Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Families.
United By the Solar Eclipse
When I read several months back that a total solar eclipse would happen at the end of the summer, I discussed briefly with my girlfriend Mary that we should take a trip into the 100% zone. We live in Connecticut, a 70% zone. Unfortunately, camps and life got in the way this summer, but to be honest, we forgot.
By Robert Steven Williams8 years ago in Families
Parenting Tips for Raising Teenagers
Raising teenagers isn't always fun and games. There are several times when you might want to pull your hair out because they are questioning your authority, asking for more independence, and acting out. Also, in the digital age, it is difficult to raise teenagers since you need to monitor their phone and computer to make sure they're not being bullied or using technology inappropriately. It can be a struggle successfully raising teens but these tips for raising teenagers will make your life easier. You will be able to ensure your children are safe and still have a close relationship with them.
By Jessica Herring8 years ago in Families
Growing Up In the 90s
Growing up in the 90s was a fun time! I miss the good old days of playing with the infamous Skip-It toy and eating Sodalicious fruit snacks—boy… those were the days! I grew up in a simpler time, where we had dial-up internet instead of Wifi, and VHSs instead of DVDs.
By Nicole (Nikki) M.9 years ago in Families
A Little Closure
I think it's reasonable to guess that almost everyone in the world has experienced a situation in which they have received no closure. Whether it be an incident, a relationship, an experience, an addiction or lifestyle, I believe we all have dealt with something that moved us deeply and created a wound which refuses to close. In fact, I think it's safe to say the majority of people have experienced several things in their life in which closure seems out of reach.
By Hope Martin9 years ago in Families
Broken Families and Deception
What’s family and why does it even exist? Does family still have value and importance? Is family something we all need or even truly want? These are only just a few questions I ponder in my own reflection upon life as I observe “the family” I branch from as well as other families I see. So much happens in life and the lives we all live. Some things have quick answers and others may take quite some time to connect the dots to for answers. From the previous questions I asked before, I would answer family is important because it’s the starting foundation of life and, if handled with the right essential care, it can be something extremely beautiful to experience. Unfortunately, not so many people come from a functional, well-balanced family. We all may have heard the old saying that everything starts at home. This statement has some validity towards everyone’s upbringing within life, but my question would be where do some families go wrong or get off track so to speak? Are some broken families beyond repair, or is the root issue much deeper on a spiritual and mental level? I personally see and acknowledge that, of course, everyone’s perception is not going to be the same for obvious reasons, but what should be the same is the genuine love, happiness, and joy that everyone should display as well as share with others.
By Phanicha Palmore9 years ago in Families
Learning to Talk
It’s well known that children begin to basically talk at around 12 months on average. That’s when a child generally has the mental development, cognitive skills, and has heard enough verbal communication around them to be able to do so. I myself began to talk at around that age. However, it didn’t feel quite as much of a sudden milestone for me as learning to walk did.
By Rebecca Sharrock9 years ago in Families
Who Should Support Your Child?
It should be self-evident that both parents will contribute towards the upkeep of their children. Both parents contributed equally to the child being born and children should not live in poverty or miss out on the things that their friends have just because their parents don’t live together. Even when there is a step-parent on the scene, that doesn’t mean that both parents shouldn't still take responsibility for the child’s upkeep.
By Clare Scanlan9 years ago in Families
This Is Not the End
The room is dark, save for one fluorescent light turned on in the corner. My heart races, my palms are sweaty, and I feel the familiar sting of tears for probably the thousandth time that morning. Something isn't right, and I know it. There's no way the doctor is going to have good news. You don't bleed that much, have that much pain, and not have it end in the worst way possible.
By Emilie Dowty9 years ago in Families
Starting Over
"Wow! You started all over, didn't you?!" That's something I hear often when people ask me how old my kids are. My daughters are 15, 13, two-and-a-half, and one. I really did space them out, didn't I? I was a very young mom when I had my first two babies. It was tough but I wouldn't trade them for anything. Things didn't work out with their father and years later I found myself with the man of my dreams, the man I deserved.
By Linnea Ruzzo9 years ago in Families
I Have No Interest in Being Anyone's Mommy
I have no aspirations of being a parent. When I was a kid, it was the standard. Every girl wanted to grow up, have a career, get married, have a family, do it all. Two point five children, a dog, a white picket fence, a six-figure income. Although as kids, we probably didn’t fully understand “six-figure income.”
By D. Gabrielle Jensen9 years ago in Families
