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10 Cute Simple Date Ideas for Couples on a Budget

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Going on dates with your significant other is important for nurturing your relationship. However, date nights can get expensive, especially if you are going out to dinner and a movie every week. If you’re looking for some cute yet simple date ideas that won’t break the bank, here are 10 suggestions.

10 Cute and Simple Date Ideas for Couples

Have a Picnic: Pack some sandwiches, fruits, cheeses, and a bottle of wine or sparkling cider. Find a nice grassy area in a local park and lay out a blanket. Enjoy your simple meal al fresco while taking in views of nature. Bring a portable speaker for background music.

Go Bowling: Hit up your local bowling alley for some friendly competition. Most places offer shoe rental and games for just a few dollars per person. Turn it into a double date to make it more social. Loser buys ice cream after!

Do a Puzzle: Pick up a jigsaw puzzle and some snacks. Challenge each other to put the puzzle together in record time. This is a fun indoor date for a rainy day that requires teamwork. Plus, you’ll have some nice art for your wall when completed.

Cook Together: Plan a menu, shop for ingredients together, then cook a meal as a team. Working together in the kitchen can be bonding. Plus, you’ll learn each other’s cooking styles. Enjoy the meal you made over candlelight.

Museum date

Visit a Museum: Many local museums have free or discounted admission days. Learn about art, history, or science while taking in beautiful and interesting exhibits. Spark some thought-provoking conversations as you explore.

Have a Game Night: Invite another couple over for a games night. Break out classics like Scrabble, Monopoly, or Trivial Pursuit. Playing games is a great way to get to know people. Provide snacks and drinks to fuel the fun.

Do Karaoke: Enjoy some laughs trying to sing your favorite songs at a karaoke bar. You don’t have to be great singers to let loose and be silly together. Duets can make it even more memorable.

Go Mini Golfing: Challenge each other to a round or two of mini golf at a local course. This classic date activity is easy for all skill levels. Wager an ice cream or drink on who has the lower score.

Stargaze: Drive somewhere away from city lights, spread out a blanket, and stargaze together. Bring a star map to identify constellations. Gaze upward while holding hands. It’s incredibly romantic.

Have a Spa Night: Set the ambiance with candles and give each other massages, facials, pedicures and more. Home spa treatments can be just as rejuvenating as going to the spa. Follow up with wine and chocolate-dipped strawberries.

Date nights don’t have to be elaborate or expensive. Focus on quality time together doing something fun. With a little creativity, you can come up with cute and simple dates perfect for any budget. The most important thing is to spend intentional time nurturing your relationship.

FAQs about Cute and Simple Date Ideas

What are some good simple first date ideas?

Meet for coffee, take a walk in the park, browse a bookstore or farmers market, go to a free museum or community event, have a backyard barbecue, etc. Keep it low-pressure.

What are fun at-home date ideas for married couples?

Cook a meal together, mix cocktails and slow dance in the living room, play board/video games, assemble a puzzle, give each other massages, stargaze in the backyard, have a spa night, etc.

What are cheap date ideas for teenagers?

See a matinee movie, go mini golfing or bowling, take a hike, volunteer together, visit the zoo, pack a picnic in the park, browse stores at the mall.

What are good winter date ideas on a budget?

Ice skating, curl up by a fire, watch holiday lights displays, make hot chocolate and watch a movie, browse holiday markets, build snowmen, take a sleigh ride, etc.

What are unique outdoor date ideas?

Go on a scenic hike, have a picnic, stargaze, fly kites, take a painting or photography class, go to an outdoor concert, do yoga in the park, etc. Take advantage of nice weather.

100 Winter Date Ideas to Warm Up Your Relationship

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The cold weather doesn’t have to put a chill on your dating life. With a little creativity and planning, you can come up with fun winter date ideas that will bring you and your significant other closer together. Here are 100 great date options for warming up your relationship this winter.

Enjoy the Seasonal Atmosphere

  1. Go ice skating at an outdoor rink. Glide hand-in-hand while the snow falls around you.
  2. Check out holiday light displays around your city. Marvel at the creative and festive designs.
  3. Sip hot chocolate or apple cider at a cozy cafe. Relax by the fireplace or watch the snowfall out the window.
  4. Stroll through a holiday market to shop, eat, and listen to carolers. Pick up handmade gifts and treats.
  5. Take a horse-drawn carriage ride to see the neighborhood decorations. Bundle up under a blanket to stay warm.

Cozy Up Indoors

  1. Cook a winter meal together. Look up a new hearty stew or casserole recipe to try.
  2. Play board games or do puzzles by the fireplace. Challenge each other in Scrabble, Chess, or Trivial Pursuit.
  3. Have an at-home spa day with face masks and massages. Play soothing music and light candles to set the mood.
  4. Curl up and watch a movie marathon of your favorite holiday films. Don’t forget the hot chocolate and popcorn!
  5. Read poetry together under a blanket. Pick romantic works by Frost, Shakespeare, or Rumi.

Get Creative with Dates

  1. Make customized mugs or ornaments at a pottery painting studio. Give them as gifts or keep them yourselves.
  2. Take couples ice skating lessons together. Hold hands for balance as you master skating side-by-side.
  3. Sign up for a winter-themed cocktail class. Learn how to make seasonal drinks like hot toddies.
  4. Paint winter landscapes together sip wine. See who can capture the snowy scenery best on canvas.
  5. Compete in an indoor scavenger hunt you’ve designed. Solve clues and riddles leading you throughout the house.
Embrace the Winter Weather

Embrace the Winter Weather

  1. Go sledding down neighborhood hills. Race to see who can get down fastest.
  2. Build snowmen and have a friendly snowball fight. Dress appropriately to enjoy the snow.
  3. Snuggle up in an igloo at a hotel’s snow playground. Order room service and relax in your icy fortress.
  4. Look for animal tracks in the snow during a nature walk. Identify squirrels, birds, deer and more.
  5. Rent snowshoes and trek through a park or hiking trail. Appreciate the quiet beauty of snow-covered trees.

Satisfy Your Appetites

  1. Try fondue for dinner. Skewer bites of meat, cheese, and bread for dipping.
  2. Take a chocolate tasting class. Sample different flavors, fillings, and brands.
  3. Share tapas at a Spanish restaurant. Graze on small plates of seafood, meatballs, cheeses and more.
  4. Plan a Raclette party with melted cheese, charcuterie, and potatoes.
  5. Book a progressive dinner in your neighborhood. Walk from house to house for different courses.

Get Out of Town

  1. Stay in a cozy bed and breakfast surrounded by wintry landscapes. Sleep in and enjoy breakfast in bed.
  2. Soak in the steamy mineral waters at a hot springs resort. Relax sore muscles.
  3. Rent a secluded snowy cabin to snuggle by the fireplace. Cook, play games, and watch the snowfall in privacy.
  4. Go dogsledding through the wilderness. Experience riding behind a pack of enthusiastic huskies.
  5. Stay in an igloo village resort. Sleep in a super-insulated snow room under cozy blankets.

Explore Local Culture

  1. Take a brewery tour to sample winter beer styles. Learn about ales, porters, stouts and more.
  2. Visit a history museum featuring exhibits about life in winter centuries ago. Appreciate modern heating!
  3. Attend a lecture or community class. Learn something new together about art, philosophy, or science.
  4. Tour stately mansions decorated in holiday splendor. Be inspired by lavish seasonal displays.
  5. Catch a performance of The Nutcracker ballet. Enjoy this beautiful holiday tradition.

Cozy Up at Home

  1. Give each other massages by candlelight. Use a warming massage oil.
  2. Cuddle up naked in a blanket fort with wine. Chat, read poems, and enjoy being close.
  3. Slow dance in your living room after a romantic dinner. Sway to Billie Holiday, Frank Sinatra, and other classics.
  4. Practice couple’s yoga poses that require trust and closeness. Attempt challenging poses like Bird of Paradise.
  5. Turn some music on and just be silly dancing together. Don’t be afraid to get goofy!

Get Competitive

  1. Go bowling. See who can get more strikes.
  2. Face off in air hockey or ping pong. Who will become the champion?
  3. Enter a gingerbread house competition. Decorate the most creative cookie abode possible.
  4. Challenge each other to a video game tournament. Play everything from MarioKart to Just Dance.
  5. Sign up for a turkey trot or frosty 5K race. Stay active during the holidays and have fun competing.

Go for Romantic Drives

  1. Pack a picnic and find a scenic overlook on a country drive. Eat while gazing at the view.
  2. Tour neighborhoods with lavish holiday light displays. Ooh and ahh over the bright decor.
  3. Rent a luxury car for an elegant evening drive. Feel fancy as you cruise.
  4. Spontaneously pull over to play in the snow or take romantic photos. Capture the magic of winter’s beauty.
  5. Blast the heat and sing loudly to your favorite songs. Harmonize with the radio or your own playlists.

Try Something New

  1. Take a couples pole dancing class. Learn sexy moves together.
  2. Make your own beer or wine at a brew-your-own workshop. Sample your creations.
  3. Go shooting at an indoor range. Try target practice with pistols, rifles, or archery.
  4. Take a fencing lesson dressed as pirates. Fence with plastic swords.
  5. Learn partner acrobatics. Be each other’s strength and support practicing lifts and poses.

Get Outdoors

  1. Rent cross country skis and ski through the snowy woods. Breathe the fresh, crisp air.
  2. Go winter camping. Sleep snuggled in a tent under clear, starry skies.
  3. Take a sunset hike through the snowy landscape. Gaze at the pastel sky behind bare trees.
  4. Try snow tubing at a downhill park. Zip down steep slopes together.
  5. Sign up for polar bear plunge. Jump into freezing water for charity!

Classes and Workshops

  1. Take couples cooking classes to gain new culinary skills. Impress each other with tasty dishes.
  2. Learn how to make cocktails at a mixology workshop. Show off your bartender skills at home.
  3. Take a floral design class and make winter arrangements. Adorn your home with festive blooms.
  4. Attend a wine tasting seminar. Become connoisseurs of pinots, cabs, and more.
  5. Learn how to waltz at a dance class. Glide gracefully across the floor together.

Entertain Yourselves

  1. Tell stories around a fire pit with hot cider. Share your most embarrassing moments.
  2. Host an ornament exchange party with friends. Trade and steal funny or tacky ornaments.
  3. Have a fondue and raclette dinner party. Enjoy dipping and melting with friends.
  4. Do a holiday puzzle swap. Trade new and used puzzles with friends.
  5. Host a hot cocktail party. Serve wassail, toddies, and warm drinks.

Give Back

  1. Volunteer at a soup kitchen together. Help serve meals to those in need.
  2. Donate winter coats and blankets to a homeless shelter. Help keep others warm.
  3. Deliver meals for Meals on Wheels to the elderly. Brighten someone’s day with your visit.
  4. Help build a house with Habitat for Humanity. Use your hands for good.
  5. Volunteer to read books aloud at the children’s wing of a hospital. Cheer up little patients.

Get Some Exercise

  1. Take a winter boot camp class. Stay strong with outdoor exercise.
  2. Sign up for couple’s rock climbing. Scale walls and improve trust with your belayer.
  3. Try partner acroyoga. Build strength supporting each other in challenging poses.
  4. Take salsa dancing lessons. Learn sexy moves together to Latin rhythms.
  5. Hit up an indoor trampoline park. Play dodgeball and see who can do the coolest flips.

Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth

  1. Go on a hot chocolate bar crawl. Compare the best local spots.
  2. Take a chocolate-making class. Temper, mold, and fill your own candies.
  3. Bake cookies all afternoon. Try new frosting recipes and decorating techniques.
  4. Sample winter beers together. Debate your favorites from local breweries.
  5. Tour a local bakery or candy factory. Learn about favorite treats are made.

Culture and Entertainment

  1. Catch a winter circus or acrobatic show. Marvel at daring feats.
  2. See an ice sculpture exhibit. Appreciate the freezing medium.
  3. Check out a new museum exhibit. Expand your cultural knowledge.
  4. Go stargazing at an astronomy event at a local park or planetarium. Search for constellations.
  5. Attend a hockey game for fast-paced live action. Cheer for the home team.

Holiday Fun

  1. Go see holiday light shows synchronized to music. Sing along with the classics.
  2. Check out department store window displays. Enjoy the creativity and holiday spirit.
  3. Explore an interactive gingerbread city exhibit. Take in all the edible details.
  4. Look at elaborate train displays at a model railroad show. Appreciate the intricate set-ups.
  5. Go Christmas caroling. Spread cheer door-to-door with song.

Relaxing Indulgences

  1. Get couples massages at a spa. Melt away stress side-by-side.
  2. Take a relaxing afternoon tea service together. Sip tea and nibble sandwiches and pastries.
  3. Visit mineral hot springs. Soak away aches in healing waters.
  4. Couples stay at a bed and breakfast. Sleep in, enjoy breakfast in bed, and cozy up by the fireplace.
  5. Check into a nice hotel downtown and order room service. Enjoy the luxury without leaving your room.

Conclusion

The possibilities for winter dating are endless when you use your imagination. Try both classic romantic options and fun new activities that get your adrenaline pumping. Don’t let cold weather kill the passion in your relationship. Instead, use it as an opportunity to stoke the flames by making new memories together this season. Which of these winter date ideas are you excited to try with your significant other? Get creative, get active, and get cozy!

FAQs About Winter Dates

Q: What should you wear on winter dates?

A: Dress in warm layers like sweaters, scarves, gloves, hats, and coats. Go for heat-trapping fabrics like wool and cashmere. Don’t forget warm socks and snow boots. Hand warmers and a blanket in the car are also handy for warmth.

Q: What should you do if you get sick before a date?

A: Reschedule your plans. Focus on rest and recovery so you can enjoy the date when you are well. Surprise your partner with flowers or a get-well gift basket. Plan a cozy raincheck date at home once you’ve recovered.

Q: What if the weather is bad the day of your date?

A: Have back-up indoor plans ready in case of snowstorms, high winds, or freezing rain. Improvise with board games and movies at home. Order takeout instead of going to the restaurant. Getting stuck at home can even be romantic with the right attitude.

Q: What are fun winter outfits for a date night?

A: For women: sweater dress and tights, faux fur coat, knee-high boots, flattering hat. For men: wool blazer or cardigan over a button-down, scarf, leather gloves, peacoat. Have fun dressing sharp in cold weather.

Q: How can you save money on winter dates?

A: Stick to free outdoor activities like sledding, skating, and hiking. Rent movies instead of going to the theater. Make a fancy dinner at home instead of going to a restaurant. Split costs of activities to help each other save.

How to Pick the Perfect Rosé Wine for Your Next Date

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Rosé is the perfect wine for a romantic date night. But with so many different types of rosé wine to choose from, how do you know which one is right for you and your date? Here are a few tips to help you pick the perfect rosé wine for your next date.

The Different Types of Rosé Wine

There are many different types of rosé wine available on the market today. Here is a quick guide to some of the most popular styles:

1.White Zinfandel:
This type of rosé is made from the red Zinfandel grape, but only clear juice is used. It is typically light-bodied and sweet, with strawberry or watermelon flavors.

2.Blush wine:
Blush wines can be made from a variety of grapes, but are often based on white wines like Chenin Blanc or Pinot Grigio. They tend to be semi-sweet, with fruity aromas and flavors.

3.Dry rosé:
These wines are made using red grapes, but they undergo a longer fermentation process than other types of rosé. This results in a crisp, dry wine with subtle fruit flavors.

4.Sparkling rosé:
Sparkling wines are made by adding carbon dioxide to the wine, which gives them their characteristic bubbles. Rosé sparkling wines are often made using the same method as Champagne and can be just as delicious.

5.Dessert rosé:
These sweet wines are typically made from late-harvest grapes that have been affected by noble rot. They can be rich and syrupy, with intense fruit flavors.

The Different Types of Rosé Wine

Tips to Help You Pick the Perfect Rosé Wine for Your Next Date

  1. Consider the food you’ll be eating.

If you’re planning on eating a lot of rich, heavy foods, then you’ll want to choose a rosé that is on the lighter side. A light rosé will help to balance out the heaviness of the food and won’t weigh you down. On the other hand, if you’re planning on eating lighter fare, then you can go for a fuller-bodied rosé.

  1. Think about the season.

Rosé is a great summer wine, so if you’re planning a date during the warmer months, then you’ll want to choose a light, refreshing rosé. If you’re planning a date during the cooler months, then you can go for a richer, fuller-bodied rosé.

  1. Consider your taste.

Of course, the most important factor in choosing the perfect rosé wine for your date is your taste. If you know you like lighter wines, then go for a lighter rosé. If you prefer fuller-bodied wines, then go for a fuller-bodied rosé. And if you’re not sure what you like, then try a few different types of rosé until you find the perfect one for you.

Following these tips, you’re sure to find the perfect rosé wine for your next date. So go out and enjoy yourself! And don’t forget to share a glass (or two) with your special someone.

How to find love as an introvert

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It can be tough to find love as an introvert. You may not feel comfortable going out to bars or clubs, and you may not want to put yourself in situations where you have to talk to a lot of people. But there are ways to find love as an introvert. Here are some tips.

Tips for introverts to find and keep love

Tips for introverts to find and keep love

  1. Get involved in activities that interest you. This is a great way to meet people who share your interests. When you’re involved in activities that you enjoy, you’ll be more likely to open up and make friends.
  2. Don’t be afraid to talk to people. Just because you’re introverted doesn’t mean you shouldn’t talk to people. Strike up conversations with the people around you, and you may be surprised at how easy it is to make friends.
  3. Join online dating sites. This can be a great way to meet people since you can control the amount of interaction you have and you can take your time getting to know someone before meeting them in person.
  4. Attend social events. If you’re feeling shy, try attending social events with a friend. This way, you’ll have someone to talk to and you won’t feel so alone.
  5. Be yourself. The most important thing is to be yourself. Don’t try to be someone you’re not, and don’t be afraid to let your true personality shine through. People will appreciate you for who you are, and that’s the best way to find love.

Where do Introverts Find Partners

There are a few different ways where do introverts find partners.
One option is online dating. This can be a great way to connect with people who share your interests and who are looking for a relationship.
Another option is to go out and socialize in places where you feel comfortable, such as bookstores or coffee shops. You may also want to try attending events or activities that are specifically for introverts. This can be a great way to meet people who are on the same wavelength as you and who are looking for a meaningful connection.
Whatever route you decide to take, remember that it’s important to be yourself and to stay true to your values and needs. only then will you be able to find a partner who truly understands and appreciates you.

Following these tips can help you find love as an introvert. Just remember to be yourself, and don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. With a little effort, you’ll be sure to find the love you’re looking for.

How to meet local singles and make a connection

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There are many ways to too busy to date excuse these days. With the advent of online dating, it has become easier than ever to connect with potential partners from all over the world. However, meeting someone in person can still be a challenge, especially if you’re not sure where to look.

tips on how to meet local singles

Here are some tips on how to meet local singles and make a connection:

1. Join a dating site or app. This is one of the easiest ways to meet people who are single and looking for a relationship. There are many popular dating sites and apps that cater to different demographics, so you’re sure to find one that’s right for you.

2. Attend social events. Whether it’s a mixer, happy hour, or speed dating event, attending social events is a great way to meet local singles. These events provide an opportunity to mingle and get to know other singles in your area.

3. Volunteer. Volunteering is a great way to meet people who share your interests and values. Plus, it’s a feel-good activity that you can do to give back to your community.

4. Join a club or group. Whether you’re into sports, art, or something else entirely, there’s sure to be a club or group out there for you. Joining one of these organizations is a great way to meet like-minded people in your area.

5. Get involved in the dating scene. If you’re looking for a more active way to meet local singles, then getting involved in the dating scene is a great option. There are many ways to do this, such as going on dates, participating in dating events, or using dating apps.

Conclusion

No matter how you choose to meet local singles, the important thing is that you take the initiative and put yourself out there. With a little effort, you’re sure to find someone special with whom you can share your life.

11 Best Practices for Dating as a Single Parent

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It’s challenging to date for two; dating in a group is even more tricky. Even when you don’t believe they are, the children are involved on a certain level. And everyone is packed with strong feelings and ideas about who is engaged and what could happen.

These insider recommendations will make the post-divorce dating experience smoother, whether you’re a single parent seeking to get back into the dating world or someone trying to figure out how to ask out a single parent.

1. Be sure that the timing is appropriate

Making time and mental bandwidth for relationships might be challenging, but thinking about it can help you find perspective. Searching for romance should be enjoyable and joyful, and putting too much pressure on yourself to meet someone will rapidly turn it into a frustrating and terrible experience.

2. Consider relationships a goal in your life

While there are so many things to do, how can romance be a primary concern? Make a serious attempt to get out there and socialize. How else can you start this new chapter of your life?

3. First dates should be simple and in easily accessible areas

The first date is similar to a job interview. You need to see whether this someone fits your standards if you have a good vibe with them and want to go on another date with them. So keep things simple and don’t make an effort to go overboard.

4. Be honest and upfront about your role as a parent

While your dating life should be all about you, it shouldn’t be wholly devoid of your children. Any prospective partner should know that you have children to make an educated decision.

It’s preferable to exclude them early if they don’t want to date someone with children.

5. Make no excuses or apologies for having children

Many single parents believe that having children is a shortcoming for which they must apologize or make explanations. Being a parent does not require you to explain or find excuses.

It implies nothing about you or your children if someone doesn’t want to date a single parent. It’s just a way of expressing their choice.

6. Don’t bring the kids into it

It’s seductive to include your children in your current relationship. It might be for the sake of convenience or because you believe you know your partner reasonably well.

Don’t include the children until you’re sure things are becoming severe, whatever the reasoning.

7. Being in the moment

It’s simple to slip into the habit of “future jumping,” or looking forward to a possible future together. But it’s much too early for anything when you’re merely talking before a first date or on a first night. Keep your mind on the current moment.

8. Accept and acknowledge your anxiousness or worry

When it comes to dating again, we frequently experience nervousness or anxiety. Accept your emotions. Anxiety and worry are signs that you are aware of the importance of the circumstance. Accept them and keep moving forward despite them.

9. Have faith in your intuition

You may avoid toxic relationships and situations by listening to your instincts. Fortunately, our intuition is so profoundly intuitive that even if we’ve been out of contact with it for our whole existence, it’s still waiting for us to call for its guidance.

10. Take a chance on internet dating

As you re-enter the dating scene, online dating might be a good place to start. Select a trustworthy dating site, and don’t hesitate to pay for it.

11. Think about your deal-breakers

This saves you time by automatically eliminating folks who aren’t a good fit for your life. Then, if you’re going to date online, be sure that these characteristics help you locate folks. Be mindful of your beliefs and the sort of person you want to attract.

Don’t neglect your children by devoting all of your spare time to your new partner if you find love. It’s equally essential to take your time later on if you’ve created a bond with someone.

10 Conflict-free Ways To Handle Unwanted Parenting Advice

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People who care for your infant have a special bond with you and your baby that encourages unwanted parenting advice. However, listening to all of your relatives and friends’ comments while holding a crying days-old child on your chest may be difficult. It’s tricky to draw a line between unwanted advice and the need to maintain a relationship.

However, it’s essential to explain if and when you want criticism on your parenting choices for the family’s sake.

Do you need to have a difficult talk with someone who gives advice? Here’s how to deal with unsolicited advice from parents.

1. Set clear limits from the start

It is essential to create boundaries before a possible problem occurs. You build a safety net by expressing requirements upfront, which prevents undesired viewpoints and unsolicited advice from parents. It specifies when they are welcome to visit, how long they are permitted to stay, and what you do and does not require assistance with.

2. Listen to some of it

It’s normal to become defensive if you believe someone is criticizing you, but chances are you aren’t being judged; instead, the other person is offering what they consider to be helpful information. Keep the other person’s noble motives in mind to make everything go as quickly as planned.

3. Sending misleading signals is a bad idea

Try being open and honest about your experiences. If you want to avoid receiving unwanted advice in the future, be wary of the messages you send to people that appear ready to give their opinions. Tell them you’re OK on your own and that if anything comes up, you’ll ask them yourself.

4. Agree from time to time

You could agree with one or more parts of the recommendations. If you’re willing, demonstrate complete approval on the subject. A simple “Thank you, we’ll think about it” might indicate that the conversation went well and those good connections can be maintained.

5. Make your control visible

There may be times when you need to be much more straightforward and respond to suggestions with a simple “This is a choice taken solely by the parents.”

If your close relative has a reason to believe they should be involved in parenting, you may need to be much more cautious in establishing your boundaries.

6. Fully focus on the particular patterns you’d like to change

You might have to be very precise about which actions are and aren’t acceptable to you if somebody has a naturally overbearing temperament. Describe the person’s activities you find unpleasant and how you’d like it to improve.

7. Assign a task to each person

Give everyone a complimenting responsibility that lets them make a significant contribution to your children’s life without compromising your parenting decisions as a means of expressing gratitude for their efforts and recognizing how valuable their cooperation is to you.

8. Filter

When someone tries to help and provides some advice, think about whether such advice would benefit your family. If the direction is entirely useless, simply let it pass through one ear and out the other.

9. Self-Education

If you’re unsure about the right course of approach in a parenting dilemma, educate yourself. You may also teach people if you’ve discovered the solution and have solid knowledge or insight to back it up. Rely on the knowledge that you are doing everything you can for your child.

10. Consult your child’s pediatrician for further information

You can always discuss any worries with your child’s physician to receive a healthcare expert’s view if you think such unwelcome advice is linked to your child’s health or lifestyle.

Many individuals will accept a perspective if a qualified person has validated it. Refer to another physician if your doctor disagrees with your point of view on the matter, that you think is right.

It’s important to remember that times have changed significantly since our parents were parenting their kids. As a result, there are constantly updated recommendations for parents to follow as science and professionals discover more about keeping babies healthy and happy.

LET’S BE HONEST MAMAS: TECHNOLOGY WITH KIDS

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Life update! I feel like Zoe has hit the terrible two’s early. She’s still the funniest, craziest, happiest, talkative, little bundle of joy ever, but homegirl has got a sassy side. Welcome those throwing, hitting, kicking, rolling on the floor screaming tantrums. Luckily nothing out in public (like the grocery store) just yet, but man those toddler tantrums are real! So much of her tantrums come from her not being able to express herself just yet. Because she’s so independent she wants to be able to do things all on her own and when she can’t she just gets so frustrated with herself. And I don’t blame her, I’m the same way! Another trigger for her tantrums is the phone. As soon as she sees a cellphone she wants to play with it immediately. If we let her she could watch videos of herself alllllll day long! I basically hide my phone until Zoe goes down for her naps or when she goes down for the night. Which brings me to today’s post!

It’s another Let’s Be Honest Mamas post (you can read all about that and how it started here). A big shout out to our girl Hannah for bringing us together! And today we are talking all about technology with little ones. Of course the use of technology with kids is such a personal opinion, so please when you read on know that what I have chosen to do is what works for me and my family! Okay, now that that is out of the way let’s get to it.

1. Do you have an opinion on technology use with kids? Do you worry about being on your phone too much around your babies?

Before I had Zoe I totally thought I’d be one of those mamas that was 100% against them having access to technology until they were at least two. I wanted them to have time to grow their own imagination and not let them sit in front of the TV all day, every day. But once I had Zoe things changed. Of course when she was really little, having the TV on in the background was mostly for me and not for her. Even at 19 months she still won’t sit through a whole movie. It’s mostly songs or singing that she likes to watch. She’ll dance along to Moana, pretend to sing to Trolls. She loves Sesame Street. Living in the PNW means you have to get creative indoors when it rains 9 months out of the year, and technology can definitely come to the rescue when you need it.

As far as phones, Zoe VERY early on had a high interest in my phone. She loves to look at herself, and unlike TV she could sit all day and watch videos of herself (my little vain princess ?). It doesn’t help that with Snapchat and Instagram stories all I want to do is take videos of her doing the cutest things. But now it’s gotten to the point where I pretty much have to hide my phone. Poor Eric constantly tries to call me but I can’t pick up. At least when it’s out of site it’s out of mind so she doesn’t ask for it. But I’ve had to get creative with my hiding spots because she knows them all. I think this is something I will definitely do differently next time around. Note to self, keep the baby selfies and video taking to a minimum.

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2. What age did you or will you allow your kids to play with your phone, iPad, etc.? Do you restrict what they do on it? Will you buy them their own tablet?

Zoe really started going after my phone around her 1 year birthday. After Christmas my parents gave Z an old iPad that they had lying around their house. The iPad is for car use only, and is only used for playing movies for those long excursions. Go to movies are Beauty and The Beast, Sing, Moana, and Trolls. When she wants my cellphone it’s purely to watch videos of yourself, snapchat or Facetime with her favorite auntie. Obviously I want to limit those interactions as much as possible, and I’ll definitely try to hold off longer next time around, ha.

3. At what age did you (or do you plan to) let your kids watch tv and for how much time per day? Certain tv shows/channels?

Like I mentioned previously, Zoe still hasn’t taken much interest in the TV just yet, but I would say she started engaging more around 13 months or so. I typically schedule it to help trigger her for things. She’ll watch a little bit in the morning while she’s eating breakfast. Super Why is her favorite show to watch during lunch. She just loves it and I love that it’s educational. She’ll repeat back sounds that they are making when they are spelling out words. I love timing Sesame Street whenever I have to change her afternoon diaper because for some reason that’s the one she HATES being changed for the most. It’s really weird. And before she goes to bed she loves to watch Jeopardy or Wheel of Fortune with us. As far as channels, PBS Kids is where it’s at!

4. What are your/your babe’s favorite tv shows and movies? Are you concerned with the message it teaches and do you restrict any shows in particular?

At this time I’m not too concerned with negative messages that Zoe “watches”. I don’t really restrict what I’m watching if she’s in the room (I pretty much just have The Office, FRIENDS, or Parks and Rec on anyhow). I think restrictions will come around 2 when I know she’s more self aware. Her favorite shows are Super Why, Sesame Street, Dinosaur Train, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, and Thomas and Friends. At least those are ones that keep her attention for more than 2 minutes. She’s ALWAYS moving.

5. If you do not use iPad/iPhones as entertainment/distractions while out, what types of activities, toys, explanations do you use?

Other things we like to do to keep Zoe occupied are books. We finally bought her one of those “First 100 words” books (not sure why it took us so long), but she loves to point at different objects, especially pictures of monkeys and dogs. She doesn’t talk too much yet, but she understands so much. We’ll say “Zoe, where’s the monkey” and she’ll turn to the page and point to the monkey. Basically she’s a genius, ha! She also loves to read “Quiet Time with Cassatt“. I have that book memorized so she’ll flip the pages and I’ll read out loud the words while I’m driving places. I also recently bought her this Crayola No Mess Markers And Paper Kit that she loves to doodle on. And when all else fails, pull out the Fruit Snacks.

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MISCARRIAGE UPDATE

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I’ve gotten a few very sweet emails lately asking how I have been since publicly speaking out about my miscarriage, as well as what mine and Eric’s future plans are. You guys, no words! Thank you all so much for your continual love and support through this very difficult time for me. I thought I would post my response here. Honestly, most days have been amazing! Initially after posting about my experience I would receive the occasional pity hugs or looks. Those were not so fun. But for the most part I received nothing less than sheer admiration, love, support, patience, and understanding. Being able to talk to so many women who have undergone similar circumstances, its like this immediate bond.

To give you some perspective, I had my miscarriage in mid to late October. October 20th to be precise. It’s been a few months now, and my body is finally getting back into its natural groove. That first period though, what a doozy!! (TMI?) I feel emotionally stable enough now to have those exciting talks with Eric about our future again (if we are lucky enough). When it is just us two in our own little bubble sometimes I forget how scary it all was, or how sad this whole process still is. I have my occasional off days. For instance, a few days ago a friend of ours announced her pregnancy and instead of being ecstatic for her I immediately started to cry my head off. Luckily, not in her presence. I felt terrible because I did not feel excitement for her in her time but pity for myself. My brain fast-forwarded to the next several months of having to see her in each stage of her pregnancy. To see her beautiful growing tummy and knowing that mine won’t be there. To hear her talk with all the other “mommies” of the group about every big milestone and symptom of pregnancy. You guys, I’ve become envious of morning sickness. Is that normal?

Initially after I lost our baby I wouldn’t even dream of doing it all over again. The idea of being pregnant became this very scary thing. To be honest, it still is. The fear of going through the same painful experience is too excruciating to explain. But then you see all these babies and all these pregnant women (is everyone pregnant right now or am I just imagining things?) and you realize you want to be there too! I feel like right now me and patience are in an epic battle. I was fortunate enough the first time to get pregnant just two weeks into trying, and for some reason I just assumed it would be the same this time around. No such luck. Eric has to keep reminding me that my body went through a very traumatic experience and things will fall into place when it’s good and ready. I feel as long as I keep reminding myself this (over and over again) I’ll be okay. In the meantime, I’ll just be avoiding all you pregnant ladies like the plague!

I’m talking about my resolutions heading into this new year over on “The Village” site today (found HERE). I gave myself only three. The first one was to be happy, and I touched base on being happy for other peoples successes. Apparently I have already failed that one. Hoping to work on that over these next few months. Wish me luck! And to all you women out there trying, I wish you nothing but success, happiness, joy, and a healthy baby! And just remember, it won’t always be you, but one day it will be!