u/CompetitiveLow5903

Hi! I am planning my son’s birthday party and have haired a Spider-man actor to make an appearance.

I of course want to give a head’s up to the parents of children invited as I don’t want anyone to be frightened. Is it normal to list it on the invitation “Special appearance by Spider-man at 4:00” for example OR should I just let parents know as they text rsvp.

For context, we are inviting immediate family (nieces, nephew), a few close friend’s children and also his preschool class, and I don’t know many of the parents.

Has anyone seen results from cutting out drinking calories?

I have a bit of an energy drink problem and had been drinking two monsters per day, totaling 460 calories, on top of some other unhealthy eating habits.

In discussion with my doctor, my plan is to kick the energy drink addiction (I’m 3 days in which is huge for me) and then focus on eating healthier lunches and move on from there. She mentioned it takes 3 weeks to build new habits so I’m planning for three weeks energy drink free before making major changes elsewhere. I’m also eating leaner overall but nothing crazy YET.

My question is, has anyone ever seen results from cutting out drinking calories only? Obviously know weight loss comes down to being in a calorie deficit but I’m hoping seeing a few lbs come off just by cutting the drinks will motivate me to keep going this time…

Help! My 2.5‑year‑old suddenly developed extreme separation anxiety and I’m at my wits’ end.

About two weeks ago, my son went from being a great sleeper and an independent kid (for a toddler) to having intense separation anxiety, and I’m really struggling.

The biggest issue is bedtime.
He will not fall asleep unless he’s literally lying on top of my husband or me. He used to go down easily after a couple of stories, but now we have to lie there with him on us until he finally falls asleep. Then we spend up to an hour trying to sneak away without waking him. If we even try to get up, he panics, cries, and clings to us. Sometimes he says he’s scared of spiders; other times he just doesn’t want us to leave.

He also wakes up a few hours later calling for us, runs into our room, and sleeps in our bed. He’s been in a big‑kid bed for a year with no issues, and we’re not interested in cosleeping long‑term because post‑bedtime is the only time we have to ourselves.

During the day, he’s glued to me.
He needs to be right next to me or in my lap constantly. I can’t go into another room or even do a simple chore without him melting down. He’s always been a little clingy, but this is a whole new level, and I’m completely touched out.

Daycare drop‑offs have also gotten rough.
He cries at drop‑off now, even though he’s totally fine and happy once he’s there. This started at the same time as the sleep issues.

I’m losing my patience and I hate feeling this way.
I usually have a lot of patience, but I’m mentally and physically exhausted. I’m snapping more than I ever have, and I feel awful about it. We also have 9‑month‑old twins, which makes everything harder. He loves them and isn’t jealous, but it is overwhelming.

I love my son more than anything. I’m just hoping this is a phase and would really appreciate hearing from anyone who’s been through something similar.