https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Sun, 12 Apr 2026 22:31:02 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/gift-ideas-for-my-mom-recently-widowed#post-2928470 Tue, 19 Aug 2025 05:09:44 +0000 mightydos 2928470@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I’m really sorry to hear about your mom’s loss. 💛 It’s such a thoughtful thing that you’re looking for ways to comfort her. When my aunt went through something similar, I got her a paint by numbers kit, it gave her something calming to focus on and a sense of accomplishment seeing it finished.</p> <p>There are even places like <a href="https://numeralpaint.com/" rel="nofollow">https://numeralpaint.com/</a><br /> where you can create a custom kit from a family photo, which can make it extra meaningful. It might be a gentle way for her to keep busy while also creating something beautiful. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-to-tell-kids-about-relatives-alcoholism#post-2928345 Thu, 24 Aug 2023 11:55:22 +0000 Lahela017 2928345@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My husband's twin brother died a couple years ago from alcoholism. Our kids are younger, so we haven't discussed it with them yet, but we plan to be open and honest about it, in an age appropriate way.</p> <p>I would definitely tell your kids that she has an unhealthy addiction to alcohol and drinking a lot of alcohol changes the way people act. I would tell them that addiction is a form of disease. She's not a mean or bad person, but she isn't healthy.</p> <p>I would certainly never leave my children alone with this person, or let them drive a car, obviously.</p> <p>And I'm sure your uncle is aware of the problem. It sounds like he's enabling her, but speaking from experience, you really can't do anything until the person wants to change themselves. We did countless interventions, aided with rehab, tried tough love, etc. It's a really sad situation. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-to-tell-kids-about-relatives-alcoholism#post-2928338 Wed, 23 Aug 2023 18:31:44 +0000 Chuckles 2928338@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@poppygirl15: Unfortunately, earlier on in their relationship, various family members reached out and tried to address things and it went very poorly. Because of that experience, I'm really hesitant to try again. I think it would really damage my relationship with my uncle. </p> <p>@poppygirl15: and @Lilbear: We've definitely talked to our 10yo about drugs and alcohol in more general terms. I'm sure that over the next couple of years our conversations will get more specific as he's closer to the age that peers might be drinking or using drugs. I'm sure that eventually we'll end up addressing her behavior with him directly. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-to-tell-kids-about-relatives-alcoholism#post-2928336 Tue, 22 Aug 2023 22:43:00 +0000 poppygirl15 2928336@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm so sorry you are having to deal with this. What an awfully difficult situation! </p> <p>My concern is, by all of you not saying anything &amp; allowing the behavior to continue, you are implicitly enabling it. Your 10 year old may have a better idea of what's going on than you might even imagine (after all, drinking &amp; its affects are even discussed in Harry Potter). Therefore, I don't think I would feel comfortable not saying anything because, as lilbear said, you don't want your son to think that what she's doing is something that you condone (or would want to see him engage in). If you need resources for how to discuss it with him, you might find information on Al Anon, which is like AA for family members of alcoholics. Good luck! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-to-tell-kids-about-relatives-alcoholism#post-2928335 Tue, 22 Aug 2023 22:08:41 +0000 karenbme 2928335@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Chuckles: I never specifically asked anyone about it, but it was also behavior that was in my house pretty regularly. If I had a little more space from the situation I might have, but I was mostly oblivious to it when I was younger. It first clicked for me that something was different when we watched a video in sixth grade health class that the kids in the videos were acting like certain people in my life. </p> <p>It sounds like your aunt is a lot like my family members—not someone you would leave alone with your kids, but not aggressive or dangerous to the people around them. I try to make space for people who love our kids, but with guardrails (see my other post). My three year old has already picked up on some of it, and I’ve talked to her in age appropriate ways about people feeling sleepy or silly. Tweens are tough, though, it’s a hard line to walk between alcohol is bad/dangerous without making it dominate their perception of the person. Good luck! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-to-tell-kids-about-relatives-alcoholism#post-2928334 Tue, 22 Aug 2023 21:23:56 +0000 Lilbear 2928334@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I started talking about that stuff with my kids at a very young age (3 &amp; 6 years old). My sister is estranged and very obviously hooked on drugs. She shows up at family gatherings every once in a while and I can see that my daughter seems uncomfortable around her (my sister), because she can tell something is different about how she behaves. I try to keep things as age appropriate as possible when I discuss this with them. I really drive home the point that addiction can happen to anyone who experiments, nobody plans on getting hooked, she is self-medicating a mental health issue so it is super important to take care of your own mental health instead of using substances as an escape, we still love her and want her to be well….etc. </p> <p>One of my big reasons for having this dialogue so young is that, as a middle school health teacher, I see many of my students starting to experiment with drugs/alcohol. They all believe they are invincible and that they will never get addicted. I am in a position with my own children where I can point to a real member of the family as an example of what can happen. My kids can literally see my sister’s struggle, and they also see how it affects (hurts/upsets) all of our family members that love and care about her. I hope that having this dialogue prevents them from experimenting with drugs when they are older. </p> <p>Also, fwiw I would never let my kids out of my sight if she is around. I don’t think she is a danger to them, but you never know what someone could do when they are desperate or in an altered mental state. They see her MAYBE once a year. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-to-tell-kids-about-relatives-alcoholism#post-2928333 Tue, 22 Aug 2023 19:57:57 +0000 Chuckles 2928333@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@karenbme: Thanks for your thoughts! Yes, when she offered to watch the kids, I just kept saying that DD was too little and nervous to be left without us. I would never say anything to them directly unless it was a huge, immediate safety risk, given how little they seem to be aware of the severity of the problem. Do you remember as a tween/teenager - did you ask other adults what was going on or just notice the change in behavior and make a connection to the alcohol? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-to-tell-kids-about-relatives-alcoholism#post-2928332 Tue, 22 Aug 2023 19:01:52 +0000 karenbme 2928332@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I grew up around a lot of drinking and can remember times as a kid when the adults around me were visibly drunk, but I didn’t make the connection until maybe 12 or 13. At a certain point your oldest will understand what’s going on as he understands more about alcohol. I wouldn’t make a big deal out of it, and if he asks you explain that Aunt X is making decisions that you think are wrong and the reasons why.</p> <p>In terms of leaving kids in the care of an obvious alcoholic or letting them ride in the car with open containers it’s a hard no for me. But with a white lie about why. My go to reason why not to leave my kids with a family member who wants time alone with my kids but who I don’t trust is to tell them that I’m happy to spend time together but as a working mom I get so little time with my babies, I can’t imagine giving up the little bit I have. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-to-tell-kids-about-relatives-alcoholism#post-2928331 Tue, 22 Aug 2023 17:20:30 +0000 Chuckles 2928331@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>How have other people navigated their kids finding out about a relative's problem with alcohol?<br /> My uncle has a long term girlfriend with a very significant problem with alcohol (and past issues with drug use). They are around our kids a decent amount, especially because we have traveled with them in the last couple of years. She drinks throughout the day, a lot and every day, but it's usually from an opaque water bottle, so it's not super obvious. She also (and this is BONKERS) takes open containers of alcohol in the car (again, in a water bottle or other cup. not like a beer bottle) while my uncle is driving. I know that's not illegal in all states, but it's definitely illegal where we live.<br /> Sometimes by the evening she slurs her words a bit but she typically doesn't appear too impaired. When we travel she tends to "nap" in the afternoon. But sometimes she does get emotional, loud, or mildly argumentative by the evenings. If she was ever visibly drunk or doing anything upsetting, I would certainly remove the kids from the situation. Early on in their relationship, DH and I wanted to set the boundary that she couldn't be around the kids if she was drinking, but that became apparent over time that if we want to see my uncle, she will be there and drinking. I have a really small family, so I really want to maintain my relationship with him.<br /> We have a 10 year old who seems, so far, mostly unaware of what's going on. She also had a recent family tragedy, so the couple of times on a trip that she was being a bit erratic, I just reminded him that she is having a hard time right now. But I feel like at some point he should know. Right?? I'm not sure what my reasoning is though. She's very nice to him, so I don't want him to feel like he can't be around her, but she has a history of being very erratic and so I don't want him to get too attached or feel like she's always a safe person to be around. Also, my uncle is absolutely in denial/feels like he has to protect and take care of her. And while I know she knows she has a problem, she also seems extremely unaware of the severity. On a trip last year, she suggested that my husband and I leave the kids with her for a couple of hours so that we could do some sightseeing with my uncle after we watched her drink literally from 10am until 4. Thoughts? Suggestions? It just feels like a bananas situation to navigate, and I feel lucky that I haven't had to deal with anything like this before. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/talking-care-of-parents-and-babies-at-the-same-time#post-2928329 Thu, 17 Aug 2023 19:59:42 +0000 ChitownRo 2928329@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Each family’s circumstances are so different. But my mom was treated as if she had primary progressive MS (autopsy showed a rare autoimmune condition instead), that caused both physical and cognitive decline. I had always thought I’d have her move in. But it was too hard to care for both toddlers and her. Literally I couldn’t leave her alone at home but also couldn’t manage her plus 2-3 kids at the same time in a parking lot. So she ended up being the youngest in an assisted living at 60 yo (sunrise, is a chain). When she died at 62 yo, my kids were 10 mo, 3 y, 5 yo.<br /> I know I did my best in caring for her, but she needed more than we could safely provide at home. My youngest sister did the most day-to-day bc she lived closest and didn’t have kids yet. But it was hard. And I felt so guilty at the time, less so now in hindsight </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/talking-care-of-parents-and-babies-at-the-same-time#post-2928291 Mon, 10 Jul 2023 05:40:35 +0000 pachamama 2928291@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@azbaby: I wish I had good advice for you. I think that's really great you have a guesthouse for her! Are there local caregiver's groups you can join? I know they mention being kind to yourself and giving yourself breaks and self-care a lot :heart: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/talking-care-of-parents-and-babies-at-the-same-time#post-2928290 Sat, 08 Jul 2023 15:49:11 +0000 azbaby 2928290@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>It looks like my mom will have to come live with my husband and I very soon. Luckily we will have a small guest house for her to stay in but she's fiercely independent. We've known this was eventually going to happen but we thought wee had a couple more years.<br /> For anyone who has managed this how did it all work? We have a toddler and are hoping to have another baby next year. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-to-cut-family-members-off#post-2928289 Sat, 24 Jun 2023 20:40:56 +0000 cake2017 2928289@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@erinbaderin: This is tough and I am sorry you are dealing with this! Especially your children who don’t quite understand and just want to spend time with them. </p> <p>90 min flight from you- the half brother? </p> <p>I mean they could just stop in for a week and go back to him but it doesn’t seem to be a priority. We wouldn’t reach out anymore. If they do then I would go from there. Like you said, you all are not a priority and that is very sad. They will regret this. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-to-cut-family-members-off#post-2928288 Thu, 22 Jun 2023 14:04:47 +0000 karenbme 2928288@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@erinbaderin: I’m in a similar position with my dad and stepmom where we are clearly not the priority and they are unreliable for anything that isn’t exactly what they want to do. I’m fine initiating phone calls but I don’t rely on them or change plans for them ever, and don’t tell my daughter about any visits until a few days before just in case. It’s not really cutting off, but more like keeping at arm’s length for my/my kids’ benefit. </p> <p>I’m not going to lie making the decision was sad and every time they show their priorities it still hurts a little, but it’s what’s best for us, and there are plenty of people in my life and my kids lives who love us without reservation. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-to-cut-family-members-off#post-2928287 Thu, 22 Jun 2023 04:22:15 +0000 pachamama 2928287@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I can really empathize. My sister AND BIL are similar and it kills me to see my kids not have a close relationship with their cousins because frankly, they do not prioritize us. But at least, like your in-laws, they live far away so it would be hard to be close anyway.<br /> You were very kind to plan your summer basically around them. I'm guessing they probably did not even realize all your efforts. I used to do this too but I realized people, even family, can be unreliable and have different priorities. How can they not want to see our kids?! It hurts me!! So I plan my family's life and try my best to be flexible about visits but it's a "I'll do me, you do you" situation. I realized you can't make people prioritize your family (which breaks the heart a little).<br /> My approach now is getting close with friends and cousins we have close to us that my kids AND I love and prioritize. Family is not always blood. My 2nd cousin and I are super close and our kids love each other and that's better than stressing over my BIL's annual visit. If that makes sense.<br /> TLDR: you do you; sometimes "family" can be friends around you who love and value you and your time </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-to-cut-family-members-off#post-2928276 Thu, 15 Jun 2023 15:58:13 +0000 erinbaderin 2928276@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>No, I don't mean literally refuse all forms of communication with them forever. That being said, if we stop reaching out I'm not sure when we'll hear from them again - we are the only ones who ever reach out. So I guess what I actually mean is should we just stop trying which, at this point, kind of feels like the same thing, based on our past experience of how much effort they put into the relationship. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-to-cut-family-members-off#post-2928275 Thu, 15 Jun 2023 13:21:43 +0000 ElbieKay 2928275@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>What do you mean by "cut off"? Literally refuse all future communication forever?</p> <p>I agree that it's reasonable for you to feel hurt, but I think people usually cut off family for more drastic reasons like addiction, narcissistic behavior, financial draining, abusive behavior.</p> <p>In this case, I think you should just cool off your communication with them. Leave it to them to reach out. Refuse to make plans unless they have actually booked plane tickets. Draw firmer boundaries, stick to the boundaries, and force yourself to have zero expectations of them. Don't bother airing your grievances about this visit because it will just make them defensive and you won't get what you are looking for from the conversation.</p> <p>So for instance, next time they want to make plans to visit you, explain your logistics and then just proceed with your life as usual unless/until they make a commitment. Or just say no. In the example above, this would mean giving them a deadline after which you will commit to camps for your kids and either withdraw your invitation or make it clear that your kids won't be around during the day when they visit.</p> <p>But that is different from blocking them from all forms of communication and acting as though they don't exist.</p> <p>They sound inconsiderate and like they are playing favorites. That sucks. You sound understandably butthurt about it. But I don't think you're at the stage where you should go nuclear based on what you wrote here. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-to-cut-family-members-off#post-2928274 Thu, 15 Jun 2023 12:13:18 +0000 catgirl 2928274@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>So I have been trying to write a response for awhile because I have a lot of thoughts. </p> <p>My first thing, which may or may not matter, is that it can be possible to have a good relationship with relatives that live far away and you don't see regularly. My maternal grandfather lived in a Middle Eastern Country my entire life. I only met home twice - once when I was 5 and again at 17. He wasn't able to travel out of his country, for a variety of reasons, and it was not always considered safe for us to travel to him. BUT I was incredibly close to him! We talked on the phone at least twice a week from when I was 4 until he died when I was 22, which was challenging with our time difference. For the last few years one of my younger relatives would help him do a video call with me for one of the calls. I honestly felt closer to him than my other grandparents. But this is only important if the adults, in your case your in laws, would put in the effort. I just like to point out that distance alone doesn't have to mean no relationship. </p> <p>Now aside from that, I am all for cutting off people (relatives or others) that cause more harm to yourself or your kids. I didn't speak to my dad and stepmom for years when I was a teenager/early 20s because once they had kids they made it very clear where I landed. I was not going to continue to be hurt by them. When my DD was born we started rebuilding a relationship but i made it very clear that if my stepmom pulled anything like she did when I was a teenager that we would be done for good. I was not going to let them make my child feel unwanted. Things have been awkward but manageable since that talk. For many years I just let them always initiate things, that way I was not let down. As DD has gotten older she will now ask to reach out to them but them seem to always respond directly to her. I do not regret the time I did not speak to them, it was absolutely the right thing to do at the time. I am also happy that my DD is building a relationship with them now. </p> <p>We have not cut my in laws off (DH's mom and stepdad) but we have had to distance ourselves and really be careful with what we agree to do with them. DH has always been treated as the black sheep while his younger brother is catered to (even though his life has been a hot mess). And DH's step siblings are also treated differently. DH and his mom had a huge blow out leading up to Christmas and they didn't talk until April (I think?). I stayed out of it and was very careful about what I said to DH because I knew even if he moved on, he would always remember if I said something negative. He has only spoken to his brother a couple of times since then but not sure if his brother has even noticed. If not for DD I think DH would be done with them but he is trying to maintain something for DD. But we never tell DD about plans with them until they are literally about to happen to lower the risk of her being let down by them. </p> <p>I'm realizing that none of this is really helpful. But I guess, just to say family things are complicated. I believe you are allowed to put your nuclear family first. If that means cutting them off, then do that. If it means altering how and when you interact with them, that's also an option. I do believe an honest conversation with them before making a final choice would be helpful but as you said, it's his family and the choice is really his. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-to-cut-family-members-off#post-2928273 Thu, 15 Jun 2023 09:50:46 +0000 erinbaderin 2928273@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm hoping some people still check in here, because I could use some unbiased opinions about if I'm reading a situation correctly, and advice going forward.</p> <p>So here it is: We have two boys, 7 and 9. My in-laws (husband's dad/stepmom) live in England. They have two other sons, who are my husband's half-brothers - #1 lives in a US state that's about a 90 minute flight from us, #2 lives in England. We didn't see the in-laws from 2019-2022 because of the pandemic, they visited last year (2022) and stayed with us for a few week. That was their third visit since my younger son was born (which is to say, they've met him three times in his life).</p> <p>For about the last six months, they've been talking about coming to visit this summer. At first they couldn't commit to a date because #1 was going to be in England for an event and they wanted to be there when he was. This made things like booking summer camps pretty tricky, but I tried to space out their camp weeks and off-weeks to try to maximize the chance that we'd have some dedicated time with them.</p> <p>Then the event got scheduled for the end of August, great! So they say that #1 is buying a house that closes at the end of June. They'll travel to him, stay until he gets the house, come to us for a visit, then go back to him for a few weeks, because it's easier to book round trip tickets. All in, they're in North America for five weeks. They tell us they'll come to us around July 2 and stay for two weeks. Cool, great, this actually works out perfectly because my kids finish school June 30 and don't have any camps booked for the week of the 3-7! I book a week off work. They insist they can't actually book their tickets to us until they arrive in the US for reasons that do not make sense to us but whatever.</p> <p>Then they come back and say that actually, #1's wife's parents are having a Fourth of July party, so they'll come to us on the 6th or 7th, and that now they'll only have time to stay for 10 days instead of two weeks. We point out that that means they miss the entire week of time we all have off, and they'll be here for 10 days during which the kids are at (expensive, specialized) camps all day and it would actually be much better if they could come on the 2nd as they originally said.</p> <p>Then they come back and say that last minute flights are really expensive from this city to ours, and 10 days isn't really enough for a good visit, so maybe they won't come, they'll just come for a month next summer. We push back, find some semi-reasonably priced flights, say that if they come on the 2nd and stay for two weeks that's a good length of visit, and that a lot of things could happen between now and next summer.</p> <p>They come back and say look, this trip was always about #1 getting his first house, it's a major life event, and they were always only going to "fit us in if there was time" (that is, indeed, a quote), that five weeks isn't long enough to visit us both, so they're not coming.</p> <p>So....I feel like I'm done. I've always felt like we were the second tier family, they've always focused way more time and resources on their two sons, and this just feels like being blatantly told "His new house is more important than seeing our grandchildren". The kids are disappointed because they thought they'd be seeing their grandparents in two weeks. I'm disappointed because I genuinely love these people and was looking forward to seeing them! And I just can't believe that somebody would casually toss off spending time with their grandchildren while they're young, and I don't want to put my kids in a place to be let down again.</p> <p>Thoughts? Help? My husband is fully done, I half feel that we should tell them plainly how we feel - that being said, they're his family and he has to take the lead. But also I might be too close to this. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-to-relate-to-gen-zers-who-are-in-the-dating-scene#post-2928269 Sun, 11 Jun 2023 18:28:25 +0000 togetherthroughlife 2928269@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I totally forgot I asked this! And the replies went to my spam folder. </p> <p>@Portboston: Thank you so much for the podcast rec! Something like that could be a great way to just hear other stories and familiarize myself with the particular struggles of dating in this era we are in!</p> <p>@hitchhiker: That is definitely what I’m already doing! But I feel like even in my empathy and listening to their (limited, personal) viewpoints, I still feel confused and at a loss about just the ethos of the current dating scene. I didn’t realize HOW different it was. I feel fortunate to not have to navigate it myself right now! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-to-relate-to-gen-zers-who-are-in-the-dating-scene#post-2928074 Wed, 08 Mar 2023 05:19:28 +0000 hitchhiker 2928074@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Can you just listen with curiosity and affirm their struggles without offering advice or judgement? If these are people you care about, I don’t think you need to relate to them to hear their experiences and validate them. It’s probably good experience for parenting teens and adults. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-to-relate-to-gen-zers-who-are-in-the-dating-scene#post-2928070 Mon, 06 Mar 2023 21:31:51 +0000 Portboston 2928070@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I met my ex husband before most social media and dating apps but found myself single in 2019 so I got a taste of what it’s like now. I recommend listening to U Up? Podcast. Modern dating advice for dating and relationships in 2022. Very informative! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-to-relate-to-gen-zers-who-are-in-the-dating-scene#post-2928069 Mon, 06 Mar 2023 16:09:18 +0000 togetherthroughlife 2928069@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Hey! This is quite a random topic but maybe there are others who have experience and can relate.</p> <p>I got married and had kids way before the other people in my generation of the family. Now I am a mom and a wife with a career and “established lifestyle” and I’m finding it hard to relate to siblings and other family members who are not in the same stage of life as me. I know this is not uncommon, but I guess I just wonder if I’m making enough (or the right kind of) effort.</p> <p>See, I got married before the age of Instagram and TikTok and Bumble and Hinge…and I’ve been told (and wholly believe) that I just simply have no clue what it’s like to date in this current day and age.</p> <p>There are girls younger than me in my life who I deeply care about, who casually date and I admittedly don’t know how to relate to them. I married young, I married the first person I was even in a serious relationship with! We got lucky but it makes me feel…out of touch. I don’t want to be out of touch.</p> <p>Does anyone have any thoughts or resources, blogs, books, ANYthing that could help me relate to those in my life who are just living a totally different romantic life than the one I have lived? These are special family relationships and I don’t want them to just fall apart. :( </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/dallasft-worth-texas-area#post-2927596 Wed, 19 Oct 2022 18:22:33 +0000 cake2017 2927596@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Anagram: Thank you! We are located in the DMV area(Maryland/Virginia). Would like to get more info on the neighborhoods and then look at schools. We are interested in non- denominational Christian Private Schools but would still like a location that has great public schools. </p> <p>We loved the Highland Park area, Irving area. </p> <p>I have not heard of Lakelands so will take a look. </p> <p>We aren’t looking to move this year but possibly early next just trying to gather as much as I can! </p> <p>Thanks again!!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/dallasft-worth-texas-area#post-2927592 Wed, 19 Oct 2022 10:43:00 +0000 Anagram 2927592@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@cake2017: I lived in DFW from age 18-age 32. But first I lived in Denton and then moved to Dallas proper at age 22 and stayed there for a decade. I lived in Lakewood, which is hands-down my favorite neighborhood in Dallas. But I have less experience with all the various suburbs. My best two girlfriends who still live there and have kids live in Lakewood still, and their kids both go to public elementaries there (one goes to a public Montessori in DISD and not her neighborhood school, but I think it's a lottery to get in there). Lakewood has a suburban feel, but it's close to downtown, has great public elementary schools, is close to White Rock Lake for outdoorsy activities, and is a neighborhood with a little topography and mature trees, which is rare for Dallas neighborhoods.</p> <p>I know popular suburbs tend to be Frisco, Plano, Coppell, Grapevine.</p> <p>Where are you moving from, do you care much about the political environment of the future neighborhood, and what is your ballpark house budget? How important are the public school options? I would start there. Some areas (like Lakewood) have gotten significantly more expensive in the last decade so there aren't many "deals" in that area. Similar trends in the popular suburbs. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/dallasft-worth-texas-area#post-2927590 Tue, 18 Oct 2022 13:03:36 +0000 cake2017 2927590@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Hi there! We really like this area but only visited one time. Would love to hear from anyone who lives/lived there and/or knows the area????</p> <p>If so, could you suggest the areas that may be best for families, great schools, things to do(family things)?</p> <p>Also, any areas to avoid (cities/towns)? </p> <p>We plan to visit some more and to gather more info regarding schools and planned communities as well! </p> <p>We like the Dallas area but would not want to live in the downtown area. We prefer suburbs, parks, body of water, walking trails, restaurants- single family homes etc.</p> <p>Any feedback on FT Worth area? never been but plan to visit too…. </p> <p>Any feedback would be helpful! TIA! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/8-year-old-lying#post-2927319 Mon, 01 Aug 2022 11:24:04 +0000 karenbme 2927319@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@LemonJack: is there an adult in her life who is particularly strict? Or maybe she got in trouble for something and doesn’t really understand why? I went through a lying phase as a preteen because I had a really strict teacher who yelled and wrote kids up for even minor infractions like chewing gum. It got to the point where I felt really insecure and like anything would be used against me so I started lying about anything that could possibly be a problem in lots of contexts. Eventually after getting out of that grade I felt more confident and the lying stopped, but when I think back on that period really the insecurity is the thing that stands out. Lying was a way of trying to stay safe, which it sounds like might be the case with your daughter, since she’ll tell the truth if you tell her she won’t get in trouble. Idk if that helps at all, though. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/8-year-old-lying#post-2927310 Fri, 29 Jul 2022 19:27:44 +0000 LemonJack 2927310@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My 8 year old is lying and I’m trying to figure out how to get her to stop. She lies about little things like if she was playing her Switch or grabbed a juice box, and also about bigger things like if she pushed her sister. I’ve tried the strategy of telling her that she won’t get in trouble if she tells the truth, and she often will own up to it after I say that, but her initial gut reaction is to lie. It’s really frustrating and worries me. Any ideas? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-adults-get-santa-gifts-at-your-house#post-2925819 Wed, 15 Dec 2021 10:35:26 +0000 JennyPenny 2925819@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Clementine12: @karenbme: Lol, I so identify with this. My parents are the same way and I feel bad bringing them just a present each. But I recently realized that it's going to fall to me and brothers to take care of their insane quantities of junk when they pass and I'd rather not add to it unnecessarily. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-adults-get-santa-gifts-at-your-house#post-2925817 Tue, 14 Dec 2021 19:04:47 +0000 Clementine12 2925817@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@karenbme: totally same. And then I feel bad bringing like 2 presents over for them to open. </p>