Latest Stories

Most recently published stories in Families.

Experts vs. Parents
Let me preface this article by explaining that the views here on behalf of "Parents" is my own and not meant to represent anyone else personally. Any reference to "The Experts" will appropriately have citations of the websites I have used. This is not meant as a target for the "bashers" out there, but as a place to express views. I certainly understand that every parent is different in their views on raising their children and some listen vehemently to the advice provided by experts in various fields. I appreciate comments expressing your opinion on any topic listed here or any other child topics, however request that you keep your comments and opinions neutral without bashing each other for their views.
By Melissa C.9 years ago in Families
Raising Capable Children. Top Story - September 2017.
We have become so focused on producing enlightened children that we have forgotten the fundamentals. The goal as a parent isn't to have your child wear the most eco-friendly clothing while munching on kale wrapped asparagus or whatever healthy concoction has dominated their young lives. Our goal as parents is to produce capable adults.
By Amy Jourdan9 years ago in Families
Allowance?
When I was coming up, people—children—did chores to earn their allowance. Chores consisted of cleaning anything in the house outside of your bedroom.
By Melissa C.9 years ago in Families
The Element of Grief
"If you would not be forgotten, as soon as you are dead and rotten, either write things worth reading, or do things worth the writing." —Benjamin Franklin
By Nina Mataz9 years ago in Families
Developing an Addiction
The singing August sun beat down on the walkway as I held my father's hand firmly, hesitant to release it. We had quite recently gotten off the T and the sweat was at that point pouring down our brows. Everybody around us was in a distraught surge, all heading off to their own goals and not recognizing any other individual's quality. Individuals moved toward each path, faceless in an ocean of dim and dark suits. My dad and I were sore thumbs in the blend; my spic and span brilliant red pullover that had my most loved players name on the back, Nomar Garciapara, and his red cap made us the run of the mill sightseers to the region. I was overpowered with interest; the city was a place we didn't wander regularly.
By Zoriah9 years ago in Families
Redefining Family
Family can be fucked up. Or, if you're me, incredibly fucked up. All of my life I have hated family because of my experiences. I never understood how other people were so in love with their family. I didn't understand how people formed healthy relationships with parents. It was beyond my understanding because all I had been exposed to was toxicity. And so in my reality, family became something that in truth, it is not. I still don't know the proper definition, and it's questionable if I ever will, but this is my reality.
By AM9 years ago in Families
Be Thankful for What You've Got
Sometimes, in this crazy, fast-moving world, we can forget to be grateful. Sure, life is stressful, and it can be easy to wish things were different, but we should always try to take the time to be grateful for what we have, and not sit pondering on what we don't have.
By Billi Keogh9 years ago in Families
How To Lose a Mom, Be Abused, and Still Stand Tall
I am 19 years, 2 months, and 6 days old. I've been thinking of ideas for my first, second, and third tattoos. When I'm not writing or playing the Sims 4, I snuggle with my dog Ben-G and watch as many Golden Girl episodes as I can. If you asked me my favorite food, I'd probably pause, laugh, and confess that I would love anything with cheese on it, despite my lactose intolerance. My favorite color is cerulean. You might be thinking, why am I telling you all of this? Well, I'll tell you — eventually.
By Klyde Khalil Walker9 years ago in Families
Irish Twins
I've always said that I only wanted to get pregnant only twice. I wanted a son and a daughter, preferably with my son being the oldest. When my husband and I got married, I became a mom to his son. I didn't think I needed a son after that because technically, I now had one. I must have wished one too many times about having my own son first. Somehow, I got exactly what I had wished for, with a special way of delivery included.
By Mishka Upchurch9 years ago in Families
Letter to My Sons
Dear Sons, I wish I could grab you back into the comforts of my womb and protect you from the world, but that's impossible. I wish I could tell you that the world is going to see your Greatness, your loving heart and embrace you with open, gentle arms. Some will, but there are others, plenty of others, that won't.
By Kimberly Denesse9 years ago in Families
Don't Be Afraid to Love Your Kids
Raising kids has always been hard, but lately navigating parenthood is overwhelming with a side of ridiculous. Kids don't come with instruction manuals; we are all learning as we go. When a struggling parent looks for advice these days, they are bombarded with a massive amount of advice and online articles giving opinions on every detail of parenthood, most of the time contradictory.
By Lana Hutchinson9 years ago in Families
The Ever-Changing Journey
That positive line appears and the excitement begins! Nine months of nausea, heartburn, and a never-ending groggy feeling. It may seem like a long time. You have so much time to get things accomplished! *BLINK* eight months had already gone by before I realized. We made the decision not to find out our baby's gender and it turned out to be the best decision I had made! At 37 weeks, after two weeks in a row of high blood pressure, I had blood work done and was called the very next day due to mild preeclampsia to come into the hospital to be induced. Uncomfortable beds, stuffy rooms (of course, you can't open a window!), and being strapped up to what felt like 8 million wires and machines just left me wanting to get the heck out of there. A day and half after being checked in at the hospital it was time. The decision had been made from the start for an all natural birth. Unfortunately, that was not in the cards for me. As the pushing began our baby's vitals dropped. My heart stopped. The vitals returned to normal and we tried again. Our child was visible and ready to say hello but again that wasn't in the cards. With the second push, vitals dropped again. I wound up with a C-section and it may not have been the way I wanted it to go but I knew it was best for my child.
By Katherine Cooke9 years ago in Families