The Elevator Stare-Down: Why I Stopped Forcing My Shy Kid to Say Hello

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Should You Force Your Shy Child to Say Hello to Adults? Picture this: You're in an elevator with your 4-year-old when a friendly adult says, "Hi there!" Instead of responding, your child just... stares. And stares. The silence stretches on while you're thinking, "Why the intense stare-down instead of just saying hi?" The adult shifts uncomfortably, you feel that familiar heat of embarrassment creeping up your neck, and you find yourself saying, "Say hello, sweetie!" Sound familiar? Yeah, me too. Quick Answer: Research shows you shouldn't force shy children to greet adults. Pushing interactions before they're ready can increase shyness and self-consciousness. Instead, offer options like waving or smiling, and respect their natural temperament. This literally happened to me last week, and I spent the rest of that awkward elevator ride wondering: Am I raising a rude kid? Should I be pushing harder? What's with the staring? If ...

Real Talk: Parenting Wins and Struggles of 2024

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Parents, You're the Real MVPs

Let’s get real for a second. Parenting is a journey filled with moments of joy and others where we’re just trying to survive the day.

As we wrap up 2024, it’s the perfect time to look back on the wins, the struggles, and everything in between.

The Wins

  • The first steps, words, or new hobbies your little one mastered.
  • The meals where no one cried (yes, even the grown-ups).
  • The unexpected moments of connection that made your heart melt.

Sometimes, the biggest win is simply getting through the day. And that deserves to be celebrated.

The Struggles

  • The sleepless nights that felt endless.
  • The meltdowns (from kids and parents).
  • The constant juggling act of schedules, emotions, and responsibilities.

If 2024 taught us anything, it’s that the struggles are just as much a part of parenting as the wins. They remind us we’re human, we’re trying our best, and we’re not alone.

Share Your Stories

We want to hear about your 2024. What made you cheer, what made you cry, and how you navigated it all. Because your parenting journey, with all its highs and lows, is a story worth sharing.

Looking Ahead to 2025

As we gear up for another year, let’s go in with a little more grace, humor, and a whole lot of patience.

And for those looking to declutter and refresh for the year ahead, remember that your little wins can help another family, too.

BUBS Can Help

  • List your kids’ outgrown items—because another family could use them.
  • Declutter to make space for a fresh start in 2025.
  • Recoup some of the costs from all those “must-haves” you’ve gathered this year.

Not part of the Beta yet? We’d love to have you join us! 👉 BUBS | Beta Sign Up Here

Let’s celebrate the wins, learn from the struggles, and support one another as we head into a brand new year. Share your stories with us in the comments—let’s keep it real together!

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