UO 6/2

ballofmeat

ballofmeat

I am not a fan of anything monogrammed for baby. Wall hangings, decor, clothes, blankets...bleh. Just not my thing. Plus I always find myself looking at the initials and thinking, "is that an "L" or a "T" oh wait never mind it's a "J" totally a J." 

Also, I am kinda excited to go back to work today after being off for almost a week. I need to get out of the house! I'm sure by the end of my shift, this opinion will greatly differ. 

SkiChic626

I've been waiting for this ALL week - I even wrote it down so I wouldn't forget lol!  I try really hard not to judge other parents, and I'm pretty good about it for the most part, especially now because I know I'm certainly not a perfect parent.  But my UO is that I judge parents who put swimmies or those floaty things that go over the chest and onto the arms on their kids at the pool.  Put your kid in swim lessons and force them to learn to swim.  I could swim unassisted from the time I was about 3-4 years old, parents there with me of course, and we've had DD in swim lessons since she was 7 months old.  She makes her way around the pool so easily now, we're obviously right there with her watching her every move, and if she falls or her head goes under she knows how to pull herself back up, or if it's too deep and we have to help her back up she doesn't flip out and knows not to inhale the water.  Sometimes she even does it on purpose and thinks it's funny!  There are kids WAY older than her, and yes with parents supervising for the most part, who have these swimmy devices and it makes my blood boil!

emmeline714

One thing i can't stand is little kids having there own cell phone. Like what, really, not necessary at all. I did not have my first cellphone until i started working, kids feel entitle to it now a days. Like my step son is only 4 and asked for a cellphone i was like ummmm no, not until you have a job to pay for one. I explained to him that he does not need a cellphone he is to little for one.

kristynmac

I hate the "Live, Laugh, Love" signs/decorations. We just moved and I am trying to decorated and everything in the store is so...#blessed. I went on etsy and bought a bunch of prints of 90's rap lyrics that are done all nice and fit with my very clean and simple style. 

lotsofsunshine

@emmeline714
I totally agree with you for the most part. We have had a few issues with our school putting our boys on the wrong bus or the bus not stopping at our house. And it's pretty terrifying when you kid doesn't show up when they are supposed to. We are thinking about getting them those watch phones before school starts next fall. You program them so there are only 3 phone numbers that it can connect to. And that's it. No games. No texting. Just simply being able to reach them when something out of the ordinary happens. 

ballofmeat

I actually agree with all of your opinions @emmeline714  @kristynmac @SkiChic626
 Especially the kids with cell phone thing! Drives me nuts that my nephew had an iPhone at 8. 

bearsandbeets7

I couldn't see me getting my kids iPhones but with how crazy things are I would probably get them some kind of tracphone. Once they get older but that would all depend on whether or not I decide to work once they start school. Or like PP said one of those watches. 

Bookhousegirl

@kristynmac ugh yes, or the zillion signs that say "keep calm & insert random thing here". Homegoods has just about every variation of that sign, depending on what room it's for. 

kristynmac

@SkiChic626 YES! DS is 11 and has been a water baby since he was born. I started him in the infant swim lessons and I felt a lot more comfortable at the pool with him. He does have to wear a life jacket at the lake, but I think swim lessons are a great thing to get kids in at a young age.

@emmeline714 100%guilty here. My son has had an iPhone for the last few years (he is 11 now). It is my old one and I have it synced to the iPad so I can see/read all of his texts. I also added Friend Finder so that if he goes down the street to his friends house, I can track him as he bikes or roller-blades there. For practices, I drop him off at the rink and he can call when he is done or to let me know if another parent is taking him home or he is staying for open hockey. I feel like the phone gives him some freedom, but at the same time we have established rules about its usage--he must have it with him when he leaves the house and total transparency. I did not get it for him when he was 4, but it was given to him around the time that we started dropping him off for practices. I think he is learning about the responsibility without having to pay for it and I can teach him about the appropriate way to use social media (he is on Instagram). 

SkiChic626

kristynmac Yeah, when we go out in the boat I do put a life jacket on her, but that's completely different.  If she flies overboard - God forbid - she needs something that's going to bring her to the top.  My dad actually had a life jacket save his life once as an adult...they were skiing, he fell really hard, somehow hit the bottom and was disoriented, he said he couldn't tell which way was up so he just let the life jacket do it's thing and he floated to the top.

I'll also say that people are constantly asking us how old she is and when we tell her she's not even 2 yet they're shocked that she's so comfortable in the water.  *proud mama*

tmk0325

@SkiChic626 I just said something about this the other day to my friend who has two kids ages 6&4 and we were at a campground where they had a heated pool. I said to the kids, do you want to go swimming and they both looked at me and were like no.  The older one was like it's too deep. I was like there is a shallow end you can go in.  I said to the mom, they haven't had swimming lessons yet and she was like no, we just haven't had time.   I was thinking that is going to be a priority for my kids when they are little so they aren't afraid of the water.  I don't mind if they have floaties on, at least they like the water, but I don't want them to ever be afraid of it, because I love being in the water!

Curls919

@SkiChic626 - while I agree to a point, we started using a puddle jumper with my 2yo this year because to be honest I'm short and if we're going in a pool where the shallowest is over 4' I can't hold him up as easily. Plus with the puddle jumper he stands on the edge and will jump into my arms. We are starting swimming lessons soon and we don't always have him in the puddle jumper (esp if my husband is there) but it is helpful to have. 

Curls919

My UO could get me flamed - I hate the symptoms thread. Anytime I think of posting about a symptom I don't want to have to look through 5 pages of posts to see if it's been brought up before (the search function never quite works for me and always shows posts on other boards). Plus i don't want to keep checking it just in case I have an answer or advice for someone else. I'd much rather see more posts with specific syptoms in the title so I know if I want to read it or not. 

Alyeena

@SkiChic626  As a child who did not learn to swim until I was like 12 years old (because my parents never tought swimming lessons were important apparently) and was on several occasions humiliated because of this, like at school activities involving water I had to wear a life jacket to go in the deep end of the pool, or at camp I was not allowed in the lake further than a certain point I COMPLETELY agree with you.

I hated not being able to swim, and when I finally got the hang of it I was so relieved than no one would laugh at me anymore. As if I didn't have a hard enough time at school already -_- And mind you I did ask my parents for lessons.

tisunge602

@SkiChic626 I agree with you to a certain point. Swimming is a life skill and all kids absolutely should learn at a young age. We've had my son in swimming lessons since he was a baby too, and my family sails competitively so being comfortable around/in water is a priority for me.

But what about parents with multiple small children who can't stay right next to their child the whole time? I think wearing puddle jumpers at the pool when there are two or three kids you have to be responsible for is just a safety issue. Drowning is one of the top causes of death for young children.

haboobjob

My UO this week is a million parts but it starts with the fact that I hate that some people think baby showers (and items on your registry) are a right. I cringe when I hear people say well if we don't get [insert higher priced item that you could totally opt for a less expensive solution here] at our shower, I'm not sure how we'll be able to get everything we "need". Um... This is just the beginning. Kids are expensive. Maybe get realistic about a budget and focus on basics: feeding, diapers and minor clothes. It's not everyone else's responsibility to make sure your kid has basic needs. We set up a budget and set money aside as soon as we found out we were expecting to cover the essentials/hospital bills. We were so grateful for any gifts we received as it allowed us to splurge on items we wouldn't have normally purchased. 

My SIL is my main source for my UO and this entitled behavior has continued (my neice is 1 now). She is always making my brother ask my dad for money and guilt him with the fact that they need essentials for my neice. My dad will send them more than they need and then they blow it all on things they want and the cycle continues.

SkiChic626

@Curls919 said:

My UO could get me flamed - I hate the symptoms thread. Anytime I think of posting about a symptom I don't want to have to look through 5 pages of posts to see if it's been brought up before (the search function never quite works for me and always shows posts on other boards). Plus i don't want to keep checking it just in case I have an answer or advice for someone else. I'd much rather see more posts with specific syptoms in the title so I know if I want to read it or not. 

I completely agree. I don't like the pinned posts like that, I'd prefer separate posts with specific titles so I know what I'm looking at.  I'm not sure I've even ever opened the symptom post.  I don't look at the randoms posts and those types of things either - it's too messy for my OCDness lol

Pepper6

Meh, I just bought a floaty thing for my 2 year old. We tried lessons last year and she hated the water so we decided to wait until she was more comfortable. She likes to swim now and we'll be starting lessons soon, but until then, the floaty helps her feel a little more secure. 

ballofmeat

SkiChic626 said:

@Curls919 said:

My UO could get me flamed - I hate the symptoms thread. Anytime I think of posting about a symptom I don't want to have to look through 5 pages of posts to see if it's been brought up before (the search function never quite works for me and always shows posts on other boards). Plus i don't want to keep checking it just in case I have an answer or advice for someone else. I'd much rather see more posts with specific syptoms in the title so I know if I want to read it or not. 

I completely agree. I don't like the pinned posts like that, I'd prefer separate posts with specific titles so I know what I'm looking at.  I'm not sure I've even ever opened the symptom post.  I don't look at the randoms posts and those types of things either - it's too messy for my OCDness lol

I have to disagree.  10 different posts on sciatic pain would drive my OCD nuts. 

bearsandbeets7

midwestbaby said:

SkiChic626 said:

@Curls919 said:

My UO could get me flamed - I hate the symptoms thread. Anytime I think of posting about a symptom I don't want to have to look through 5 pages of posts to see if it's been brought up before (the search function never quite works for me and always shows posts on other boards). Plus i don't want to keep checking it just in case I have an answer or advice for someone else. I'd much rather see more posts with specific syptoms in the title so I know if I want to read it or not. 

I completely agree. I don't like the pinned posts like that, I'd prefer separate posts with specific titles so I know what I'm looking at.  I'm not sure I've even ever opened the symptom post.  I don't look at the randoms posts and those types of things either - it's too messy for my OCDness lol

I have to disagree.  10 different posts on sciatic pain would drive my OCD nuts. 

I'd be cool with thread specific symptoms if we didn't have all these random people who only post and run. While we would know that there is already a post on XYZ, I couldn't handle all the clutter it would create. I try to keep up with the symptoms thread as best I can. 

SkiChic626

Curls919 Is puddle jumper what those things are called that go across their chest and then have like swimmies attached to their arms?  As for jumping in, I just let DD jump into the water and go under then scoop her up  

Curls919

SkiChic626 said:

Curls919 Is puddle jumper what those things are called that go across their chest and then have like swimmies attached to their arms?  As for jumping in, I just let DD jump into the water and go under then scoop her up  

Yup, that's a puddle jumper

I just like them when there's no lifeguard on duty, etc.  Our town pool doesn't allow them because people do get lazy with their kids and think "oh, they're wearing a puddle jumper, they're fine" then don't pay any attention to their kid.  That's what causes accidents!

SkiChic626

emmeline714 This made me think of your UO!! 

Curls919

SkiChic626 said:

@Curls919 said:

My UO could get me flamed - I hate the symptoms thread. Anytime I think of posting about a symptom I don't want to have to look through 5 pages of posts to see if it's been brought up before (the search function never quite works for me and always shows posts on other boards). Plus i don't want to keep checking it just in case I have an answer or advice for someone else. I'd much rather see more posts with specific syptoms in the title so I know if I want to read it or not. 

I completely agree. I don't like the pinned posts like that, I'd prefer separate posts with specific titles so I know what I'm looking at.  I'm not sure I've even ever opened the symptom post.  I don't look at the randoms posts and those types of things either - it's too messy for my OCDness lol

See, I like the randoms threads, but that's also because we start a new one each week.  So there's less to look through.

SkiChic626

Curls919 said:

SkiChic626 said:

Curls919 Is puddle jumper what those things are called that go across their chest and then have like swimmies attached to their arms?  As for jumping in, I just let DD jump into the water and go under then scoop her up  

Yup, that's a puddle jumper

I just like them when there's no lifeguard on duty, etc.  Our town pool doesn't allow them because people do get lazy with their kids and think "oh, they're wearing a puddle jumper, they're fine" then don't pay any attention to their kid.  That's what causes accidents!

I also used to be a lifeguard (probably part of my soapbox mentality about this lol), so I've seen how lazy some parents can really be - it's pathetic.  They think lifeguards are babysitters.  It's so bad.  Our town pool actually does allow them, which is where I see them all the time.  I'm surprised that they do, because they could actually be a potential visual impairment - if the kid takes it off and it's floating in the pool, as a lifeguard you technically don't have a clear view to the bottom.  That's why most floating devices/tubes/etc. aren't allowed at community pools.

emmeline714

Another UO is kids that scream, yell or throw tantrums when they hear a NO from their parents and i have seen like 6-9 year olds do this at the store or mall, drives me insane, i just give people this look like you are not about to do nothing about it, i know my child will no better than to throw a tantrum when i say no. Discipline starts from home but seems like some parents could care less, or when they talk back when being told something, in my mind i am like child if you were my kid you would not talk to me side ways or be making a scene.

SkiChic626

@emmeline714 Is this your first baby?

bearsandbeets7

emmeline714 said:

Another UO is kids that scream, yell or throw tantrums when they hear a NO from their parents and i have seen like 6-9 year olds do this at the store or mall, drives me insane, i just give people this look like you are not about to do nothing about it, i know my child will no better than to throw a tantrum when i say no. Discipline starts from home but seems like some parents could care less, or when they talk back when being told something, in my mind i am like child if you were my kid you would not talk to me side ways or be making a scene.

I used to be super judgey towards parents with screaming kids until I had DD. She is only 1.5 and is extremely strong willed. She throws fits in stores and while she isn't quite old enough to know better, I can foresee some serious tantrums in my future until we can work past all of that. 

Any child that is of school age, IMO, should know how to act though, I completely blame the parents for that. 

texasmama2014

Even older kids have bad days.  While they may act disrespectful or yell in public at their parents, you never know what a child is going through, or if they have developmental disabilities which don't necessarily show on the outside.  I was a way better mom who controlled her kids way better before I birthed one.

SkiChic626

texasmama2014 said:

 I was a way better mom who controlled her kids way better before I birthed one.

Yes, this ^^^ lol  I was also a perfect parent who had kids that never misbehaved or acted out in public and was the best disciplinarian this side of the Mason-Dixon....until I had a real kid.

Kids are humans, and humans act out - even adults do sometimes.  I only judge when the parent isn't doing anything about it or at least trying.  Sh*t happens, but you at least have to try to remedy the situation.  But tantrums are going to happen.  Even my husband threw one the other day when DD fell mattress shopping....seriously dude??  I was so mad at him because I felt like I was dealing with two screaming kids at that point.  But it happens.

Curls919

When I was a camp counselor there was a girl about 7 or 8 who would literally screech in my face if she didn't get her way.  I pick someone else to bring something to the office?  SCREECH.  It was so friggin annoying.  I would just say to her "I don't know if your parents give in to that but I sure as heck won't".  I only had her for a few weeks but I can't imagine what she's like now as a 20 something year old!  Probably a typical "i deserve everything and I deserve it right now" millenial lol

Bookhousegirl

emmeline714 said:

Another UO is kids that scream, yell or throw tantrums when they hear a NO from their parents and i have seen like 6-9 year olds do this at the store or mall, drives me insane, i just give people this look like you are not about to do nothing about it, i know my child will no better than to throw a tantrum when i say no. Discipline starts from home but seems like some parents could care less, or when they talk back when being told something, in my mind i am like child if you were my kid you would not talk to me side ways or be making a scene.

Never say never... We are really consistent with DS with follow through, time outs, etc., but he's a kid, and kids throw tantrums. It's the only way they know how to express their emotions. I try not to judge other parents, because you never know what's going on with them or their kids. 

charmedlifex3

UO - I don't get being team green. I can see not sharing with anyone, but I know I wanted to know! I can't decide if team green is crazy or if those couples have some sort of superhuman will power I lack. Knowing my doctor knows and I don't would drive me up a wall. 

Curls919

Allisun85 said:

UO - I don't get being team green. I can see not sharing with anyone, but I know I wanted to know! I can't decide if team green is crazy or if those couples have some sort of superhuman will power I lack. Knowing my doctor knows and I don't would drive me up a wall. 

I like not knowing who is in there!  My UO is that I don't get people who find out early on if it's a girl or boy, decide their name and then just refer to the baby by its name.  We have silly names for our kids in utero and we'll find out who they are this summer.  Also, my doctor doesn't know, it's not in my records.  The u/s techs know but they don't write it anywhere unless I know.

charmedlifex3

I've seen other boards do a monthly  symptomss thread. That may be a solution?

I don't judge kids for their bad behavior if I see the parents dealing with it. I only get my judgey face on if there is no parental attempt to correct the behavior. .. Best example of parental discpline I ever saw was at my old job. The family had two school age kids, and the older one started acting goofy, and not cooperating. The mother asked me for a moment. She first *thanked* the younger child for her good behavior, and reminded her of the promised treat, - she then turned to the older child who was not cooperating and said "You are not earning XYZ  right now. If you would like to avoid ABC punishment,  you need to start behaving. We can talk about how you can earn XYZ back if the bad behavior stops now. "  I was floored, because not only did the mother address the behavior, but she did so in such a way which acknowledged the younger child as well, and reminded the oldeer child of expectations - which had obviously been discussed earlier. Even older kids are still sorting out social norms, and its our jobs as parents to say "This is acceptable, this is not." If we don't tell them - who will? Of course you have limit testers (I totally was) but at least I was told when I crossed the line. I shudder to think what I would be like as an adult if no one had been willing to tell me when I was being an asshole as a kid. 

I was so impressed, because not only did this WORK, but what I usually see happen is once you start giving negative attention to one child, the other starts acting out to get their share of the attention... which reinforces the wrong behavior. 

bearsandbeets7

What PP have said is pretty much what I meant, I only blame the parents when I see them not addressing the behavior. Like I said, I can see plenty of tantrums in my future, DD is a strong willed one. 

AliKay20

Some people are either dumb or blind. I almost hope it's the latter but when there's a thread on the first page and you start another thread that talks about the exact same thing, I just can't. 

Snaps816

I don't judge the parents or the kids when a child has a tantrum, as that is just part of childhood. I do judge the parents when they are rude a-holes with no consideration for people around them in public places. I remember once I was in a Ross store and there was a mom whose little toddler was having an ongoing meltdown. He was sobbing and screaming a really high pitched scream that was causing other shoppers around to wince and cover their ears. You know, that upper-register high note that kids hit when they're really frustrated, that physically hurts your ears. The mom wasn't doing anything, just holding him by the arm with one hand and browsing clothes on the racks with the other hand. How important is discount clothing shopping when your child is a) clearly in distress, and b) really disrupting others around you? It seemed like she didn't care much about either issue. 

emmeline714

I am meaning the parents that won't address there kids issue it's my first kid I know when toddlers they do it but as a parent you are to teach your kids your way for them to not cause a type of behavior abd I am talking about older kids and parents don't tell there kids nothing about it, I helped raise my nephews and they understand when a no is no and won't throw a tantrum, I went to the mall this girl was screaming and her mother just told her yelling at her your embarrassing me and causing a scene that's crazy to me the girl looked like she was 7 or 8 years old just because she would not buy her a cookie, but to each parent there own just I know my kid would not be screaming at that age. Many ways she could have handle that but in my head just drives me off the wall and it's annoying

texasmama2014

Allisun85 said:

UO - I don't get being team green. I can see not sharing with anyone, but I know I wanted to know! I can't decide if team green is crazy or if those couples have some sort of superhuman will power I lack. Knowing my doctor knows and I don't would drive me up a wall. 

I really like pissing people off.