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Most recently published stories in Families.
How to Talk to Your Teen About Drinking
Drinking can be a hard subject to talk to your teen about because they most likely have different views on the subject than you, but it is crucial to know how to talk to your teen about drinking. Based on what kids hear from their friends they usually think drinking increases their social status and makes them seem like an adult. However, as a parent, you need to instill in your child the contrary. Advise them that alcohol not only has a destructive nature but is illegal. When you talk to your teen about drinking you should be strict with your expectations for them and be proactive in making sure they listen to you and don't engage in underage drinking.
Alicia SpringerPublished 7 years ago in FamiliesDear Father
Dear Father, We might have always come as a package deal, but it wasn't a package I asked for. One that you accidentally order from amazon, realize it wasn't something you wanted, and ask for a refund. It was always about you, everything was always about you. It's bull that nobody remembers me. You don't remember the important days like my birthday, or the mere fact I requested the smallest and simplest present to begin with. I asked for my favorite meal with my family. Yet, you have a whole venue rented for your birthday that isn't for a whole month. All your friends get to come and spend that time with you. I sat at home, with no friends because you told me all my friends were terrible people and I didn't need to be around them. I sat at home and cried while you went to work and had an office party. I slept all night until you came home, hoping maybe you'd ask how my day was, but I got nothing but an attitude when you arrived home. I have sacrificed everything in order to make you happy, nonetheless you can't sacrifice 40 dollars in order to have a meal with your daughter and family; but have no issue dropping 40 on a meal for two. I'm tired of always coming in last. I'm always second to you and it should never be that way. As your child, I'm always supposed to come first. But nobody seems to think about me unless it's about you. None of my family associates with me because of you, but according to you you never did anything wrong. Your son hates you, all because you did nothing wrong. I was a liar because you beat me for years after mom died, but you did nothing wrong. I had to deliberately hide my identity, hide where I lived, and who I associated with because you did nothing wrong. I've given you ample times to redeem yourself, and this is the last straw. You start off the first few weeks OK, like you've made improvements. Then, as if a switch flicks off, move on like you didn't change a damn thing. I bite my tongue, and let you yell at me in rage and let you do what you have to do to release steam. But I've had enough, and honestly, I've told people the reason I tried to kill myself the first time was because I was getting bullied. But it wasn't just the bullying, it was the torment I came home to. And it may sound selfish, but you haven't given me a reason to be here. I have given up my entire life to try and make our relationship work. I've bitten my tongue to make it work, I've played the stupid game you know how to play so well. You are not who you claim to be behind closed doors. I've given my life to make our relationship work, after all you're the last parent I have. But honestly, once I get my life together, I'm leaving. I want nothing to do with you, and that's a serious notion to claim. But I mean it, once I don't have to deal with your game, I won't, and you'll lose the last child you had a chance with. I will never let another man treat me the way you have. I will not let another man tear me apart as you have, and I damn well refuse to let you be the downfall of me. I should have taken my brothers advice and gotten out when I could have. But because I was taught that being kind is the way I should be, I ruined my own life to make you happy. And to think, the thing that started this whole letter was the fact that you refused to spend any time with me for my birthday? It's funny how many years I've given up to make you happy, but you can't give up 45 minutes of your life for me.
Crysta MiraclePublished 7 years ago in FamiliesAn Open Letter to My Friends & Fam
I'm going to sincerely regret not getting the minimum 4 hrs of sleep, but as they say in Recon, "We train to standard; not to time!"
Nefarious DarriusPublished 7 years ago in FamiliesThe Sh*t They Don't Tell You: Lesson #3
Welcome to Temper Tantrums. "No!" One word. Two letters. May or may not include an exclamation point. But any way you decide to phrase it, that one syllable word can ruin someone's day. And by someone, I mean a toddler. Welcome to temper tantrums, you poor unsuspecting fool.
Tiffany WadePublished 7 years ago in FamiliesDying in Bad Weather
The very first thing my husband's grandmother ever said to me was, "I hope I don't die in the winter. I don't want anyone driving in bad weather to my funeral."
Tarin CampanellaPublished 7 years ago in FamiliesAdulthood with a Narcissistic Parent Part Two
When growing up with a narcissistic parent, adulthood comes with many challenges that other people don't always understand.
Regina Stone-GroverPublished 7 years ago in FamiliesAddiction
Sometimes I wonder if it was suicide, a way out of misery. A life left alone, old and frail, a life where if no friends were available for fun then life wasn't worth anything. He seemed so confused about what was the right thing that the bad things were hidden in the obvious. We all knew he had a problem but we couldn't talk about it. It hurt too much.
Juliaa &&kiddsPublished 7 years ago in FamiliesChaos and Messy Kisses
My living room is trashed; my kitchen counter is covered with dishes (mostly bowls and spoons). Toys that were meant to stay in the play room have somehow managed to invade my bedroom. To say a hurricane flew through would not be an understatement. The hurricane has two legs and arms, a bottomless stomach and curly, wild hair.
Chandra HarrisonPublished 7 years ago in FamiliesUpside Down Pacifiers
We all start out the same. Biologically, we all come into being the same way. Of course, there are different methods of this happening, but when all is said and done, a baby is born. From the exact moment we let out that first cry, we all embark on different journeys: a one-of-a-kind story that no one else can repeat to exact replication.
Brooke O'NeillPublished 7 years ago in FamiliesThe Grief That Keeps on Giving
For those of you that haven't lost a parent, I envy you. I sincerely do. I don't care if you don't like them or if you don't get along with them or whatever, I am so very jealous of you. My dad died on February 18, 2017 and I remember that day like it was yesterday. I remember crying hysterically and feeling like I wasn't able to breathe. I remember feeling not sad, but just... utterly devastated about what just happened. But most of all, I remember feeling numb. Completely numb. This month marks 8 months since he left us and I still feel like it just happened yesterday.
What Is a Mother
I was not allowed more than a few years with my mother. I don't remember much, and what I do remember is fuzzy. I remember pizza, ice cream, but having a lot of "time out" as well. I also remember dark nights curled up next to her after having nightmares, and hearing her talk about someday buying the house she had rented out. It was obvious that my mother worked hard. She had a hard life dealing with abusive boyfriends, an underpaying job, and two children. I never understood that at the time, so looking back I wish I had more positive experiences with her.
Buck MobbsPublished 7 years ago in FamiliesDon't Miss Him Til He's Gone
It is real easy to take someone for granted while they are still around. Even though we may take our loved ones for granted, most of the time it isn't intentional. There are plenty of everyday things that seem minor on a regular day, but looking back they could mean the world to someone reflecting back. It's not that you didn't care, it was just the norm. The sad reality is sometimes it takes someone being gone for you to notice and appreciate some of the things they have done for you.
Kiara BowensPublished 7 years ago in Families