Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Families.
A Simpler Time
My mom is a very interesting person. The experiences of her life have shaped her into the strong woman she is today. I wanted to better understand how this shaped her and learn about her life. I started by asking her about her childhood. It was 9:54 PM, on August 23, 1973, the hottest day of the year, when Grandma Jackie delivered Michelle Bonnie Gackstetter into the hands of Dr. Richard Mulder. When he unwrapped the umbilical cord from her neck, and she started to turn pink instead of blue, he probably started calling her 'Pumpkin.' My mom said, “The Catholic nuns from the hospital in Ivanhoe, MN, would pray for me every day from then on out, and knowing that has always made me feel a little more close to God.” I like to think that my mom has always been a fighter. I never knew that she had been born with her umbilical cord around her neck. I bet that really scared my grandma.
By Almárëa Laurësil7 years ago in Families
Alone: Losing Both Parents at 25
I was just 25 years old when I lost both of my parents. My father was always the sick one. He was diagnosed with cancer when I was around 14 years old. I vividly remember the day he and my mom sat my brother and I down to tell us the news at the dinner table. It was the first time I ever saw my parents cry. I remember getting up from the table to get a box of tissues and offer it to each member of my family, as they tearfully explained what was ahead. Radiation, chemotherapy, prognosis—all of these words that at the time I had no idea what they meant. All I knew was that my dad may lose his life soon.
By Veronica Thor7 years ago in Families
Tips for Working Mothers
Working moms have a lot on their plate. In spite of all the advancements we've made towards equality, women are still expected to be the primary caregivers for their children. That means that moms who don’t want to quit their career because they had kids can often end up feeling like they are doing two full-time jobs, and are then absolutely exhausted. Luckily, there are ways you can organize your life and your surroundings so it works for you, and allows you to have the best of both worlds.
By Isla Wright7 years ago in Families
Perks of Having a Toddler
I am at the point of motherhood where I am enjoying every minute of it, because I realised how quickly time has flown. Literally, this is what I was told by so many well-meaning people before. I secretly laughed inside thinking, "What a joke!" Well, that was when I was at the most sleep-deprived moment of my life.
By C.J.Erolan7 years ago in Families
'Otherhood'—Review (Netflix)
I am beginning to think I watch too many films. I remember thinking the same thing about the late and venerable Barry Norman, film critic on the BBC’s Film from 1972 to 1998. He was a veritable font of film knowledge and sometimes this knowledge would make him seem jaded, bored by the repetitiousness on view.
By Q-ell Betton7 years ago in Families
Why You Could Be Getting Your Due Date 8 Days Wrong
What’s in the picture above? It’s a due date wheel. When you book in for your first pregnancy appointment, they use this wheel to line up your LMP (last menstrual period) to calculate the EDD, the estimated date of delivery—better known as your due date.
By Natalie Lennard7 years ago in Families
'Otherhood' - A Review
Otherhood is one of the latest headliners Netflix has to offer as it follows three suburban mothers who spontaneously turn up in New York to surprise their sons who neglected to send any presents or cards to them on mother's day. The mothers create their own pact to reconnect with their sons which had different and devastating effects. Otherhood faces a number of important social fractions including adultery, homosexuality, cultural differences, friendship and, of course, parenthood.
By Joshua Lino-da Costa7 years ago in Families
Chaotic Mind
When I was a young mother, I went to school and studied psychology, social work, and child development. My intent was to become a social worker to help children. I never dreamed that my most practical use would be within the walls of my own home.
By Michelle Edwards Szynskie7 years ago in Families
Ensuring the Best Summer Break for Your Children
Make This Your Best Summer Ever Are you looking forward to the hot sun and a cool breeze this summer? Do your dreams of a blissful summer evaporate when you remember that the kids won't be at school? Winging your way through summer may work for some people, but kids thrive on structure. That doesn't mean you have to do the same thing every day. You don't have to toss out last-minute movie nights with friends or surprise trips to get ice cream. The key to a fantastic summer, with kids, is a mix between structured activities, quiet relaxation, and a sprinkling of surprises.
By Jade Pulman7 years ago in Families
Greatest Joy
Becoming a grandparent is supposed to be the happiest time of your life. It is the icing on the cake of parenting... right? Well, it doesn't work out that way for an ever growing number of grandparents. For a huge percentage, becoming a grandparent is coupled with the role of parent for one or more of your child's child.
By Michelle Edwards Szynskie7 years ago in Families
Dynamics of a Family
A family is a group of people who are related by blood or marriage. Usually a family consists of a father, mother, and children. However, many families are not like the Leave It to Beaver family of classic television. Today, there are single-parent families and blended families.
By Margaret Minnicks7 years ago in Families
