Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Families.
So Dearly Disowned
Divorce can be a nasty beast and in the end, it is the children that suffer the most. My parents separated but still lived in the family house. My mum did her best but the endless rowing became the norm. My dad went completely postal! Cut up Mum’s underwear, salt in the sugar pot, padlocked what used to be their shared bedroom, relegated my mum to sleeping on the sofa and to top it off—he loosened the wheel nuts on the car! Luckily it was spotted before any real damage could occur—what if I and my two sisters had been in the car with mum on a motorway! It does not bear thinking about! I can understand that dad is angry and hurt but trying to harm his children and the mother of his children is unforgivable.
By Anabel Hudson7 years ago in Families
How To Survive the Terrible Twos
Ever since you got pregnant, you probably have heard women warn you to brace yourself for certain stages of your child's life. Newborn babies, for example, are known to drain you of sleep and patience with incessant crying. But, as bad as newborns can be, most moms will take a newborn over a child who is entering the Terrible Twos.
By Rowan Marley7 years ago in Families
Breastfeeding Woes
Every day I willingly subject myself to grueling torture at the mercy of an adorable bundle of nine pounds and eight ounces of joy. How can something so natural be so difficult and painful? Repeatedly, about every two hours to be exact, I engage in an excruciating tug-of-war battle with my nipple and a formidable cherubic ninja jaw warrior. After the conclusion of each skirmish, I sulk as I dress my battle wounds and fervently pray that a truce would soon commence. I am never the victor. I long for the days when the pain was but a mere migraine, easily fixed with a warm compress, temple massage, and a long nap (or a strong prescription drug if I’m being completely honest). Daily, I wish for a personal medic or, better yet, a magical nipple fairy who could wave a wand and “bippity- boppity-boo” make all things right in my universe again. But of course, I am not afforded such luxuries.
By Kristen Barber7 years ago in Families
When Teens Reach 18
So your little one has grown up. Gone are the days of changing nappies and making so much mess you can't see the floor, sulks and tantrums... so we think! Your little one may be grown up, but still, she is going through a rollercoaster of emotions as she finds out about adult life.
By Carol Townend7 years ago in Families
I Love Your Kids
See this kid? She is the best thing in my life. I was there to celebrate when they got pregnant, partied at her gender reveal, and I was there the day she was born. I have Skyped with her across the miles, sang to her over the phone, read to her in person, and had epic dance parties. I am Auntie Heather.
By Heather Clarke7 years ago in Families
A Caged Dove's Song
Everyone has dreams, no matter how big and outrageous they may be. Yet some people have dreams that are simple and not as far fetched as some. That’s me and my sister Faith. I want to be the greatest African American female dancer in the states. And my sister; she just wants to publish one of her stories. Faith has always been the one to reach for something that wasn’t as far away from her reach. But I, I wanted things I know I couldn’t have. I had dreams that not even the greatest people dreamt of. I wanted to conquer all. But Faith wasn’t as ambitious as me, despite us being identical twins.
By Imani Patterson7 years ago in Families
Are You REALLY a Good Role Model for Your Children?
We all want what's best for our children. At least we believe we do. Goals are important, but when do our dreams cross from the child's to our own? Some parents hope for the next Derek Jeter or Jennifer Lawrence out of their children, however, what if that's not the path THEY have in mind for themselves? On the other hand, today's athletes, models, and rock stars are all easy targets for a developing mind to latch onto as the grown up they want to emulate. These are both equally toxic for a youngster!
By Joe Martinek Sr7 years ago in Families
Overcoming Childhood Abuse
Will you listen? Why I'm Writing This Article The phrase “overcoming childhood abuse” sounds glamorous, doesn’t it? It sounds like I’ve climbed some kind of really tough mountain and am now sitting pretty on top of it with a beautiful view. Wouldn’t you love it if that were the case? Wouldn’t you love it if I could give you a road map for your own recovery or else give you a ‘rags to riches’ tale of how one woman triumphed over a horrific past to become almost normal and perfectly socially acceptable?
By Sarah Jane7 years ago in Families
How I Scared Off My Mom’s Emotional Abuser
After a few failed relationships and miscarriages, my mom decided to go ahead and have me on her own. I was, as people like to say, her “miracle baby.” Still, just because she fulfilled her life’s goal of becoming a mother didn’t mean she lost all other basic human needs. At some point during my childhood, she ended up falling in love with the man across the street from us. Years went by and they even got engaged. I grew to see him as the father I’d never had.
By Taylor Markarian7 years ago in Families
How To Save Money as New Parents
Babies are insanely expensive, and while every parent will tell you it's worth it, no one ever really drives home how expensive kids really are. According to a recent study, the average family will spend a minimum of $245,000 on raising a single child throughout the first 18 years of their lives.
By Ossiana Tepfenhart7 years ago in Families