advice
It takes a village to raise a family; advice and tips to make the most of yours.
Sleep: It's Important
Sleep. It is something that we all require and so many of us don't get nearly enough. When you have children, sleep is an elusive creature that rarely shows its face. Sometimes you feel like you've gone months without a good night's sleep. Some people will say years.
By Samantha Reid6 years ago in Families
Struggles of Being a New Dad
For a woman becoming a mom is a gradual thing because of the carrying of the baby. However, for a man, it's a bit more sudden in terms of the day you fully become a dad. It's almost as if you went from driving a Pinto to a Ferrari in 12 hours, except the Ferrari has a manual that is written in German. Especially when you come from a home that either has no father figure or a terrible one, so what does a man do to prepare for the day his life both ends and starts?
By Tony Campbell6 years ago in Families
It's Okay to Just Let Them Play
When you think back to being a child, most of the happy memories that pop into your head are of things like your favourite toy, game or activity. For me it's making mud pies on the hill outside the house, riding my bike, sleepovers with friends, going to the woods, playing in the water and sandpit and playing make believe games. I recall a distinctly unique element to these things: being utterly carefree. There was no pressure to track my progress in any of these endeavors, no purpose needed to be explained. They existed simply for fun and I was allowed to immerse myself in them with no other desired outcome needed.
By Jaz Johnstone6 years ago in Families
5 Ways to Help Depression as a Mom
I will never ever regret having my beautiful daughter. When my boyfriend and I found out we were pregnant on the night of our friend's wedding, we were ecstatic. We were ready to have our family, and we were ready for all in entailed... Or so we had thought.
By Emmie Mayberry6 years ago in Families
When It Becomes Too Heavy
Domestic violence is like this country's dirty little secret. Everyone knows it is happening but, until it directly affects you or someone you love, it isn't talked about. There are many reasons why, such as embarrassment, shame, and even guilt; we are silenced. As little girls we are told that a boys is mean to you when 'he likes you' and that "boys will be boys." As we grow we are ingrained to accept that boys are rough, they can be mean, and that their affection can hurt. That is beyond unfair. He can't hurt you and love you at the same time.
By Aleea Whitmire6 years ago in Families
How to Come out to Homophobic Parents
1. Make sure you will be safe. When we think of coming out, we all tend to think of the worst case scenario first. Try to think what would realistically happen based off your relationship with your parents. If you have neglectful or abusive parents, it’s much safer to write them a letter or get another adult to help you. On top of this, if being kicked out is an actual threat, you should wait until you aren’t dependent of them. Once you’ve moved out they can’t do anything to you. They might also take you more seriously as an adult, rather than brushing you off as a teen going through a phase.
By Luka Seydoux6 years ago in Families
Panic Attacks and Triggers
Panic attacks are debilitating and can be humiliating to have others see. If you're around anyone else, you probably feel like they're staring at you and you're making a huge fool of yourself. All you want to do is curl up into a ball and disappear. And if it's your kids, you probably feel even worse. You feel like you're being a horrible mother, setting the worst example for them, and your mind is racing with every bad thing you could possibly think. But take a step back and breathe. Having a panic attack in front of your kids does NOT make you a horrible mother! It may seem like the worst thing ever, but you can and will get through it. Contrary to how it feels, it WILL be ok!
By Mariah Kelley6 years ago in Families
Motherhood with Mental Health
It's hard enough just being a mother, but being a mother with depression/anxiety is a whole other beast. You probably laugh when other moms complain about how hard they have it, while you think to yourself, "you don't have any clue how hard it can be!"
By Mariah Kelley6 years ago in Families
The Fussy Baby
We’ve all been there... Look, I know what you’re thinking. An article about a whiny baby. But I can assure you there are more mothers out there who can relate to this more than you know. A lot of moms out there are scared to talk about their fussy baby. They feel like they're the only ones who are going through this. But that is not the case. There are so many moms who are going through the same exact situation as you or me. There are groups of women supporting each other in their day to day struggles. Don’t feel alone, or like you have no one to talk to. I promise you that there are thousands of mothers out there you could relate to.
By Billie Mullins6 years ago in Families
13 Ways to Deal With a Difficult Family Member
Everybody needs to know how to deal with a difficult family member. Maybe it's your dad. Perhaps it's your husband's sister. It could be your grandmother, your cousin, or a friend of the family who acts like an honorary relative. Whatever the case, you can't avoid family functions forever. However, it doesn't have to turn into a battle royale every time you meet up, either.
By Sherry Campbell6 years ago in Families
To the Parent with the Sick Child
Everybody knows cold and flu season is no fun, and parents know it can be hazardous to the whole family. We all know cold germs spread like wildfire, and the flu? Once it hits a household you'll be lucky if someone doesn't get sick.
By Amanda Vadeboncoeur6 years ago in Families