u/Agent8699

Yes please! Imagine the insane amount of Chandu plushies they would sell 🐯 

No bassinet. No regrets.

We did eventually get a travel cot to use downstairs, so I could prep bottles, puree, etc and still see them easily. 

It’s pretty random. If it’s $5 or under and they’re behaving well, I’ll probably get it.

If it’s $20 or more, it goes on the birthday / Christmas present wish list.

If it’s something in between, it will generally depend upon a number of factors, including when they last got a surprise gift, any major recent events (visit to the dentist, going up a grade in swimming, a recent report card, etc). Sometimes yes, sometimes no. If there’s whinging involved, then it’s a definite no.

There’s also the option of selling old toys (with my help) on Marketplace and using those funds. Or doing “extra” chores, like cleaning the skirting boards, to earn some money. 

We trialed an allowance, but it just ended up causing more issues. We’ll probably try again in 6 to 12 months when they’re more mature and can understand that we ALL contribute to the running of the household as a family and what that entails.

Does the park close early for a private event at 6pm on one of the low crowd days? That could be the reason.

We’ve accidentally been on an early close day and while it was disappointing when we realised our mistake, the crowd levels did seem a bit better than usual.

Otherwise, we always aim for Tuesday to Thursday if possible. 

I’m excited for some kid friendly content with female superheroes!

Although, I still wish it was an animated Wonder Woman series. Or the trinity of Wonder Woman, Supergirl and Batgirl.

But, this sounds fun! 

A few suggestions:

• set up play scenarios for them. So, a tea party / picnic with toys, a train track, a zoo, a block tower, a doctor’s waiting room, etc

• provide “verbal” support only. If I’m in the kitchen, folding laundry, etc, I’ll agree to voice a character and help establish the play “scenario”. Eg “oh, I’m a little cheetah and I was running too fast and I hurt my leg, I need a vet / doctor” or “I need to get to work, I wish there was a daycare to take care of my baby” or “I’m so hungry, if only there was a restaurant I could order some food from”, etc

• create a music playlist with musical games, like floor is lava, freeze dance and they can play those games

• agree to play for 5 minutes, but then I need 20 minutes to do chores

• offer the option of doing chores / helping with chores or independent play.

Wow! Our daughter still gets asked if her “mum” died? I don’t know why so many kids assume that? I’m guessing it’s coming from somewhere? 

Cardboard boxes and these tools (Make Do and others) that include saws, screws, hinges, etc that you can use to construct stuff from cardboard boxes.

Dress up costumes, pretend play kits (doctor, hairdresser, office worker, etc), pretend food items and easy access to blank paper / drawing pads and crayons. 

Maybe … 400 or so. Plus 15+ from the local library and three from school! 📚 

We’ve never said “no” to books. 

Yes, with caveats! She got deconstructed versions of what we are and we also ensured there was one staple on her plate we knew she would eat. E.g. rice, pasta, etc.

Now at 5 she will usually ask for her meals to be combined / mixed, just like ours.