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I work with little guys (13 months) so I can still get away with a fair amount of podcasts or audiobooks in the background to keep me from going crazy. We also listen to a lot of music thanks to Alexa. :)

I make a point of taking at least 15 minutes or so (usually more, but some days it's all I can manage) where I just take care of myself when the little ones are napping. I do use some of that time to either pick up the mess we've already made or start making some of our next meal/snack, prep an activity or whatever, but I always make sure to set aside some time for me to catch my breath, even if it means that bottles go unwashed for a bit or whatever.

Outside of work, I do get regular massages (at least once a month, usually more, though I should be more careful with $$ on that front), try to go out and see movies or go to concerts and stuff that make me feel like a real, functioning adult. For my body (my arms, shoulders, back etc have taken a real beating in 20 years of infants and todds) I use a foam roller, heating pad and also this. I'm actually ordering a second one to keep at work! TOTALLY worth it. It took me a little bit to get the hang of it, but now it's a god sent. I don't think I could make it without it. I have some chronic pain stuff, so I also use a TENS unit and some pain creams and whatnot. On a good day, I'm usually at a 2-3 (scale of 1-10) in aches and pains in my joints and muscles. On a bad day, that can reach 7 or so and I'll still go to work, so these aids help me get through the day without having to take too much medication.

I know this isn't something a lot of us can control sometimes, but I would say that one of the bigger steps toward "self-care" for me was when I realized I deserve to have a good working situation. Kicking a family out of the share that wasn't treating me (or the rest of the share for that matter) with respect was a big part of that. I'm so lucky because I really like the families I work for, but I also invest a little bit of time in cultivating a good relationship with them. We all get together about once a month or so these days and hang out for a few hours. It's been different each time. Once I taught CPR/first aid, and that turned into another hour of hanging out and getting to know everyone better. Another time we all hung out after a birthday party for one of the parents and sat outside with wine (and, um, other legal intoxicants in my state) and talked until 1 am. Tomorrow night we're just having happy hour/dinner and doing a little catching up/planning for what we want to focus on with the boys for the next couple of months. I don't get paid for this time, but I really don't mind. It's been so transformative for me to truly feel like I'm part of a team that's working together for these kiddos. That makes it just a completely different ballgame. It makes going to work easier. It makes asking for what I need easier. The planning and communication has been really good for the kids bc we're all on the same page. We're working on the same signs for the boys, and we all have the same ideas about nutrition and technology and outside time and what kind of toys we want the boys to have. It's like our own little village, and it's so great.

Eventually these two will have to go off to college and I'll need a new job (lol) but now I really know what I'm looking for "next" time. I've always been an advocate for open communication and whatnot, but I really like being a part of a team. I like the consistency in care, the respect the families show me, and the bond I have with my littles. It just makes my job a joy.

Secure caregiver attachment is the healthiest thing a child can have. Numerous studies show that children who are securely attached to an adult caregiver develop better in every area, and are generally more autonomous. There is no limit to how securely attached a child can be, and the more attached, generally, the better. Securely attached kids are also usually more comfortable being away from their caregiver or letting other children interact with their caregiver because they trust that their caregiver will still be there for them when they need their caregiver (Trawick-Smith, 2014) (Gonzalez-Mena and Eyer, 2018).

Insecure attachment, however, happens when a child is very attached, but does not have complete trust in their caregiver. They may fear that, if their caregiver starts interacting with other children that they will be forgotten, or that the caregiver will prefer the other children over them. Children in insecure caregiver relationships are generally less likely to be confident in themselves as-well, and sometimes show less interest in exploring the world around them (Gonzalez-Mena and Eyer, 2018).

The best thing for making sure a child feels secure in their relationship is to build trust. A caregiver should always be honest with the child, include them in things that concern them, respect and value their opinions, and always keep their word. Children need to know that their caregiver is going to be there to care for them when they have needs (Gonzalez-Mena and Eyer, 2018). These needs include physical needs, emotional needs, social needs, affectionate needs, creative needs, and cognitive needs (Chahin, 2008).

Sometimes insecure attachments can transfer over from previous insecure attachment. For example, if he has an insecure attachment with mom, then he will have a much harder time forming a secure attachment with a caregiver, even if that caregiver does everything perfectly (Gonzalez-Mena and Eyer, 2018).

I think the free night of sitting is an awesome idea. I have done it several times. I usually make something up in photoshop and print it out or you could hand-draw something. It wasn't awkward for me at all, but I think the parents felt a bit odd about using it (probably not all would, but mine did). Like when they asked me to sit, they were like "can we use the coupon?" I said of course. Then DB still tried to pay me at the end of the night..LOL. Plus they didn't stay out as late as they usually would, so I could tell they were trying not to take advantage. I have also had the kids pic put on an ornament.


8month old- Will be walking soon, so how about something they can play with now/push later? This one is out of the price range you said, but I know there are less expensive versions. I got my lil' one this activity walker and she loves it

She also likes the Little Tikes Mower

Or type "ball popper" into Amazon. Just about every company makes some version of a ball popper and the kids usually have fun chasing balls all over. She may be too young, but this is great too

For the 2.5: My son had this food set when he was little It is so much fun. by Melissa&Doug. It comes with a play knife and you "cut" through the velcro holding it together. Even I liked playing with it..lol

For unique instruments, how about something like this I had to look up the name. There are lots of versions

I thought of it because my son has this one you take the stick out and run it along the back :)

Other ideas for different instruments: maracas, xylophones, recorder or flutophone, ocarina, harmonica. I found a tiny Ukulele at the dollar store the kids couldn't get enough of it.

I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE these little packs of teething gel, oh boy do I love them oh so much. http://www.amazon.com/Babyganics-Benzocaine-Free-Teething-Count/dp/B00AYFTM0U . They work so well. They have clove oil, which is a) natural, b) numbing, and c) so legit that even dentists use it. I also second wearing him, and if it's warm enough where you are, maybe getting outside!

Hey fellow parents!

My close friend has recently published his newest children’s book, “Where Will You Go Ricky Jo?”, and it just got released on Amazon. It’s about this adorable little Chihuahua that sets out to explore, letting nothing stop her from pursuing her dream, not even her size! I read it to my kids and it was a perfect way to bring up the importance of going after what you want and letting nothing stop you in life. The illustrations are beautiful and easily grabbed the attention of my little kiddos. I told him it was such a great book, that I would share my experience and hope to get other parents to check it out. Thanks to everybody in advance!!

https://www.amazon.com/Where-Will-You-Go-Ricky-ebook/dp/B07KBXBKK5

I was a Girl Scout leader for seven years. Little girls are just mean creatures sometimes. It starts around 6, cools off a bit by 8, then picks right back up again by 10-11. Not all little girls, to be sure, but elementary age is where you get the start of queen bee/wanna bee attitudes.

It’s hard to know why. I’ve read books and studies (I have a degree in psychology and early childhood education experience). There are a lot of different factors in play. I’ve often heard “boys are hard until kindergarten, girls are hard from kindergarten on.” Not sure I agree with it completely, but I appreciate the sentiment!

You might try this book (or similar):

https://www.amazon.com/Meanest-Thing-Say-Beginning-Readers/dp/0590956167#productDescription_secondary_view_div_151869704539

I really liked the Little Bill series, as it dealt with a lot of topics in a kid appropriate way.

Best of luck! PM me anytime!

You want something like this. It will ring constantly if the door is left open for more than a few seconds (but beeps the entire time door is open until alarm). If you want to pass without the alarm, press the button then open the door. Anything that is UL-2017 compliant should work.

https://www.amazon.com/SPQ-Brands-NA425-YardGard-Window/dp/B001KPDIKS/ref=mp_s_a_1_6?keywords=ul-2017+door+alarm&qid=1572785327&sprefix=Ul-2&sr=8-6

https://www.amazon.com/SPQ-Brands-NA425-YardGard-Window/dp/B001KPDIKS/ref=mp_s_a_1_6?keywords=ul-2017+door+alarm&qid=1572785327&sprefix=Ul-2&sr=8-6