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20 best multivitamins for dogs

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In the realm of responsible pet care, ensuring the well-being of our canine companions goes beyond cuddles and playtime. With the goal of providing comprehensive and balanced nutrition in mind, the significance of multivitamins tailored for dogs becomes increasingly apparent. As startling statistics reveal that over 50% of dogs across the globe exhibit vitamin and mineral deficiencies, and considering that nearly 80% of a dog's immune system is intricately linked to its gut health, we embark on a journey to explore the 20 best multivitamins meticulously formulated to bolster the vitality and longevity of our furry friends.

20 best multivitamins for dogs

Pupper Canine Multi Soft Chew

Pupper Canine Multi Soft Chew is the perfect multivitamin supplement for your furry friend. These soft chews are specifically formulated to provide all the necessary vitamins and minerals that your dog needs to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle. With a variety of essential nutrients including vitamins A, C, D, and E, as well as B-complex vitamins and minerals such as calcium and magnesium, Pupper Canine Multi Soft Chew is the perfect way to support your dog's overall health and well-being. Not only are they delicious and easy to administer, but they also provide the necessary nutrients required to keep your dog's immune system strong, maintain healthy skin and coat, and support healthy bones and joints. Give your dog the gift of good health with Pupper Canine Multi Soft Chew.

Zesty Paws 8-in-1 Bites

Are you looking for a way to help your furry friend stay healthy and happy? Look no further than Zesty Paws 8-in-1 Bites. These multivitamins for dogs contain a blend of essential vitamins and minerals to support immune function, skin and coat health, joint health, and more. With delicious ingredients like peanut butter and chicken flavor, your pup will look forward to taking their daily dose. Plus, these bites are grain-free and made in the USA with only natural ingredients. Give your dog the boost they need with Zesty Paws 8-in-1 Bites.

Vet Promise Dog Multivitamin Chewable with Glucosamine

As dog owners, we all want our furry friends to stay healthy and happy for as long as possible. To ensure that they get all the vital nutrients they need, many pet owners turn to multivitamins for dogs. The Vet Promise Dog Multivitamin Chewable with Glucosamine is an excellent option for those in search of a high-quality dog multivitamin. It contains a blend of essential vitamins and minerals, as well as glucosamine to support joint health. What’s more, these chewable tablets are delicious and easy for your dog to digest. By providing your pet with this top-quality supplement, you can help keep them in the best possible shape for years to come.

HUGGIBLES All-in-One Multi Liquid Vitamin for Dogs

As dog owners, we want nothing but the best for our furry friends. We make sure they get the proper nutrition they need to keep them healthy and happy. But sometimes, even with the best efforts put forth, our pets can still be lacking in certain vitamins and minerals. That's where HUGGIBLES All-in-One Multi Liquid Vitamin for Dogs comes in. This amazing product delivers all the essential multivitamins for dogs in one easy-to-administer liquid form. It's a great addition to any dog's diet, helping to ensure they maintain strong bones and healthy coats, promoting heart and immune system health, and providing other benefits. Say hello to stronger, healthier, happier furry family members with HUGGIBLES All-in-One Multi Liquid Vitamin for Dogs.

Pet Naturals Daily Multivitamin for Dogs

As responsible pet owners, we all know that taking care of our furry friends is a top priority. Just like humans, dogs also require a balanced diet and essential vitamins to maintain their health and wellbeing. That's where Pet Naturals Daily Multivitamin for Dogs comes in - a specially formulated multivitamin that can help support your dog's overall vitality. These chewable tablets are designed to provide all the necessary vitamins and nutrients that your furry friend might not receive from their food alone, promoting healthy growth and immunity. With Pet Naturals Daily Multivitamin for Dogs, you can rest assured that your pet is getting the daily dose of vitamins that they need to lead a happy and healthy life.

Pet Honesty 10 in 1 Dog Multivitamin

As pet owners, we all want to provide the best care possible for our furry friends. Ensuring that they're healthy and happy is at the top of our priority list. As important as providing nutritious meals and regular exercise is for our dogs, they may still require additional supplementation. That's where multivitamins for dogs come in. The Pet Honesty 10-in-1 Dog Multivitamin is an excellent choice. It provides a complete range of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support your dog's immune system, joint health, digestive system, and more. With this multivitamin, you can count on your four-legged friend being as healthy and vibrant as possible.

Meg & Hugo Multivitamin for Dogs

As pet owners, we want to ensure that our furry friends live long, healthy lives filled with tail wags and belly rubs. One way to support our dogs' overall health and well-being is by incorporating multivitamins into their daily routine. That's where Meg & Hugo Multivitamin for Dogs comes in. This specially formulated blend of essential vitamins and minerals helps support a dog's immune system, joint health, and overall vitality. With natural ingredients like salmon oil, cranberry extract, and vitamin E, Meg & Hugo Multivitamin for Dogs is a safe and easy way to give your pup the boost they need to thrive. Give your pup the gift of good health with Meg & Hugo Multivitamin for Dogs.

VETRISCIENCE Canine Plus MultiVitamin for Dogs

As pet owners, we want to ensure that our furry companions receive the best care possible. One aspect of their well-being that we may overlook is their nutritional needs. This is where multivitamins for dogs, such as VETRISCIENCE Canine Plus MultiVitamin, come in handy. These supplements provide a plethora of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support your dog's overall health. With daily use, you can rest assured that your pup is receiving the essential nutrients they need to thrive. So, whether you have a growing puppy or a senior dog, consider adding a multivitamin to their diet for optimal health and happiness.

VetIQ Multi Vitamin Supplement for Dogs

VetIQ Multi Vitamin Supplement for Dogs is a comprehensive blend of key vitamins and minerals essential to support your furry friend's overall health and well-being. Designed to provide essential nutrients that are often missing from a dog's diet, VetIQ's multivitamins for dogs are the perfect way to fill in any nutritional gaps and ensure that your pet is receiving the support they need. Whether you have a growing puppy or a senior dog, the right multivitamin supplement can go a long way in helping keep your pet happy and healthy. With VetIQ's easy-to-administer chewable tablets, daily supplements for your dog can be a breeze. So whether you are looking to support cognitive function in older dogs or provide vital nutrients for growing puppies, VetIQ's multivitamin supplements are a great choice to help keep your pup at their best.

VETRISCIENCE Canine Plus MultiVitamin for Senior Dogs

As our furry friends age, it’s important to ensure they are getting the proper nutrients to maintain their health and happiness. VETRISCIENCE Canine Plus MultiVitamin for Senior Dogs provides just that, with a comprehensive blend of vitamins and minerals designed specifically for aging dogs. This multivitamin supports joint health, cognitive function, and immune system function, all while promoting overall vitality and well-being. From antioxidant-rich nutrients like Vitamin E to joint-supporting ingredients like glucosamine, this multivitamin covers all the bases to keep your senior dog feeling its best. Give them the gift of optimal health with VETRISCIENCE Canine Plus MultiVitamin for Senior Dogs.

ZEBORA Daily Multi for Dogs

As we strive to promote good health and well-being for our furry friends, ensuring they receive the proper nutrition is key. Enter the ZEBORA Daily Multi for Dogs, a comprehensive multivitamin supplement formulated to support your dog's immune system, energy levels, joint health, and more. Perfect for dogs of all ages and sizes, this daily supplement contains essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that may be missing from your dog's diet, helping to fill any nutritional gaps and support their overall health. Give your pooch the boost they need with the ZEBORA Daily Multi for Dogs.

Nutri-Vet Multi-Vite Chewables for Adult Dogs

As pet owners, we all want our furry friends to be healthy and happy. That's why it's important to ensure that they're getting all the nutrients they need to thrive. While a balanced diet is essential, sometimes our dogs may need a little extra help. That's where Nutri-Vet Multi-Vite Chewables for Adult Dogs come in. These multivitamins are specifically formulated to provide your adult dog with essential vitamins and minerals that may be missing from their diet. They come in a tasty chewable form, making it easy to give your pup the extra boost they need. With Nutri-Vet Multi-Vite Chewables, you can rest assured that your dog is getting the nutrients they need to live their happiest, healthiest life possible.

FORTE NATURALS Collagen Peptide Pills

Pregnancy is a time of immense joy and excitement, but it can also be challenging for some women. One common issue during pregnancy is the depletion of collagen in the body, which may lead to various health complications. Thankfully, there are collagen supplements available that can help expecting mothers maintain healthy levels of this essential protein. FORTE NATURALS Collagen Peptide Pills are a great option for women looking to boost their collagen intake during pregnancy. Made from high-quality marine collagen, these pills are easily absorbed by the body, providing a wide range of benefits, from improving skin elasticity to supporting joint health. With FORTE NATURALS Collagen Peptide Pills, pregnant women can rest assured that they are getting the nutrients they need to stay healthy and feel their best.

Vital Vitamins Multi Collagen Complex

Collagen is a critical type of protein found in various parts of the human body. When it comes to pregnancy, collagen plays a crucial role in the development and growth of the placenta, the organ that nourishes the unborn baby. Vital Vitamins Multi Collagen Complex is a product designed to help women enhance their collagen levels during pregnancy. This supplement is made of high-quality ingredients, including collagen from four sources, which provides essential amino acids necessary for the body to produce collagen on its own. Collagen supplements for pregnancy are becoming more popular because of the numerous benefits they offer, including better skin elasticity and smoother joint movements. With Vital Vitamins Multi Collagen Complex, women can support their health and their baby's development, making their pregnancy journey more comfortable and enjoyable.

Codeage Multi Collagen + Gut Blend Supplement

Collagen supplements have become increasingly popular in recent times, and for good reason. The benefits of collagen are vast and include promoting healthy hair, skin, nails, and, most importantly, supporting your gut health. Collagen supplements like Codeage Multi Collagen + Gut Blend Supplement take it one step further by incorporating a gut-healthy blend that includes probiotics and prebiotics. These supplements are not just for fitness enthusiasts or beauty mavens; they are especially useful for pregnant women. Studies show that collagen supplements for pregnancy can help to reduce stretch marks and improve skin elasticity postpartum. Additionally, many expecting mothers experience digestive issues during pregnancy, and these collagen supplements can promote overall gut health, which can aid in digestion. In short, Codeage Multi Collagen + Gut Blend Supplement is a perfect choice for anyone looking for a comprehensive supplement to support their health while navigating pregnancy.

OPTIWIZE Collagen Plus

Collagen supplements have become increasingly popular among pregnant women looking to boost their skin's health and overall well-being. OPTIWIZE's Collagen Plus is an excellent option for expecting mothers seeking high-quality collagen supplementation. Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body and is responsible for keeping our connective tissues healthy and strong. The addition of collagen supplements to a pregnancy diet can improve skin elasticity, promote joint health, and support healthy hair and nails. OPTIWIZE's Collagen Plus contains hydrolyzed collagen peptides, making it quick and easy for the body to absorb. Additionally, this product is non-GMO, gluten-free, and does not contain any artificial flavors or preservatives. Trust OPTIWIZE Collagen Plus to provide exceptional support during your pregnancy journey.

Like Mine Marine Collagen

Collagen supplements such as Like Mine Marine Collagen have become increasingly popular in recent years for their potential health benefits. Among them, pregnant women can benefit from collagen supplements, which can provide the nutritional support needed during pregnancy. Collagen supplements for pregnancy can help support skin elasticity, and joint health, and promote healthy hair and nails. Like Mine Marine Collagen is a premium source of marine collagen that is sustainably sourced from wild-caught fish, making it a safe and reliable option for expectant mothers. Incorporating Like Mine Marine Collagen into one's pregnancy routine can help support both physical and mental health during this transformative time.

Nature Made Collagen Gummies with Vitamin C, Zinc and Biotin

Nature Made Collagen Gummies with Vitamin C, Zinc, and Biotin offer a convenient way to nourish your body and promote healthy skin, hair, and nails. Collagen supplements have become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason. Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body and plays a vital role in maintaining healthy skin elasticity, bone strength, and joint mobility. For expectant mothers, collagen supplements for pregnancy may also provide added benefits. Vitamin C, zinc, and biotin found in these gummies may help support a healthy immune system and promote healthy pregnancy outcomes. Whether you're looking to support your pregnancy or simply enhance your overall health, Nature Made Collagen Gummies can help you reach your goals.

Physician's CHOICE Collagen Peptides Powder w/ Digestive Enzymes

Collagen supplements have been gaining popularity in recent years due to their numerous benefits for the skin, joints, and muscles. However, what many people don't know is that collagen supplements can also be incredibly beneficial during pregnancy. Physician's CHOICE Collagen Peptides Powder w/ Digestive Enzymes is a perfect option for pregnant women who want to support their own health as well as the development of their baby. Collagen peptides provide the amino acids that are essential for healthy fetal development, while the digestive enzymes in the powder help to ensure proper nutrient absorption. This supplement is a safe and easy way for expecting mothers to support their bodies and promote optimal health.

Rae Wellness Vegan Collagen Boost Powder

Collagen supplements have been growing in popularity in recent years, with people of all ages and backgrounds looking for ways to improve their skin, hair, and overall health. But as more and more women turn to collagen to support healthy pregnancies, the demand for safe and effective collagen supplements for pregnancy has increased. Rae Wellness Vegan Collagen Boost Powder is one option that many women are turning to. Made with plant-based ingredients like amla fruit and bamboo extract, this collagen powder provides a natural boost to collagen production that can support healthy skin, hair, and nails during pregnancy. And since it's vegan, gluten-free, and non-GMO, it's a safe and healthy choice for both mother and baby. If you're looking for a collagen supplement to support a healthy pregnancy, Rae Wellness Vegan Collagen Boost Powder might be just what you need.

ELMNT Super Collagen Burn

Are you pregnant and looking for a collagen supplement to support your body during this special time? Look no further than ELMNT Super Collagen Burn. This collagen powder is designed to provide support for healthy hair, skin, and nails, while also promoting weight loss and fat burning. Made with hydrolyzed collagen peptides, ELMNT Super Collagen Burn is easily absorbed by the body, making it a highly effective supplement for anyone seeking to enhance their overall health and wellness. Plus, with no artificial fillers or additives, you can feel good about making this product a part of your daily routine during your pregnancy and beyond.

NeoCell Collagen, Vitamin C & Biotin Supplement, Beauty Builder

Collagen supplements are becoming increasingly popular for those looking to support healthy skin, hair, and nails. However, many women wonder if collagen supplements are safe to take during pregnancy. The good news is that NeoCell Collagen, Vitamin C & Biotin Supplement, Beauty Builder is formulated with non-GMO, gluten-free, and soy-free ingredients, making it a safe choice for expectant mothers. This unique blend contains 6,000mg of collagen with biotin and vitamin C, which work together to support healthy hair, skin, and nails. So, if you're looking for a beauty supplement that's safe to take during pregnancy, NeoCell Collagen, Vitamin C & Biotin Supplement, Beauty Builder may be just what you need.

Caribou Nutrition Multi Collagen Pills

If you're looking for a reliable source of collagen supplements during your pregnancy, Caribou Nutrition Multi Collagen Pills may just be the answer you're looking for. Collagen is a crucial protein that our bodies need to maintain healthy skin, hair, and nails. During pregnancy, our body's collagen needs increase due to the growth and development of the baby. These collagen supplements from Caribou Nutrition are packed with a variety of collagen types that are essential for supporting healthy joints, bones, and tendons. They are also free of any harmful chemicals or additives, making them safe for pregnant women to consume. Incorporating these multi-collagen pills into your diet may help ensure that both you and your baby are getting the necessary nutrients for optimal health during pregnancy.

Youtheory Collagen with Vitamin C

Collagen supplements have grown in popularity over the past few years due to the many benefits they offer, especially for pregnant women. One supplement that stands out is Youtheory Collagen with Vitamin C. This highly absorbable supplement provides essential support for mother and baby during pregnancy. Collagen helps maintain skin elasticity, which is especially important for women as their skin stretches to accommodate a growing baby. Additionally, collagen supports healthy bones and joints, which can become strained during pregnancy. Vitamin C further adds to the benefits of collagen, aiding in the absorption of the supplement and supporting the immune system. With Youtheory Collagen with Vitamin C, pregnant women can feel confident that they are getting the support they need for a healthy pregnancy.

Ancestral Supplements Grass Fed Beef Living Collagen Nutritional Powder

Ancestral Supplements Grass Fed Beef Living Collagen Nutritional Powder is a popular choice when it comes to collagen supplements. It is made from grass-fed cows and contains a diverse array of nutrients such as collagen, connective tissue, minerals, and glycine. These nutrients are essential for maintaining healthy skin, bones, and joints. In addition, this nutritional powder is perfect for pregnant women who want to incorporate collagen supplements into their diet. Collagen supplements for pregnancy are extremely important because they help support the growth and development of the baby. So, if you're looking for a collagen supplement that is both nutritious and delicious, look no further than Ancestral Supplements Grass Fed Beef Living Collagen Nutritional Powder.

Live Conscious Collagen Peptides Powder

Collagen supplements have been growing in popularity in recent years due to their potential benefits for skin, hair, and joint health. For pregnant women, the use of collagen supplements can provide additional nutritional support for both the mother and developing child. Live Conscious Collagen Peptides Powder is one option that is specifically formulated to be clean, pure, and easy to digest. This collagen powder is made from grass-fed, pasture-raised bovine collagen, with no added sugars, preservatives, or artificial flavors. It is also gluten-free, soy-free, and non-GMO, making it a safe choice for women who are expecting. Adding Live Conscious Collagen Peptides Powder to your daily routine can help support optimum collagen levels during pregnancy and promote overall health and wellness.

NeoCell Super Collagen Powder

Collagen supplements have been growing in popularity over the past few years, and for good reason. The benefits of collagen for the body span far and wide, from promoting healthy hair and nails to improving joint health. For pregnant women, collagen supplements can also play a role in supporting the growing baby. NeoCell Super Collagen Powder is a popular option for those looking to boost their collagen intake. This powder is made from hydrolyzed collagen peptides, which are easily absorbed by the body. While there isn't much research into the safety of collagen supplements during pregnancy, many women have reported positive results from using NeoCell Super Collagen Powder during this time. As always, it's best to consult with your doctor before starting any new supplement regimen while pregnant.

ForestLeaf - Collagen Pills with Hyaluronic Acid & Vitamin C

Collagen supplements are gaining momentum in the wellness industry. One popular brand, ForestLeaf, offers collagen pills with added hyaluronic acid and vitamin C. These supplements claim to help improve the overall health and appearance of skin, hair, and nails. But where does that leave expecting mothers? Many people are turning to collagen supplements for pregnancy, as studies have shown that regular collagen intake can improve skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of stretch marks. However, it's important to note that not all collagen supplements are safe for pregnancy, so it's important to consult with a medical professional before adding any new supplements to your regimen.

MaryRuth's Collagen Boosting Gummy for Hair Skin & Nails

Collagen-boosting supplements have been around for a while, and they’ve seen a steady rise in popularity over the years. One particular brand that has made waves in the supplement world is MaryRuth’s Collagen Boosting Gummy for Hair Skin & Nails. These gummies are packed with carefully selected ingredients that help support healthy hair, skin, and nails. But did you know that these gummies can also be a great addition to a pregnant woman’s diet? Collagen supplements for pregnancy have become increasingly popular due to their potential benefits for both the mother and the developing baby. MaryRuth’s Collagen Boosting Gummy can help support healthy skin elasticity, provide nourishment for hair, and help strengthen nails, all of which can suffer during pregnancy. As with any supplement, it’s important to consult with your doctor before adding it to your regimen.

Sanar Naturals Collagen Pills with Vitamin C, E

As women navigate pregnancy, they often wonder what products they should and shouldn't use to support their growing baby and maintain their own health. One supplement that has recently gained popularity among pregnant women is Sanar Naturals Collagen Pills with Vitamin C, and E. Collagen supplements are praised for their ability to support healthy skin, hair, and nails, but they also provide essential proteins for bone and joint health. The addition of Vitamin C and E enhances the absorption of collagen, allowing the body to reap the maximum benefits. These collagen pills are a natural way to support overall health during pregnancy without any harsh chemicals or additives. As with any supplement, it's essential to consult with a healthcare provider before incorporating it into your routine.

As the curtain draws on our exploration of the 30 best collagen supplements for pregnancy, it is evident that these meticulously chosen options offer not only potential benefits for skin elasticity, addressing the 95% of pregnant women experiencing skin stretching but also hold promise in mitigating musculoskeletal discomfort, a concern reported by up to 75% of expectant mothers. Navigating the realm of pregnancy requires well-informed choices, and while these collagen supplements can play a supportive role, it's imperative to consult with healthcare providers before incorporating any new elements into the journey of prenatal care.

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A 6-year-old designed a custom t-shirt for his first day of school and it's seriously the best

Thank you, Blake, for bringing some much-needed sunshine into our day.

Unfading adornments

When 6-year-old Blake Rajahn shows up to his first grade classroom on Monday, he will arrive bearing an uplifting a message for his fellow students.

Blake's mother, Nikki Rajahn, runs a custom personalization business in Fayette County, Georgia, and she asked her son what kind of t-shirt he wanted for his first day of school. He could have chosen anything—his favorite sports star's number, a cool dragon, a witty saying—anything he wanted, she could make.

Blake chose something unexpected—an orange t-shirt with a simple, sweet message for the other kids at his school to see. Five little words that might just mean the world to someone who reads them.

"I will be your friend."

Ouch. My heart.

Rajahn shared the story on her business Facebook page:

"I have to brag on my son. I told him that as a back to school gift, I will make him any shirt he would like. It could have anything—a basketball theme, football, etc. which are all his favorites. He thought a while and said, 'will you please make me a shirt that says "I will be your friend" for all the kids who need a friend to know that I am here for them?' Never underestimate your kid's heart for others! I love my sweet Blake! #stopbullying"

Apparently, such a gesture is typical of Blake. "He has always had a heart for others and is very genuine," his mother told Upworthy. She said she's donating part of the proceeds of her t-shirt sales to the Real Life Center, a non-profit that helps families in need in Tyrone, Georgia, all because of Blake.

"During the summer we had a vacation Bible school that he went to," she said, "and they did a toothbrush and toothpaste drive for the Real Life Center. He came home saying we needed to go to the Dollar Store to get some that night. We told him we would go the next day, but he had to use his money for it. He said that was fine, so we asked how much he would like to spend. He said, 'It's for people who don't have any, right?' We said yes, so he very matter-of-fact said, 'Well all of it!' And he did!"

Rajahn said everyone has been very encouraging and people are starting to order their own version of the t-shirt with "#blakesfriends" added to it.

She also shared Blake's reaction to hearing that his shirt idea was starting to spread on Facebook—and again, it's just the sweetest darn thing.

"Ever since I posted about my son and his shirt, I have sold some and told Blake about it. He said, "Oh good! Now more and more people are going to have more and more friends!" He is just so flattered so many want to be his twin too 😊"

Sometimes all a person needs is one friend so they won't feel alone, and Blake going out of his way to make sure kids feel welcomed by him is an example even adults can learn from. If we all reached out to people who might be shy or who might feel excluded, and let them know in some small way that we are open to being friends, what a better world we could build.

Thank you, Blake, for bringing some much-needed sunshine into our day.

This article originally appeared on 8.2.19

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Parenting

Man asks how to help his wife who works full-time with a baby at home and keeps getting the same answer

More and more families are trying to scrape by — by trying to do it all

Photo by Katie Emslie on Unsplash

There are times in parenting where you just feel kind of useless.

You can't carry the baby, take a late-night breastfeeding shift, or absorb any of the pain and discomfort of childbirth.

Sometimes the best you can do is to try to take care of your partner.

That's what brought user u/DietyBeta to the AskParents subreddit with a well-meaning question.

"My wife watches our 1yo, works, and is 12 week pregnant. How can I make her daily life easier while I'm away at work?"

He says that when he gets home from work, he takes over all parenting and homemaking duties.

But yeesh! That's still... a lot to handle. No wonder his wife is stressed out.

A few folks chimed in to pat the OP on the back. After all, it's great to see a dad who realizes how much is falling on mom's shoulders and actively looking for ways to lighten the load!

Some helpful suggestions rolled in, like taking over meal prep and making her easy lunches to heat up, hiring cleaners, or paying someone to walk the dogs.

woman in black shirt lying on couch Photo by Alexander Grey on Unsplash

But then even more people came in to the comments asking the same question over and over: If mom is working, why isn't the 1-year-old in daycare?

u/young-mommy wrote: "Is the one year old in daycare? If not, I would start there. Working from home with a child gets harder and harder as they enter toddlerhood"

u/min2themax said: "It’s nice of you to be asking how to help her but she really is getting the fuzzy end of the lollipop here. It sounds like she is literally always working or parenting. Sometimes both at the same time. Walking the dogs and making her lunches and prepping meals and doing laundry is all well and good but this is not at all sustainable."

u/alternative-box3260 said: "Have the one year old in daycare. I was in a similar situation and it’s impossible. I was able to breath after that, not before."

And u/sillychihuahua26 wrote: "She’s caring for your 1.year old while working? That’s a horrible plan. You guys need childcare like yesterday."

We have a legitimate childcare crisis in our country, and stories like this one really bring it to life.

Childcare in the United States isn't nearly accessible or affordable enough for most families. Period.

ChildCare Aware found that that average cost of childcare in 2022 was $10,853 per year, or roughly 10% of a median family income (in 2024, it's likely even more than that — yet the actual workers at childcare centers are somehow severely underpaid).

But even that eye-popping number is conservative. Anyone who lives anywhere close to a city (or in California or New York) knows the number will be way higher. It's just not feasible for most families to put their child, let alone multiple children, in full-time care while they're young.

And yet! The percentage of households with two parents working full-time has been rising for decades. Life is more expensive than ever, and the extra income from two working parents really helps, even if it's offset by those child care costs.

More and more families are trying to scrape by — by trying to do it all

woman in white shirt sitting on brown wooden armchair Photo by Keren Fedida on Unsplash

Now we don't know whether the OP's family can afford childcare for their 1-year-old or not, although in a later update to the post he wrote:

"As far as daycare, she doesn't want to because she feels like she would be missing out on the time"

So even if you can afford childcare, there's the still the crushing guilt of shipping your child off to be raised by strangers to deal with! Classic.

(Take one guess who shoulders most of the daycare guilt — dads or moms?)

The work-from-home revolution has been a Godsend for parents in certain ways — flexibility, balance, less commuting time — but its also saddled many of them with double duty.

'Hey how about you work full-time because we need the money AND keep an eye on the kids, since you're home anyway!'

But it doesn't work like that, and trying to do both is crushing modern parents.

In fact, the Surgeon General of the United States just put out an official advisory based on the plummeting mental state of today's parents.

We know parents are having a hard time and that it's getting picked up in the national conversation. But hearing about a mom working full-time with a 1-year-old on her hip while pregnant, and a dad stuck working out of the house who's at a total loss for how to make things better really paints a pretty bleak picture.

No one should have to work full-time and parent full-time, at the same time.

A fridge full of microwavable lunches and a fleet of dog walkers isn't going to make it any better until things start changing from the very top.

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The 17 harsh truths about aging that people were never 'prepared' for

"How your mind stays young while your body starts to slow down."

via Kindel Media/Pexels

A woman contemplating aging

Many of us feel invincible when we are young, believing we can control the aging process so that we’ll always stay forever young, as Bob Dylan once sang.

But there’s a moment when everyone realizes aging is an inevitable process and that, eventually, we will have to deal with a slow decline in our physical and, quite possibly, mental capabilities. This realization and understanding that we won’t be here forever can profoundly change one’s perspective on life.

Even though aging is inevitable, studies show how we think about the process can significantly impact our longevity. People with a positive view of aging live an average of 7.5 years longer than those without.

Things happen as we age that are impossible to describe to younger people. However, a group of Redditors did an excellent job of explaining the truths about aging that they were not “prepared” for in a recent thread that made a lot of people feel seen. A user named sofiagympixie asked the AskReddit forum, “What’s a truth about aging that no one prepared you for?” and it received over 2,700 responses.

A big takeaway is that many people feel like they stop mentally aging at a certain point, usually in their late 20s. Still, the continued physical aging they experience makes them feel like they cannot relate to the person in the mirror.

Here are 17 of the most profound responses to the question: What’s a truth about aging that no one prepared you for?

1. There is an end

"You start to realize the older you get that the end is closer than the beginning and you still feel like you have so much more to do."

"That moment where you start to get a sense that there is an end."

2. It takes energy to keep everything afloat

"No one prepared me for how much energy and time it takes to maintain everything—like health, relationships, and just staying organized. It’s way more work than I expected!"

3. Mind/body detachment

"How your mind stays young while your body starts to slow down. You still feel like the same person you’ve always been, but suddenly you notice little things changing."

"This was such a surprise to me. I really expected to feel psychologically older as I aged. But physically, oh my body has betrayed me... Eyes... hair (gray, but at least I still have it)... back... knees... hips... prostate."

4. The past feels closer than it is

"When you get a flashback of a good memory and you realize that was over 10 years ago."

"When I told my daughter about something I did 24 years ago, I had to pause for a moment."

Time flies isn't just a saying. Psychologists agree that our minds lump time together based on novel experiences. When we are older, the days are a lot more similar than when we were young children. That's why when you're 80, time moves a lot faster than it did when you were 8.

5. Stuck in the wrong time

"I’m 61, and sometimes I feel like this world is not for me anymore. I feel almost like an imposter. For example, I can’t find clothes I like that fit correctly, TV is abhorrent, only old music sounds pleasant, shoes are uncomfortable, I don’t recognize most celebrities or famous people in the news or tabloids, and I don’t understand the need for most new and supposedly exciting products. I’m an educated person, I still work and have an active life. I’m not a recluse. But a little at a time, I feel the world is moving on without me. I finally understand why, in her final years, my mother only watched movies from the 1950s and reminisced about the past more than she talked about the present. Her world was long gone."

6. You lose friends

"If you choose not to have kids, you may end up losing your friends. I turn 40 this year, and my partner and I don't see many folks these days. Parents like to hang out with other parents. And I don't have a grudge, I totally see the value for playdates, etc. But it can be a little lonely."

"To be fair, I have 2 kids and lost a lot of friends because we simply don’t have the time/energy to connect regularly enough to maintain a healthy friendship. It instead falls into an awkward acquaintance stage where enough time passes between communication, and you’re not sure if reaching out to connect comes across weird."

7. Your parents are aging, too

"It's not just you who is getting old. Your parents are getting even older."

"I feel this. Lost my mom 2 weeks before my 21st birthday. 40 now with 2 kids. I get angry/sad at a lot of milestones like my wedding and kids' stuff ‘cause my mom was robbed of them, and I was robbed of her."

8. Time wasted caring about other people's opinions

"It’s so freeing when that old twinge of 'why don’t they like me' pops up, and then I remember that I can not be bothered by that anymore, and magically, I don’t care!"

"Just wasting time in general. No thanks. I want to do as many things as possible!"

9. Your friends die

"Your friends start to die. It's something I never thought about."

10. Time flies

"Man. I don’t even feel like the days are long anymore. I just keep blinking and the weeks go by."

"Yup, wake up, eat breakfast, do a couple things. Wait, it’s lunch already? Eat lunch, do a couple more things, time to prep dinner. Eat dinner, clean up, fix a few things, it’s 9 pm. I guess it’s almost time to get ready for bed? This times 10,000 for me."

11. The monotony sets in

"You will realize that you hate planning meals and making food every single day. It's boring, and it's too easy to fall into monotony. But you have to make lunch again and then plan for dinner again then make dinner again and what do you want to eat tomorrow so you plan for breakfast tomorrow and get up and make breakfast again and then plan for lunch again...."

12. You become invisible to much of society

"I wondered what felt off the last year. Gen Z is everywhere now, and I'm still asking myself when that happened."

13. Adults aren't real

"When you're a kid, you can't wait to 'grow up,' and then you do, and you're still you, just older. That voice inside your head doesn't change, but what you see in the mirror does. Only now you're just older and saddled with bills and stress and all of life's 'surprises.' On top of this, everyone is winging it. Absolutely everyone. Because the idea of order and a civilized society is an illusion. We're all playing by made up rules and making imaginary money and all the rest of it. A one-dollar bill costs just as much to print as a hundred-dollar bill."

14. Priorities change

"Things that seemed so important when you were younger, really are not important."

15. Younger people's reverence

"I'm middle-aged, and a funny thing is how younger people get self-conscious or apologize when there is no need. For example, they will apologize for swearing around me or mentioning something like (gasp) drinking, or drugs, or sleeping around. I think it's funny. Why would being on earth longer make me easier to scandalize? I've seen and done things that would shock them, lol, but to them I'm a very proper-looking classy older lady."

16. Ageism

"Doors start closing once you reach a certain age."

"Ageism is real. I just turned 50 and am in a young person's career (software development). I feel how hiring managers look at me when asked to turn my camera on, during an interview that was going very well and suddenly it's 'we'll get back to you.'"

17. It all catches up

"Things like drinking, eating unhealthily, smoking, spending ... they will catch up. When you're young you think you're different, or you think that when it does catch up you'll be old so who cares, I won't care when I'm old anyway. You will care, though. You'll still be you. Those things won't seem like an issue right up to the moment they are. And then it's too late to take them back."

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Nicole Kidman shares the unconventional marriage rule she has with husband Keith Urban

They've had this communication rule since the very beginning of their 18 year relationship.

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Keith Urban (left) Nicole Kidman (right)

Long before Nicole Kidman began her long-term relationship with AMC theaters, she was committed to husband and country singer Keith Urban. The two have happily been together since 2006—which is a good run for any modern day marriage, but most certainly a Hollywood one.

And perhaps their nearly decades-long success can be partially attributed to one surprising communication rule: no texting.

While appearing on the Something To Talk About podcast in 2023, Kidman shared that she was the one who initiated the unconventional agreement.

"We never text each other, can you believe that? We started out that way – I was like, 'If you want to get a hold of me, call me…"I wasn't really a texter.,” the “Moulin Rouge” actress shared.

She added that while Urban did attempt texting her a few items early on, he eventually switched when Kidman wasn’t very responsive. And now, 18 years later, they only call each other.

“We just do voice to voice or skin to skin, as we always say. We talk all the time and we FaceTime but we just don’t text because I feel like texting can be misrepresentative at times…I don’t want that between my lover and I,” she told Parade

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There are, of course, some pros and cons to calling over texting. Research has shown that people who call feelmore connected to one another vs. texting, with the voice being an integral component of bonding. As our society becomes increasingly more distant and lonely, finding those moments might be more important than ever.

At the same time, calling can invoke a lot more anxiety compared to texting, which could lead someone to not communicating at all. Also, I don’t know about you, but the thought of having to call my partner for mundane things like “don’t forget the eggs” would drive me crazy.

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But regardless of whether or not you adopt Kidman and Urban’s no-texting rule, perhaps the bigger takeaway is that relationship longevity depends on being able to establish your own rules. One that feels good and that each partner is able to stick to. Especially when it comes to communication.

As Urban himself told E! News at the CMT Music Awards, "I have no advice for anybody,You guys figure out whatever works for you…We're figuring it out. You figure it out. Everybody's different. There's no one size fits all."

Luckily, there are many ways to have good text hygiene, without having to do away with it completely. Very Well Mind suggests to avoid texting too many questions, and to be respectful of your partner's schedule (probably best to not text them while they’re sleeping just to say “hey,” for example). Nor should texting be used to argue or deal with conflict. Lastly, probably save the lengthy, in-depth conversations for a phone call. Fifteen heart emojis are totally fine though.

This article originally appeared on 4.17.24

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6 alternatives to saying 'let me know if you need anything' to someone in crisis

If someone is drowning, you don't wait for them to ask for help. You just take action.

Photo by Milada Vigerova on Unsplash

People going through major struggles don't always know what they need or how to ask for help.

When we see someone dealing with the loss of a loved one or some other major life crisis, it's instinctual for many of us to ask how we can help. Often, the conversation looks something like this:

Us: I am SO sorry you're going through this. What can I do to help?

Person in crisis: I honestly don't know right now.

Us: Okay…well…you let me know if you need anything—anything at all.

Person in crisis: Okay, thank you.

Us: I mean it. Don't hesitate to ask. I'm happy to help with whatever you need.

And then…crickets. The person never reaches out to take you up on the offer.

Was it that they didn't really need any help, this person going through a major life crisis? Unlikely. As sincere as our offer may have been, the problem may be that we didn't really offer them what they actually needed.

One of those needs is to not have to make decisions. Another is to not have to directly ask for help.

When a person is in a state of crisis, they can feel like they're drowning. They might be disoriented and fatigued, and doing anything other than keeping their head above water long enough to breathe can feel like too much.

If someone is drowning, you don't ask them what you can do to help or wait for them to ask. You just take action.

Here are some specific ways you can take action to help someone who you know needs help but isn't able or willing to ask for it:

1. Make them food

It may be tempting to ask if you can make them a meal and wait for them to say yes or no, but don't. Simply ask if they or anyone in their household has any dietary restrictions, and then start shopping and cooking.

Meals that can be popped in the refrigerator or freezer and then directly into the oven or microwave are going to be your best bets. Include cooking or reheating instructions if it's not obvious. Disposable aluminum trays are great for homemade freezer-to-oven meals and can be found at just about any grocery store. Casseroles. Stir fried rices. Soups. Comfort foods.

If you don't cook, you can buy them gift cards to local restaurants that deliver, or give them a DoorDash or UberEats gift certificate (large enough to cover the delivery, service fees and tip as well, which combined can be as much as a meal sometimes).

Easy-prep meals people can throw in the oven are great.

Photo by Milada Vigerova on Unsplash

Even better—organize a meal train

If you want to make it a community-wide effort and no one else has done so yet, set up a "meal train," where different people sign up for different days to bring meals to spread out the food help over time. There are several free websites you can use for this purpose, including Give In Kind, Meal Train, and Take Them a Meal. These sites make it super easy for anyone with the personalized link to sign up for a meal.

someone scrubbing a pot in a kitchen sink

There are always dishes to wash.

Photo by Marek Studzinski on Unsplash

2. Clean their kitchen and/or bathrooms

Kitchens are always in use, and keeping up with dishes, especially in a house full of people, is a challenge even under normal circumstances. Same with keeping the refrigerator cleaned out. Same with cleaning the bathroom.

Rather than asking if they want it done, as many people won't want to say yes even if they would appreciate the help, try saying something like, "I want to come and make sure your kitchen is ready for you to make food whenever you want to and that your bathroom is a clean space for you to escape to whenever you feel like it. Is Tuesday or Wednesday at 1:00 better for you?"

The fewer complex decisions a person in crisis has to make the better, so saying, "Is this or that better?" rather than offering open-ended possibilities can be helpful.

There is always laundry to fold, too.

Photo by Marek Studzinski on Unsplash

3. Do laundry

Offer to sit and chat with them, let them vent if they need to…and fold their laundry while you're at it.

Are they the kind of people who might be embarrassed by you seeing or handling their underclothes? Fine. Wash, dry and fold towels or bedsheets instead. Just keep the laundry moving for them.

And if it doesn't feel appropriate or desirable for you to do their laundry at their house, you can offer a pick-up laundry service, either yourself or an actual hired service. Tell the person to put bags or bins of laundry at the door and you (or the service) will come pick it up and bring it back clean and folded the next day. That's a great way to be of service without feeling like you're intruding.

man pulling food and toilet paper out of the car

Offer to pick stuff up when you're on a grocery run.

Photo by Marek Studzinski on Unsplash

4. Run errands for them

"Hey, I'm heading out to the store, what can I grab you while I'm there?" is always a welcome phone call or text. Let them know when you're going to be running your own errands and see if there's anything they need dropped at the post office, picked up from the pharmacy, or anything else.

You can also offer to run errands with them. "Hey, I've got some errands to run. Do you want to join me?" They may have no desire to leave the house, or they may desperately want to leave the house, so be prepared for either answer, but the offer is solid. Even just not having to drive might be a relief if they have things they need to pick up or drop off places.

woman holding hands with a small child as they walk

Caring for someone's kids is one of the most helpful things you can do.

Photo by Kelli McClintock on Unsplash

5. Provide childcare

If the person is a parent, taking their kid(s) out for a chunk of the day can be a big help. Caring for yourself is hard when you're going through a difficult time, and the energy a person might use to actually do that often gets usurped by caring for others. Obviously, parents can't just neglect their children, so anything you can do to relieve them of that responsibility for a while is gold.

Offering to take the kids to do something fun—a day at the park, ice skating, etc. is even better. A parent knowing their kid is safe, occupied and happy is its own form of relief.

6. Ask what they're struggling with and focus your help there

While all of these practical household things are helpful, there might be some people who find comfort or solace in doing those things themselves. If that's the case, talk with them about what their immediate needs are and what they're having a hard time dealing with. Then focus your energies there. "What can I do to help?" may not be as effective a question as "What are you having a hard time doing right now?" They may not know what kind of help they need, but they probably know how they're struggling.

One person might be lonely and just want some company. Another person might need a creative outlet or a mindless distraction or something physical like going for a walk or a hike. Someone else might have pets they need help caring for, a garden that need tending or the oil changed in their car. Someone might even need a person to serve as a shield or buffer between them and all the people coming to offer their condolences.

Note that many of these things are basic life maintenance stuff—those are often the things that get hard for people when they're dealing with the emotional and logistical stuff surrounding whatever they're going through, and they're often the easiest things other people can do for them. A time of crisis is not a normal time, so normal etiquette, such as asking if you can or should do something rather than just letting them know you're going to do it, doesn't always apply.

If there's a specific thing with specific tasks, such as planning a funeral, that might be a good opportunity to ask how you can help. But people deep in the throes of grief or struggle often need someone to the reins on basic things without being asked to. Again, there's a good chance they feel like they're drowning, so don't wait for an invitation. Just grab the life preserver, put it around them and do whatever needs to be done to get them to shore.

This article originally appeared on 2.5.24

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