advice
It takes a village to raise a family; advice and tips to make the most of yours.
Bicker Wisdom
I was raised on a dairy farm just about in the middle of nowhere, Minnesota, by my grandparents on my mother’s side. I was a good, innocent (naïve) Christian little girl. It was the 1960s, the decade of revolution, hippies, assassinations and war, but you wouldn’t have known it by me. I missed all things cultural, countercultural, and pop cultural. We had a few cows, some chickens, and each other, and that’s about it. Our only social life was church, twice on Sunday. Our entertainment life too, as far as that goes. Television was a new idea, but my grandfather wouldn’t have a set in the house. Grandma would have liked one – “for the news,” she said – but she couldn’t talk Grandpa into it. He didn’t even want to watch the baseball games. As far as he was concerned the radio was just fine. “The pictures are better,” he declared, “besides, the cows like to listen to the games while I milk.” But I got an education anyway, in the little Christian school by the church, and eventually even went on to college. I now have an advanced degree from an institution of higher learning that took me many years to earn.
By Doug Westendorp6 years ago in Families
The secret ingredient
When I got the call that my nana has passed away, I felt like I lost a part of myself. For most of my life, nana had always been there. My parents died in a car accident when I was in high school, and nana didn't hesitate to step up and take custody of me and my younger sister. She helped us weather the biggest tragedy of our lives with her love and affection.
By Niki Simone6 years ago in Families
Adrift
If you're like me, you crave to watch a movie, or series, that engages you and pulls you in. Being on the cusp of my generation as a boomer 2 and Gen X, I was hesitant to take the next big leap into cord-cutting. What? Give up my channels? What will I find to watch when I don't want to read on these dark cold winter nights??
By Maria Gronlund6 years ago in Families
People I've Lost
Some Sort of After School Special I remember that it was a Sunday when dad picked me up from Hebrew school, and told me that a friend of his had died. Now this friend shared a name with our next door neighbor's crazy beagle, so I couldn't understand why he was so shaken.
By Karen Lichtman6 years ago in Families
Suicide Gone Wrong
I grew up the second child out of four; one brother four years older than myself, and a younger brother and sister. We came from an unbroken Christian household, with a working father and a stay-at-home mother. Most would say this is a blessing in disguise, but I would beg to differ. My life has been somewhat of a mistake from the beginning.
By Adrienne Huggins6 years ago in Families
Taking Care of You!
One thing I wished I learned early on in life is to take care of me first. We all don’t want to be selfish, and have that need to put other people first. Of course there is nothing wrong with that. Taking care of other people is compassion towards other humans. I’m talking about self-compassion. How can you take care of others if you are not well. Self-compassion increases self-Improvement. When we improve ourselves we can than help others improve. Whether that be friends or family, or just show compassion to a stranger on the street.
By Melissa Bezborotko 6 years ago in Families
Black families need to talk at the dinner table.
So what has brought us here? The need for knowledge, we are just learning about the conversations as black families that we are very much in need of having. And to make a well-informed decision, knowledge is key. Fiduciary. What is the definition of this word? The Cambridge English Dictionary defines it as a person or an organization who is responsible for the managing of money or property that belongs to some other person or organization suitably or responsibly. This mostly means, they look out for the people they serve not the shareholders. Whether it's life insurance, health insurance or even real estate companies. Take time to find as much as you can about these companies. You will find that most of these companies want to first, educate customers on the difference between them and other companies. They want you to not only understand the cost of their products but, the real reason you need it. What an eye-opener, when a life insurance company tells you. Look! Sir or Madam. "Life insurance is not for the dead, it's for the living that's left alive to maintain a decent living". Your rent and other utilities along with food other bills are all still due and coming in the mail. The family's way of life will be at stake. These and other conversations must be had at some point. The dinner table is the best place where families that eat together should be talking about things like this. The Department of Family and Children Service offers some tips on this subject and other conversational starters on their family topic sites on getting the conversation started. Like being at the doctor's office. We need to start asking questions about things we do not understand. Black families are learning, saving money is like finding money. Being more informed about the purchases we make is very valuable. It has been said, "All the insurance in the world means nothing if you can not afford it". Dealing with the right company that will help you bundle up your accounts is a good thing. Home, life and auto all bundled together will help you save time and money. All of this while getting the best bang for your dollar. This is what black families are missing. Young adults need to be added to some these family talks. If they are old enough to understand like 17 and up. This makes them feel good and a part of the conversation. To adults, you should be to ones teaching them some critical thinking. Especially before getting them a credit card, teach them about debt. If you want them to know the truth then you should do the teaching of whatever that lesson is. A study done by CreditCard.com shows this to be true. Overall, this was true for almost all families. If you looking at some investments then look at a company called, Fisher Investments. This is a fiduciary investment company. They will structure all of their products and services around you and your needs. These are the types of companies I've learned, we all should have been dealing with. Why you may ask? Look at it like this, you don't go to a bank to buy life insurance. Learn about insurance in general. What is the difference between Whole Life, Universal Life and Term Insurance? Learn it then teach it! I think with proper research, you will find that Term Insurance is best. I hope this information has helped and you can use it to help you in your research so you can talk with your family. I would like to take this time to thank you for this read. If you like and agree with me helping you to have more information to make a more informed decision. Please continue, to read, like and share my work to support my ambitions.
By Horace Albert6 years ago in Families
The Little Black Book
THE LITTLE BLACK BOOK With my head down, I trudge down the street towards my apartment building. Just as I was about to cross the street, I glance up and catch a glimpse of a person in a bright red jacket on the other side of the street. For some reason, it appears as though they are purposely headed straight at me. So I pick up my pace and add in a few weaving steps to get, but the stranger matches my weaves and steps into my path, forcing me to stop short.
By Carson Wells6 years ago in Families
The First Time
The first time! There is a first time for everything. But does it cross your mind that the first time could mean just about anything? It's scary when those words exit your child's mouth. These words could mean anything. When we were younger and had our first time, we would hide it from our parents.
By Laura mclean6 years ago in Families
