u/ConsciousCommunity82

Just letting everyone know that according to the fire department (who I JUST spoke to) the burn ban only applies to brush fires, so burning trash, bonfires, those things. I was specifically told if you have a grill on, a fire within a fire pit, a contained “social gathering” fire, and of course fireworks, all perfectly fine.

They just recommend (insist) if you do decide to light a fire for s’mores tonight or just to sit around, make sure you’re doing it safely away from any trees, dry brush, structures, etc, and to have a water bucket or fire hose right beside you in the event that you need to put out the fire.

Reminder: do not just leave your fire once it’s “mostly out” please do the responsible thing and put out the fire completely if you are going to leave it unattended. Sand, dirt, water, all great for putting out fires safely. Remember to stir the fire after putting it out to make sure you don’t miss any little embers.

Remember your fire safety everyone! Be safe and have a happy 4th.

Like the title says, I genuinely can’t handle the arguing anymore. My son turns 3 next month, and for the last like 5 months, he’s just been a NIGHTMARE. Like he can be SUCH a sweet kid and he’s so gentle and kind and then suddenly I’m considering dropping him at my parents and throwing my phone off a cliff.

The biggest issue is the constant arguing. Here’s an example: “Mommy can I go outside with daddy” “no baby not right now, daddy is just letting the dogs go potty and he will be right back. It is too dark and too cold for you to go out right now.” Followed immediately by LITERALLY 10 MINUTES OF “NO I SAID I WANNA GO OUTSIDE. I WANNA GO OUTSIDE.” Over and over and over and over.

I have tried ignoring him, I have tried consequences for arguing like taking a calm down break in his bed, or having something taken away from him, I have tried explaining exactly why I said no, I’ve tried saying “I will not argue with you” and no matter what I do, he will 99% of the time keep repeating the same argument 100x, or he will sob and scream and throw a tantrum, or my favorite, he’ll get violent and try to hit me or one of the animals.

I am serious when I say I’ve tried everything. We’ve tried positive reinforcement, we’ve tried cuddling, we’re tried redirecting the anger, we’ve tried ignoring him, we’ve tried spanking, we’ve tried time outs, we’ve tried taking away toys, turning off tv, I’ve done the stupid “I understand how you feel, it’s okay to be upset” NOTHING WORKS. I don’t know if I’m failing completely as a mother or if my kids is evil or if all toddlers are just the worst people you’ll ever meet.

For context because I’m sure it matters: I am a stay at home mom, dad works 5-5, we have 2 dogs and a cat, I am 7 months pregnant.

Is anyone else having a problem with ants in their house? We found out our toddler had a secret stash of snack wrappers and spoons that he SAID he was throwing away or putting in the sink but apparently just was hiding them under his arm chair. Anyways, so many ants were all over the trash and silverware and we’ve been noticing them around the house.

Any tips or favorite brands to buy to get rid of them? Losing my mind over here. (Needs to be kid and pet friendly)

Just like the title says, I try to make it very clear that this is MY baby and MY body, and I am SO tired of people thinking they have some claim over my body BECAUSE of the baby.

For example, the other day a family member of mine asked me to show how big my belly had gotten to my aunt over FaceTime. So I turned to the side and pulled my shirt tight to show the outline. They both then proceeded to tell me to pull my shirt up, and when I said no, they started to yell at me to just pull my shirt up so it’s easier to see.

In literally no other circumstance would an older family member ever ask a woman to pull her shirt up to expose more skin, and in no other circumstance would someone find it appropriate. So why tf do they think it’s okay when you’re pregnant?

Another example is people constantly taking pictures of me and my bump saying they just want to share it with the rest of the family or take “progress pictures” LEAVE ME TF ALONE, why are you taking pictures of me it’s SO weird.