I would talk to the teacher about it and ask her what other methods of redirection she could use. My son rarely needs a time out at home, so I would be concerned if he was getting them at school. Hope you get an answer!

I usually check out Pinterest for ideas - but for moving, I rarely gave gifts. I would have the kids write a cute note and then I would write a thank you note to the teacher. You could do a sweet card with a $5 Starbucks card? I'm sure they will appreciate your thoughtfulness.

It's great that you recognize this. I am a firm believer that you can be happy - but there is a difference between being happy and finding joy. Life isn't easy, but if you can find joy in the mundane or even see the positive in a sucky situation, it will change your perspective over time and hopefully decrease your anger overall. It really takes effort, so therapy is great because they keep you accountable to working on it. Therapy and meds get a bad rap, but alot of people have been through some tough stuff in life and it needs to be worked through in order to get past it and move forward in a way that is 'finding your true self.' It doesn't mean you'll need therapy forever, but it can help get you through a bump in the road and onto better things. Hang in there!

I feel ya too - it really helps me to focus on what I can do in my community to help. I only get CNN updates on my phone, which I rarely read, so most of the time, I'm not focusing on the negative in the news, because it will always be there! When I feel helpless and scared for my kids, I remember that I can be an example to my kids by helping out somehow. It doesn't have to be big, but making a difference is good for both parties and for the soul. I help do marketing for my church because I love being creative and we plan to start serving downtown with our kids this fall. Just being a glimmer of hope in this dark world can make a difference mama!

We are a military family so have moved quite a bit. The first bit of advice I have is to remember that it's a couple of days that are really long and really annoying, but then you've moved and you can start to get re-settled. When you go into the move with that mindset, nothing surprises you when things don't go as planned. I found a bunch of moving tips on Pinterest that were helpful and time saving. Pack a few boxes of the bare necessities because after you've moved, you won't want to open 50 boxes looking for your toilet paper. Do you have boxes yet? I got free boxes from a local mom's group that I'm apart of and then got newspaper from the grocery store that tosses their papers. Hope it goes smoothly!

Lots of great advice on here. I agree with the post that recommended counseling, focusing on yourself for a bit, and then in a year see what you're feeling. I know you said you've tried the dating scene and not had much success, but have you considered attending a church (if you aren't already involved)? One of my bestie's in your situation did this and found an amazing man at church who had the same values as her - not saying it works for everyone, but it might be worth a shot, ha!

Totally been there before. So frustrating! Toddlers seem to have a mind of there own. Check out this article has helped me with our kids eating habits through the years. Hang in there mama!

http://bit.ly/1hluMQQ

Hi! Yes, we trained him to sit down first, then standing when mastered. Also, I tried to start when he was about 2 and he wasn't ready. We waited 6 months and it was much quicker. My son was much later than my daughter. He'll get it!

mommato2lilmonkeys

I follow them - one of the radio stations I listen to gives updates, I think it's on KLOVE. Bless that family's heart! I think we could all take a lesson from their unconditional love and positive attitude in the midst of trials. I think it would be great if you contacted Stacy! I'm sure she'd love the encouragement and to know that her story is blessing others. Thanks for sharing!

mommato2lilmonkeys

Wow. Have you talked to him about this? How are you feeling?

mommato2lilmonkeys

Yes I agree that it depends on the school. The first preschool my daughter attended was all about drop off and pick up, no time for convo. I felt like everyone knew each other and there was no room for newbies. But then the next school we went to was totally different. Moms were friendly and there was time in the hallway to chat before pickup. Those are still some of my best friends because we were all in the same stage of life together! Maybe step out of your comfort zone and invite one of the moms to lunch or a play date and maybe a friendship will develop. Praying for you mama! It's not easy to do this thing alone! We are here for you.

mommato2lilmonkeys

Gosh! There a lots of great suggestions already on here. Just wanted to offer support...it's great that you are recognizing the need for change. And it's great that you are making such a huge effort to spend time with your kiddos after a long work day. This whole balance thing is tricky! I've worked pt, ft, contract, from home etc. all with kiddos and finally feel balanced working pt after I drop them off. I know thats not an option for everyone, but it has really helped because I still fulfill my work outlet 'need' and have time to do all my mom responsibilities...and I have energy when they come home from school. Hope you are able to find a good balance for your family soon! Hang in there!

mommato2lilmonkeys

I agree - you should contact a lawyer asap and start documenting. There are a lot of lawyers that offer free consultations. There's also the christian legal society that has a 'find a lawyer' link on their page. Sorry that you are going through this! But you're not alone, that is why they have created laws against it. Hang in there mama! Focus on staying healthy for those precious babies.

mommato2lilmonkeys

Hi there!
Gosh there are some interesting responses here! Have you had a P/T meeting with her prek teacher? That's where I would start. The teacher has experience with kiddos on all different levels at this age. Focus on your kiddo and keep up the good work by reading to her and encouraging her. I'm sure her interest will develop in time.

mommato2lilmonkeys

I totally understand where you are coming from and it's good that you recognize the strain...it can be hard to remove that stressor though! I've been in your shoes and we had to cut ties with friends who were draining and brought negativity into our lives and most importantly, into the lives of our children. The friends made it very hard on us, but then it confirmed why we were doing it. Hang in there and find support in the friends who bring joy and REAL friendship into your life. Praying for ya,

mommato2lilmonkeys