Latest Stories

Most recently published stories in Families.

What to Consider When Your Kids Are About to Graduate
High school graduation is an exciting time for young people and their parents. In most cases, the parents are even more nervous about their children graduating than the young adult is. This is some advice for parents of new grads.
By Sasha McGregor7 years ago in Families
Being a Young Parent in 2019
You know, one of the first things a stranger said to me when I took my newborn daughter out for the first time, was, "Oh, you're too young to be a parent!" But, as much as Pauline, the waitress from Pizza Hut, might've offended me that afternoon, as I scoffed my face with sundae sprinkles, I never quite took it too close to heart. Because I felt like I could prove the bitch wrong someday. And it started off by complaining to management and getting a £20 refund from our next order. But that was besides the point. I was going to prove to this stranger and anyone else who doubted my parenting methods that I was capable of raising a child. Even if that did mean having to lose the balloon hats at TGI Fridays. Because, you know, I'm an adult, and adults don't wear balloon hats. Unless on special occasions. But anyway, as I was saying.
By Jord Tury7 years ago in Families
Counting Cows
“My nose itches. I smell peaches. Yonder comes a man with a hole in his breeches.” Grandmother loved reciting that rhyme. She always said that last word so that it rhymed with “itches.” And we would laugh as she furiously scratched her nose. Then we laughed even harder when Grandaddy came around the corner of their house with a HUGE, obvious hole in his blue denim overalls.
By Kristi Montgomery7 years ago in Families
Living with Grandparents
I know every family has their problems or their problem child. In my family, my mom and I are the problems. It was like this when I was younger. I was my grandfather's favorite. He still will say I am, but he doesn’t treat me like I am. My mom and I were always around. We would go to dinner at their house a few times a month. We would watch football games there. I went camping every summer with my grandfather. If they needed help at the house they called my mom.
By Daisy May7 years ago in Families
My Addiction
Hear me out before you start to judge and make assumptions. I was addicted to the pain, the lies and how he hurt me. I loved it so much it kept me going. Cryptic and morbid? it may seem so. Let me give you an inside look at the hell I’ve endured because I loved him so. Untouched and pushed to the side; it was normal for nine years. He didn’t know how to love me. I was his sex object and punching bag.
By Scarlett Price7 years ago in Families
How to Deal with the Anniversary of a Loved One's Death
March 11 marks the first anniversary of my son’s (Donivin) passing. My family misses him. As a mother, I think of him daily wherever I go. A trigger of memories, i.e., a glimpse of moments of the good, the sad, and the challenging ones—feeling the emotion of embracing the memories, grief, and the continuing of healing forward.
By Grace KOSTAMO7 years ago in Families
My Mother's Bucket List
"Wait, what? I’m having how many babies? But, but, but I’m thirty-one and already have two children. Look again, there must be some mistake. No? Really? This is not convenient." This was a little bit of how the conversation went the day I found out that I was going to have twins. As I’m sure is true with all parents of multiples, there was this surprising sense of dread, terror, love, excitement, and absolute joy upon hearing this news. My reaction, however, was nothing compared to that of my mother.
By Lisa Mangano7 years ago in Families
How Do Homes Become Hallowed Shells? An Excerpt from 'And... The Mirror Cracked' by Monica Handy
Reverend Rodgers stood in the doorway, looking at Lee-Roy through sunken, watery eyes. He never even attempted to smile. It was unsettling to see the definition of his father's age so deeply etched in his unflinching features.
By Monica Handy7 years ago in Families
Simply My Life 2
I am stalling. I have known since I finished the first chapter what comes next in this story. I cannot tell any more of my life without this chapter. So much of who I am, who I became, was influenced by the events in this part of my life. And I do not want to write it. It will open up a part of my heart that, even 30 years later, I can't handle emotionally. It involves the single most devastating loss I have ever experienced. But as I said, I can't tell any more of my story without it. I have tried to come up with a way to tell other things first, and I probably could fill up some pages with fluffy good memories. I could entertain you with my childhood. But those aren't the things that have shaped my story.
By Jenn Pautsch7 years ago in Families
5 Top Caregiving Tips if You Are Keeping Parents at Home
There is no place like home. The majority of older adults would rather spend their twilight years in a familiar environment, surrounded by the people they love. It’s only natural.
By Sarah Kaminski7 years ago in Families
When Do You Recover from Your Parents' Divorce?
Question: Hey Telltale Har, When I was around 24 or 25 (I can’t remember the exact time period) I came to the realization that I had known my parents longer as divorcees than I had as a married couple. This was a very difficult thing for me to adjust to, and to be quite honest I still don’t think I’ve fully recovered from it. I am a child of divorce (or a COD) and this is my story.
By Harley Myers7 years ago in Families
Aunt Mute
Yes, that’s what she was called. I don’t know if I ever remembered her given name. But Aunt Mute it was. The nickname came into being before I was born and continued until she was found, slumped in her red and blue plaid cushioned armchair, a matching ottoman for her feet.
By Arlene Placer7 years ago in Families