Welcome to MomBrain

Hi Austin moms, how much do you pay your housekeeper, and what does she do for that amount?
For example-
Mondays $225 whole house takes 4ish hours (2ppl)
Thursdays $130 2ish hours and that’s a tidy plus washing and folding and putting away laundry.

Now that we’re settling into our life as a family of 5, there’s just so many piles of stuff everywhere. Our kids are little and require a lot of attention, help, and we have a lot of potty accidents. I realize that it’s time for our oldest child to start doing a little more, but I sort of wish I had our housekeeper come over 3x per week with a solid plan for what to do each time she comes.

I will say- I ordered a Hidden Helper from amazon and the kids have started to help with the dishes more. That thing’s been great.

Tips appreciated.
Thanks moms!

I am desperate for advice. My almost 3yo toddler has suddenly started screaming bloody murder every night when my husband or I try to leave the room. She never was happy for us to leave, but this screaming is next level. When she was newly 2, she had some bedtime tantrums but nothing like this. She has a 3 month old sibling, so I’m guessing part of this is sleep regression related to that. We have a very solid bedtime routine that hasn’t changed (bath, books, songs, bed). We spend so much of each day playing with her and connecting, so the rhetoric of needing connection does not apply here. Have any of you successfully navigated something like this? Or do I just accept that bedtime is going to take hours with screaming until my children are in elementary school? (Plz no!!!)

Looking to cut down (possibly out) on alcohol in 2025. Any advice or tips/tricks? I feel like there’s a lot out there now for the soberish

Hi, my friend just had a baby 2 days ago. Her oldest (21 mos) has been hysterically crying since being introduced to baby brother. Any tips/tricks to help her through the transition? I told her to put more emphasis on her being a 'big sister' and less about the baby.

My son turns 4 in March, looking for new ideas for his bday party in Austin. We did MyGym for age 2 and Play Street Museum for his 3rd. Considering Pikopye's but it's so similar to Play Street. Weather can be so hit or miss in March, I prefer indoors to play it safe. Any suggestions? Thanks!

I’m looking for the best doctor for rotator cuff surgery. Any recs?

Any advice on making homework less miserable? One of us always ends in tears. I hated homework when I was in school and I double hate it as a parent. Helppppppp waving my white flag before the semester has even started. My later elementary kid has mild adhd.

Hi! Looking for advice and experience of people who have gone through similar situation. I have been working since my kids were born, and my oldest is 8 now. I am having trouble finding the balance and motivation to continue working this high stress (tech start up) job, and miss out on my kids younger ages.

Anyone have experience giving up their high paying careers for either part time or staying home?

Scared of the adjustment financially and not having any career at all.

Would love to hear from everyone about companies that are family forward. I've heard there are great companies out there that don't just say they are family friendly, but truly are!

For example, flexibility when it comes to kids activities, school related volunteer opportunities etc.

Thinking of this on a U.S. based as a lot of jobs are remote these days!! Let's hear them!

Any recommendations for sleep training/sleep experts in the Austin area?

I’m hoping to read more in 2025. I’d love to know what made the top of your list this year??

What’s the deal with a lot of “kid movies” not actually being kid appropriate? Is Mufasa okay for young elementary school age or is it too intense?

Help! I know this behavior is “normal and curious” but would love help on how to navigate and talk sternly about the subject and actions. My 7 year old son and his girl cousin were touching each others privates. We have had this talk about privates are for no one else but himself, mom/dad and doctors. We also talked to him about how it is NEVER okay to do that. I’m torn between punishing him, because I’m freaked out / having a conversation and navigating it in a productive way. Would love advice!

We have a horrible 5-7 day bug over here but it’s all stomach / vomiting. It’s like they start to feel better in the morning, but then by 4 pm we are complaining about our stomach and then vomiting by 7. Is this type of flu going around too?!

Would love to hear all the natural ways that people are avoiding the flu, and boosting their immunity!!