Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Families.
Autism & Us
I have two daughters, aged 4 and 6, both diagnosed with autism, with the youngest (Lilah) also having OCD and pica. At the moment, Sophie is non verbal, though spouts random words and nods her head at every question. Lilah has just started to say “do want” “I want” “yes I want...(insert item)” and has come on very well with her communication in these past few months.
By Laura Lewis7 years ago in Families
Things My Mother Told Me That Turned Out to Be True
Oh, Mommy dearest, how often did I doubt you. Not only did I think I was the smartest kid around who knew better than any adult, but back then I truly believed that everything you predicted and advised was wrong. From the boyfriend you assured me was bad news and the shoes you said would kill my feet to the bigger things in life like being a mother, a wife, and an intelligent human being, almost everything you said had some merit to it. That's right, Mom, you aren't reading this wrong, I am here to say the three words you so absolutely deserve to hear: YOU. WERE. RIGHT. Of course, many of life's lessons I had to learn on my own and I do believe that's how children should, but there are those few pieces of wisdom and experiences you lived through that you shared with such strong persuasion that I should have listened to. Here are just a few.
By Jus L'amore7 years ago in Families
My Top 5 Sensory Play Activities
I can’t quite believe that just over a year ago I became a mum for the first time. It is a truly amazing experience that nothing quite prepares you for. The amazing highs and shocking lows are all part and parcel of the parenting journey. Some days can be a challenge and others a complete enjoyment which makes you wonder how you thought it was challenging.
By Charlotte Fay7 years ago in Families
Two Women and a Baby
It's a daunting thing to accept when you realize you're a lesbian that having children may have well been either put on hold or taken completely off the table. That's what I thought at least. My girlfriend and I had been together for seven years when we decided it was time to expand our family. We looked around online at our options, and holy heck, we were out of our league. The prices seemed outrageous. What two heterosexual people, medical reasons aside, can typically do for free, or at least keep making attempts, would cost us an arm and a leg. We gave up hope for awhile that this would ever happen for us.
By Heather Martin-Miles7 years ago in Families
An Important Part of My Life - My Brother Lee's Death
On Monday 29th July 2013 I went to the Mencap Summer Scheme with my brother Lee. He had been feeling fine all day until that night when he started to complain about feeling out of breath. He went on the nebuliser to try to normalise his breathing but a few minutes later Lee collapsed. He had suffered an aggressive asthma attack. My dad tried to carry out CPR on Lee while my mum called an ambulance. Once it arrived the paramedics took over from my Dad and Lee was sent to Antrim Area Hospital.
By Eoin Campbell7 years ago in Families
FB Comments: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly
Has this happened to you? You had a rough day — and so you post a little rant about it.... "Toddler colored on the walls while 7 year old bathed the cat in apple juice and the baby threw up all over the clean basket of laundry as if auditioning for the exorcist."
By Kristy Cuevas7 years ago in Families
Thanksgiving
Dear Diary, Tomorrow is Thanksgiving or as some call it “Turkey day.” It's the holiday where we give thanks for all we have. The house should be filled with family and friends. The sound of my younger cousin running throughout the rooms chasing my sister’s puppy as the adults yell to be careful. The smell of the turkey in the oven and everything else cooking in the kitchen fills the air. But as I look around me I don’t see that happening this year. I sit in this room and stare at the bleached white walls creeping in on me, making the room get smaller. Beeping sounds coming from the heart monitor snaps me back to reality of where I am. I lay here as my sister whispers, “Thanks for holding my hand and being so strong for me today. I was nervous when they had to put the cord in me. And Crystal, thanks for staying with me all week, I’m sorry you had to miss so much school.”
By Crystal Sotiropoulos7 years ago in Families
The (Not So) Happy News
For every woman struggling with infertility, we always dread the phone calls, text, or social media posts announcing another friend/family members pregnancy. Of course we always sound happy for them; and for the most part we are. However we can't help but feel like a little piece of our heart breaks every time. We can't help but feel like it's just one more friend or family member that we are now behind when it comes to levels of life.
By Bethany Winters7 years ago in Families