children
Children: Our most valuable natural resource.
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.
Kristen BarberPublished 7 years ago in FamiliesWhen 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.
Carol TownendPublished 7 years ago in FamiliesI 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.
Heather ClarkePublished 7 years ago in FamiliesAre 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!
Joe Martinek SrPublished 7 years ago in FamiliesHow 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.
Taylor MarkarianPublished 7 years ago in FamiliesHow 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.
Ossiana TepfenhartPublished 7 years ago in FamiliesFrench Fries for Breakfast
Her hair tastes like sour milk. Well, truthfully I never have tasted her hair but just by looking at it, I can imagine inhaling its frothy filth. It is usually put up in a bun but today I watch her take it down. Her grey hair pours down onto her shoulders and I smell its rottenness. I’ve never actually touched her hair but I know I’ll never forget how crinkled it feels, just like the French fries she makes me every Sunday morning. After church, my whole family piles up in the car and we drive to her house. Breakfast will always be waiting for us. The rest of my family always wants eggs and bacon for breakfast but I am picky. No matter what is being served, I always want French fries.
Katherine WilliamsPublished 7 years ago in FamiliesNose Candy
The stench was unbearable; the particles that were floating their merry way about my head, as they rose up on the thermal of a steamy waft of anal produce; could easily be imagined to have their own universal atmosphere, each with their own sun and moon to collaborate a dance with.
Steve WatkinsPublished 7 years ago in FamiliesTech-Free with a Baby
Sounds rambunctious, doesn't it? Well, believe me, it is possible. Technology does not need to control you, or your child's life, and I am one of the many few parents who believe this. When I was younger, the most advanced technology we had were CD players, VCRs, the huge box TVs, and the funky looking video cameras. We never had iPads, smart phones, flat screen TVs, laptops, Apps, Facebook etc. So why would I present this to my child, only teaching her of this form of entertainment compared to going outside and actually living? I never relied on those, so why should she feel she has to? Well, as you can see, I am not exactly one who ever was entirely reliant on these devices in my life in the past, nor will I coming forth into my daughter's life now and it isn't something I am willing to start.
Traveling with a Newborn
I have recently become a new mom, and knowing one who has never had a child before I am sure many of you new moms can understand and relate to, is how tough it can be to adjust and learn what it's like to have a baby. Especially when you are doing it alone like me. Well, aside from the sleepless nights, endless sets of poopy diapers, and constant feedings. The bonding tends to pay off and make it all worth while. Within all of this it's easy among the constant caring for your child to forget about caring for yourself. I mean, come on, who has time to shower and clean the house or even remember to eat when you feel as if you're constantly running around for your child's benefit? I know I didn't and sometimes I still don't. You're supposed to sleep when they sleep right? So how ever could one suffice enough energy to work out, eat, shower, or watch tv just for themselves? One simply could not. I know I couldn't.
Life As I Know It
I'm not an everyday woman, I'm not sure where I belong, what my calling is or where I should be heading. I'm not sure I feel like everyone else or that I even have feelings at all. Today I want to write about me, tell you about who I am. I'm sure there is some scientific explanation for it all in why I don't feel, or have emotion, BUT that's another story for another time.
5 Signs You're Ready to be a Parent
I am a believer that no one can really, truly ever be 100 percent ready to be a parent. Parenting is one of those things that no matter how prepared you are, it's still going to be the most life changing event of your entire life. It's a rather quick and dramatic change too.
The 'A' GirlPublished 7 years ago in Families