Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Families.
Marriage Made from Heaven
Marriage Made From Heaven -In-Laws from Hell... Remember when you saw "the one" that special someone you wanted to get to know better. The person that you thought about all day long. That person you just could not wait to see on the next date... You took the time to get to know that person deeper and more personally. You talked about long term goals and short term goals, conversations about your families and how you grew up. You shared stories about how your parents raised you and all the special things that you kept deep in your heart. You did everything together and could not see a life without that person in it! You both knew that he/she was the one for you... Talks about marriage came up with the long term conservation of kids including how many, and when to start. Both of you knew that the other one would make an amazing husband/wife and would make a wonderful Mother/Father some day.
Barry WickPublished 7 years ago in FamiliesMy First Four Christmases
Throughout my childhood, my personal view of Christmas literally changed with every passing year. Yet I’ll begin with my first four which occurred when I was 0-3 years old.
Rebecca SharrockPublished 7 years ago in FamiliesTiger Mother
Every type of society has its own unique parenting norms, its own set of rules regarding what is and what is not an appropriate way of parenting. One of the more prominent parenting styles is traditional Chinese, or as some call it, “tiger mom.” This type of parenting involves strict rules and extremely high expectations. Recently, stories of this Chinese style parenting have emerged thanks to a memoir written by Amy Chua. In her memoir, Chua describes her experience as a parent and her views on being a tiger mother. But those views were questioned by many claiming that being so harsh would have harmful effects on children. Although Chua makes a strong argument for Chinese-style parenting, the style can diminish a child’s physical and mental wellbeing. Amy Chua’s parenting style hinders childrens’ exploration of interests, confidence and charm, ability to perform in a social setting, and sense of individuality.
Samantha BrettPublished 7 years ago in FamiliesDear Dad
Dedicated to all the children who grew up to be stronger without him. It should've been you. The first man I loved, the one who taught me how to change a flat, the man I ran to for advice. I should've been Daddy's Little Girl. Yet, some of us are lucky to get a second chance at having a father figure. I was one of the lucky ones. He grew to love me like his own, instilled the laughs I needed and the advice I longed for. He succeeded at everything you failed at. Good fathers do three things: they guide, they nurture, and they provide, all of which you did on your own account for a short period of time, and all of which he's done effortlessly and without a second thought. He taught me that he didn't have to be my father to be my father. So thank you for leaving so I could gain a dad who stayed.
Maya VillalobosPublished 7 years ago in FamiliesLosing My Brother—Grief
“Hi, I am the doctor in charge. Are you Jerry’s immediate family?” “Yes” “I am sorry to tell you that Jerry-Paul Tillus passed away.. He was found unconscious …"
Paola TillusPublished 7 years ago in FamiliesAn Introduction to My Life
My name is Jessica. I am 24 years old and I am a stay at home mom. I have two children: Tristyn is seven and Teagan is one. Their father and I have been together for almost three years now. We live in Northern Colorado and have a crazy life sometimes. Right now, we are getting ready for Christmas like most families. This story is the first in many that I plan on posting about our life, family, and any stories that I feel like sharing.
Jessica HeidPublished 7 years ago in FamiliesA Journey Through Motherhood
Where oh where to begin?! You hear everyone tell you that the day your child is born they will not hand you a manual. People tell you how you truly understand love the day your baby is born, or the fun and exciting things your child will do through their many stages. People often joke about how your child will be just like you but tenfold. However, they do not divulge the ugly side.
I Identify As a Train Wreck
Anti-queer folk often rely on the phrase "think of the children!" whenever they try to advocate against the continued existence of people like me—to which, if I'm not to exhausted, I usually reply, "but there are queer children, you know."
Tavish FlynnPublished 7 years ago in FamiliesChosen
Chosen. That word perfectly describes me and my brother. As kids, we were chosen. But it didn't start out that way. We were born almost four years apart. We have the same mother but different fathers. From the time he was a teenager, my biological father was in and out of jail or prison. The story is that he loved me very much. But he loved drugs more. So it was no surprise that after I was born he couldn't stay out of trouble. I saw him off and on between incarcerations. He'd come by to tell me he loved me and bring me my favorite candy bar: a Butterfinger. I never visited him in jail. We wrote letters back and forth. I definitely received more letters than face-to-face visits. Letters and Butterfingers. Those are what I remember of him. I don't remember what he looks like, how he sounds, or any distinguishable thing about him. If I saw him in public, I probably would walk by without noticing.
Kayla AgnewPublished 7 years ago in FamiliesWhat If I Never Left Somalia?
Being a Londoner is a big part of who I am; however, I was always deeply rooted with my Somalinimo. This was thanks to my parents who themselves had a profound love for their motherland, a place they had to flee from like many due to the circumstances. Growing up, I often dreamt about my parents' lives and wished we had footage that we could watch. Instead, we have scattered photographs of their migration rather than their childhood. During their move, they even lost their wedding photographs and video, which saddens me deeply.
The Truths of Being a SAHM
Staying at home each & every day to be there with your children as they learn and grow sounds absolutely amazing in hindsight, right? Absolutely! Who wouldn't think that it's just living the dream?! But what the world fails to disclose is the truth behind being a stay at home mom..
Mother MayhemPublished 7 years ago in FamiliesHappy Momma
One of the most important things I’ve learned since becoming a mom is that it is essential to look out for your own happiness. Everyone is always going to be expecting something from you. You are going to feel guilty. You are going to feel busy. You are going to be worried that you’re going to miss out on something. But I promise you, nothing is as important as learning to take care of yourself.
Lauren CrawfordPublished 7 years ago in Families