electrical outlets, jumping off of tables, etc.) Although her own child has never been seriously injured, I worry that something could happen to another child in her care. My DH doesn't think it's my business. Any advice?

2007-11-04 04:36:59 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous

I've been with my boyfriend for 8 months. He has a 3 yr old daughter with his ex gf. I really just want to know how to bond with this kid. I try to play with her, I feed her, bathe her...almost everything a real mom does. I just don't have a connection. My bf is worried and said that I don't treat his kid like my own. Well..I don't have kids. I don't know how I'm supposed to act. He said he wants what is best for his kid...and I agree. I just don't know how to be that person. Any advice? I'm really sad about this.

2007-11-04 04:19:33 · 10 answers · asked by WantSomethingGood 2

When did it start, and when did it stop? If it is still going on, how old is your child. Please answer honestly.

2007-11-04 03:50:55 · 17 answers · asked by Corona 5

2007-11-04 02:05:58 · 24 answers · asked by Ms. Gump 3

hi im 15 i have 2 brothers aged 9 and 7 and 2 sisters aged 11 and 4 they are so naughty, they cant be god or quiet for 5 minutes , they scream shout and eat there food awfully its embarrasing how can i get them to be normal

2007-11-04 01:56:55 · 14 answers · asked by she will be loved... 1

Like teenagers whith their parent's ?
What children need ?

2007-11-04 00:53:11 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous

My husband and I have a two year old daughter that was a preemie. I had every complication that you can think of during my pregnancy and can't even fathom having another NICU baby (plus the cost has put us in a real financial strain) and due to my age (I'm 32) and my blood pressure, I'm at high risk for a heart attack or stroke while on the pill, so my husband has been scheduled for a vasectomy, which he's fully willing to do, on Nov. 16th. Now I'm having second thoughts. I've been thinking about what if something happens, God forbid, that our daughter would die and then we can't have more children. I'd rather take the chance of accidentally getting pregnant again than not being able to conceive at all. What are my best options? I can't use condoms due to laytex allergy and I don't beleive in the IUD. Any serious input would be appreciated. Thanks!

2007-11-03 22:48:03 · 11 answers · asked by Mom of One in Wisconsin 6

2007-11-03 21:36:25 · 5 answers · asked by sarah h 4

It seems like we have a lot of moms who feel the need to defend their choice to either work or to stay at home. Many of us do this for different reasons.

Why can't we accept that neither situation is 100% the right thing in all circumstances instead of criticizing those who either are stay at home moms or work outside the home moms.

Can't there be a way to support and encourage each other instead of having to criticize or get defensive over our choices?

2007-11-03 20:40:36 · 11 answers · asked by Searcher 7

when is it no longer acceptable for a child to throw a tantrum. i think once they can talk that tantrums are not acceptable, babies throw tantrums because they have no other way to communicate(i think its kind of cute when they do). i am just wondering what other parents think. i am a nanny and pregnant with my first.

2007-11-03 18:30:21 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous

2007-11-03 17:49:39 · 6 answers · asked by ☢☠☣☢☠☣ 3

Do you suppose it will be the "Christmas to end all Christmasses" as far as sales for toy companies? [or insert other gifting holiday/birthday] You know, safe new toys to replace all the ones that were dangerous and had to be taken away?

Or is it more likely that this holiday season/next birthday will have folks stay away from toy-toys and do stuff like homemade toys, clothing, books, or other "toy" alternatives?

Just wondering what the rest of the country thinks the gift-trading will be like for the younger ones.

2007-11-03 16:55:54 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous

2007-11-03 16:11:58 · 17 answers · asked by Anonymous

What would you all think of an optional state level governing factor for Parent Licencing. Basically the system would work like so. Couples who would like to have children would file paperwork with a new division of DSHS. They would under go psychological examination, this to reduce the number of abused and neglected children. If sucessfully passing they would recieve a cash bonus of 15k from the state for undergoing the classes and recieve better home loan options to meet financial and living situation goals. This all would be a persons option, not a requirement. These are some simple explinations of the program. I have more detailed plans but not enough time. Also, since it is an option it would not be a violation of civil liberties. And at that, the program design is to reduce the number of unwanted births, abuse and neglect cases, and some mothers and fathers using the system as a way to make money. Give me some imput. I t sounds crazy but I think it may work.

2007-11-03 15:59:43 · 11 answers · asked by Dr. MT 1

What should i do?

2007-11-03 15:48:51 · 33 answers · asked by Anonymous

My 5 year old is sick all the time since starting school. I'm not just talking 1 cold that overstayed it's visit. She gets sick for 10 days (fever, cough, stuffy nose), better for a week and a half, sick again 10 days, better for a week now sick again. I'm stressed out. House is clean, she eats super healthy and washes hands. Doctors diagnose typical colds- but this many? In a row? Constantly? Are other kids sick this much? She is going to the bathroom Okay, btw.

2007-11-03 15:17:54 · 18 answers · asked by plastic 7

My boyfriend's mom's friend, has been looking for a babysitter (she has recently fired her old babysitter because she would get home late and her daughters wouldn't be feed because the baby-sitter wouldn't cook).

I guess she works a lot and her husband is fighting in Iraq, and it would be a regular job (at least twice a week). The girls are 6 and 9. I was thinking about asking at least min. wage (here in Michigan $7 an hour, is that a fair price?

I babysit for at least 6 other families and have a lot of experience and references and I'm usually paid anywhere from $6-$10? Has anyone had experience where you are underpaid when babysitting, and how have you dealt with it? I really just want to be upfront about being paid with this job because I have been unpaid in the past (such as babysitting 6 kids for less then $4 an hour) but I also don't want to come off as being rude. By the way I'm a18 year old full-time college student.

Any Suggestions?

2007-11-03 13:27:36 · 5 answers · asked by Nikki 1

What would you do if you had nine year old twins and one is being really naughty with telling lies, hitting out at her sister and other siblings and basically throwing massive temper tantrums? Don't know why she is doing it but my personal opinion is that its just a stage she is going through and as far as I know there's no other cause.

2007-11-03 12:41:12 · 8 answers · asked by Only visiting 5

Why is it that people will take their kids to see Rated R movies if all it is is people getting their heads cut off, zombies eating people, people getting tortured, but when it comes to seeing one boob, parents freak out and say OH NO, THERES NO WAY MY KID IS SEEING THAT. Does anyone agree with me?

2007-11-03 12:40:39 · 29 answers · asked by Anonymous

When it comes to punishing a child how far is too far?

Spanking?
Spanking with a belt?
Spanking leaving bruises?

these are just suggestions to leave comments on.


I want what you think.


I need these for a speech in a communcations class.

Im trying to make stastics, so your opinion counts .

thanks :D

2007-11-03 11:16:23 · 15 answers · asked by Lauren_Brooke_Reed 4

I know this should be in "baby names" , but I wanted to get the opinion of another group of parents out there. Tell me what you think of the following names for our baby (due in March). We have one daughter - she's 2 and her name is Jenae. Also, give me some suggestions and tell me what you think of these names and which one you like best! Thanks for your time and God bless!

For a girl:

Annaleise Lenaya

Felicity Annaleise

Felicity Ann

Annaleise Felicity

For a Boy:

Mitchell Joseph

Joseph Mitchell

2007-11-03 10:41:09 · 7 answers · asked by ~*Mrs. GM2*~ 5

What do you think of little boys playing with dolls?

My son is only 1 year old but I've often wondered if he might like a baby doll when hes a bit older. Theres a 3 year old at our mum and baby group who LOVES dolls and has his own doll and pushchair, lol! He has great fun pushing it around! He pretends he's a "daddy" looking after his "baby". (He has a baby sister and obviously has seen his dad caring for her).

I think thats actually very positive. It teaches him that daddies don't just do "blokey" things with tools and cars, but they look after babies too.

I thought about getting him a soft-bodied baby doll for Christmas, but my other half is horrified at the idea! Do you think its OK for little boys to play with dolls? I mean girls play with train sets, guns etc don't they (I did!)

2007-11-03 10:30:09 · 17 answers · asked by Anonymous

If a parent has visitation rights, from a judge, and the mother is not letting me see my son, what do I do?
I have it in writing froma judge 2 pm Saturday - 6 pm Sunday
The childs Mother and I have been having issues for the last week or so and I call her to tell her I would be there at 2 and she tells me she is out of town
We were never married, but a court said I have this time to pick up my son and bring him home, etc
She has called Department of Children and Families last week and made several false claims that the worker have found false and says I should keep doing what I am doing
What do I do?
Do I go to the house and call the police and show him the papers?
Any adivice please help

2007-11-03 09:45:59 · 18 answers · asked by Zae Boogie 2

hear is the deal my sister inlaw has left her husband for verbal physicall abuse and he was really controlling like they have 2 cars but he wont let her get a drivers licences she cant go anywhere etc. it good that she left him but know she is staying at my house with her horrible kids who are both boy 5 and 3 who both still wheres diapers WTF. if you want more details about how bad they are look at my last 2 questions but she wont spank them or disipline then and im to a point to start doing it myself i dont want to there not my kids but she doesnt to sh-t about it. im about ready to put the smack down on these monsters

2007-11-03 08:43:37 · 15 answers · asked by whynot 4

My friend is a housewife with a young infant daughter. She has a live in nanny and a cleaning lady. Her husband is a lawyer. She is always asking me to go to lunch in the middle of the day but I can't because I have a job. I have a daughter and sometimes we will take our daughters out together. When we go shopping she takes both her daughter and the nanny, and she will shop while the nanny pushes the daughter in the carriage, while I am pushing my own carriage and watching my own daughter. She spends a lot of money on clothing, beauty products, lunches etc, and she knows I can't spend a lot because I am widow, but she still insists on going to expensive places to eat and shop while she is with me. Even when we are having lunch, she will send the nanny off with both of our daughters, so we can be alone.

2007-11-03 08:40:42 · 7 answers · asked by Rose 1

If a woman wants to leave work and stay home there are a lot of financial things to take into account. The woman may make a salary, but pay for eating out more, professional clothing, child care.....what else financially would a woman have to take into account when deciding on whether or not to stay home. Have you transitioned to staying home? Where do you find you actually save money because you are home? What were some of the hidden financial costs of working?

2007-11-03 08:25:12 · 9 answers · asked by the Family Lighthouse 3