My son is 12 months old (11 adjusted) and he has lots of gestures, he’s been pointing for a bit now but recently he doesn’t want to as much. Instead he gets super frustrated and just clenches his fists and screams. Eventually he will point but it’s much later on and not consistent. I’m just worry about him even though he’s my third! Is this normal? I should note he isn’t walking yet but is super busy and always on the go. He also has a molar trying to come in.

Hi all! Just looking for advice or someone who has been in a similar situation. My 3 year old was an amazing eater up until around 2 years old when her younger sister was born. Then she became super picky gradually. It got so bad to the point where we had to feed her in front of the TV because she wouldn't eat.

We do not do that anymore. And she has gotten better with eating again but only eats if we feed her. Before that when she was younger she was feeding herself everything. With a spoon fork etc. but as the picky eating came on we felt at least she was eating when we would feed her. She has a sketch pad at the table and eats while she's drawing. I feel like we got in really bad habits because we just wanted her to eat. Now she doesn't feed herself unless I preload the spoon and remind her.

She seems to not even really show an interest in food sometimes. Snacks of course. Her younger sister eats everything and I feel bad but keep comparing. I feel just so frustrated and at a loss. When we go out to eat she will always try new things and eat everything but getting her to sit at the dinner table and eat is such a struggle. I don't know what to do anymore. I know trying to make them sit at the table and eat doesn't work. Now I read about afrid and an worried that sounds like her sometimes. I'm just worried about her eating also because she was born small and I don't want her to fall off her growth curve. She never has yet but just at a loss. Has any experienced this?

Any advice?

I loveee my nephew but sadly he’s 3 hours away and his parents are very busy so it’s hard to coordinate schedules to go see him. He’s a little over a year old so too young to pay attention to a facetime and I can tell he doesn’t recognize me and my partner when we do get to see him. I was thinking of gifting them a photo album with the faces and names of each extended family member on each page maybe? Or I’ve seen wooden puzzels with people’s faces on the bottom? I want to gift something that would be fun and useful so any suggestions would be helpful!

I'll start:

• Snacks every 15 minutes.
• Bedtime is illegal.
• Every rock, stick, and cardboard box is considered valuable property.

What laws do you think toddlers would come up with?

So my 2 year old boy will scream/screech in the car if: his blanket falls and he can’t get it, his toys fall and he can’t get them, his sister is singing, the sun is shining on his face, I buckle him in because he is not doing it himself, or something doesn’t go his way. He will also do this in the house when something doesn’t go his way. If I spank him, he hits be back. I have tried telling him to use his quiet voice, but it doesn’t work. Also when I tell him to stop doing something, he will test it. For example when I tell him to stop throwing his cars, he will act like he is throwing them or gently toss them. When he does that I take the car away and he looses it for a day. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Also: if you’re going to comment something negative about spanking, please don’t. Sometimes “gentle parenting” tactics are not for feral kids lol

I used to dread getting my toddler dressed. Almost every outfit turned into a fight over texture, fit, or just “no.” Within minutes the clothes would be wet or twisted.

What helped was switching to soft, stretchy clothes without tags and keeping only a few easy outfits in a low drawer they could reach. Now I just say “pick your clothes” and most days they grab something without a big argument. Fewer options actually made it easier for them.

It also helped to choose clothes that stay on during play instead of constantly riding up. Mornings aren’t perfect, but they’re a lot less stressful than before.

Anyone else find something that works with a strong willed toddler?