children

Children: Our most valuable natural resource.

TORO
In 1969, on a school band trip, I visited a farm for the first time. Having never been on a farm before I was very excited about everything I might see there. Visions of everything about farms ran through my mind for months awaiting the day of the trip. The animals, crops, farmers and their wives, the barn, the farmhouse… everything. I couldn’t stop thinking about farms.
By Linda Aubert5 years ago in Families
Things To Consider When Building School Playground Equipment
Physical activity helps students perform better in class and behave well. Elementary schools can create healthier, more active play environments with high-quality commercial swing sets and playground equipment. If your school is planning on building school playground equipment, there are some things to consider. Keep reading to learn.
By Jen Hensey5 years ago in Families
The Raging Bull
The front door slammed open with an irritable sounding ‘thud’. They forgot to pick me up...again. A teen that bore more of a resemblance to a wet cat than a person stalked in, tracking muddy footprints through the house with each sodden step.
By Trish K5 years ago in Families
Without Me
Growing up, I never wanted kids. Looking back, we always have someone we do not want to grow up to be like. Those who know me know that I did not have the best childhood. I have not hidden my past from anyone. To be truthful, I haven't had a good relationship with my mother most of my life. I never wanted children because I never wanted my daughter to feel the way I did about my mother. For years I held onto this unhealthy feeling that was a mixture of depression, anger, and confusion. I would be lying if I said that I do not still have those days. The constant "Why am I not good enough?". Here it is 2 am, and while my children are fast asleep, I am lying awake wondering why I will never be good enough. Many tell me I should just let her go. Let go of the idea of the mother I always longed for. I know that they are right and that I should let the pain go. Most days I have, but then nights like this, I lay awake and wonder how she is doing. Many tell me I should be angry with her and choose to ignore her existence, and most days, I wish I could. Not because I hate her (no matter how much I wish I did so I wouldn't feel the pain I do) but because I want to heal from everything in our past. I always wondered what it was like to call my mother and tell her about my day. The good or the bad, and she listen and give me the advice I long for. Or to hear her laugh again under the California sky in the backyard in Lakeport. I do not have many memories where we are happy. I am learning to cherish what I did have. Growing up was rough, and I am sure there will be many more late-night stories about how my childhood was. However, these stories will not be focused on my mother because, to be honest, most of my childhood, she was not there. If you count the internet, then I guess you could say she was. Weekends every now and again at her house when my stepdad allowed. Back then, she could save me from who I am today. However, if she had, I would not have children like I had planned not to. I would have focused on a career that would leave me old and bitter, wondering what it would have been like to have children. So, in a way, I could thank her. In a way, I can erase the bitter pain. But to get close to her again is something I do not think I have left in my heart. I wish her well, and I want her to be happy. I have learned to come to terms with that a comfortable life for her is without me. I hope that she is doing good in college even though I saw she was struggling the last time she allowed me in her life. I hope her move goes well too. I worry that this post will upset her as she does not wish I think about her. Which is fine, but as her daughter, I will always worry about her. If anything, this shows me that I have grown into who I am. I am no longer angry with her because I feel that it does neither of us any good. I have come to terms that she is better off living her life without me for her happiness for whatever reason that may be. So if you have a parent who you feel your distance is better for their happiness, learn to let go and focus on yourself. At first, it will hurt, but it will save you the pain of "why am I not good enough". You can still love your family from a distance and wish them well.
By E.G.5 years ago in Families
An open letter to my youngest child...
You are my last baby and that realization has hit me hard this week as we are preparing for you to start kindergarten. The beauty in being an older mother is I have been through all of this before and I know exactly what to expect, but that is also the burden. I know the struggles you will face ahead and I also know how quickly the years will fly by. Knowing that we were facing a racing clock, I have tried to soak up every moment of your preschool years. We are now on the eve of you starting your school-aged journey I want to share a few tips and hopes with you as you start this new chapter in life.
By Amber Foster5 years ago in Families
7 Lessons I’ll Teach My Son About Masculinity
In today’s world, men can be both villains and victims of the patriarchy — although we refuse to admit that sometimes. Personally, feminism isn’t only about fighting for women’s rights. It’s about making all areas of life equal for all genders. And men’s issues ultimately count toward that, too.
By Denisa5 years ago in Families
Farm Life
Hi there! My name is Olivia. I am one of many cows that live on the Friendly Farm. All the animals and the people are so nice. It’s a way of life here. Not just on the farm but in the city too. I know because my friend, Maria, tells me.
By Winter Lynn5 years ago in Families
Life
So, I got it, I know what I want to write about. I know what I need to write about to get it off my chest. It really isn't much different than the rest but it's what I need to say.
By Hidden secrets5 years ago in Families
Dad Killed a Bull
Rushing into the hospital lobby, the parents were shoulder to shoulder and breathing heavily from the cold walk in from the parking lot. Unbuttoning and removing coats and gloves, they approached the information desk to inquire about their 10 years old son, Christopher. “Room 301” the nurse said like an automated tape recording. Entering the room, they were met by the Dr. and their oldest son, David. The Dr. spoke and said “it was a close call, but we got to him in time”. Explaining that an appendicitis is not uncommon, and he had removed many in his career, and that the probabilities say, for a boy Christopher’s age, it would take a couple of weeks before he returned to normal. The Peterson’s thanked him as mom dried her eyes and searched the room for some more tissues. “David”, what happened?” his dad asked. “We were playing in the back yard and Chris just bent over in a ball, and started screaming in pain.” “You didn’t hit him or anything did you?” and David said, “of course not dad”. “What were you playing?” asked Mrs. Peterson. “We were throwing the football back and forth and running around, just playing” David said. A nurse came in and whispered that Christopher should be awake for visitors in a couple of hours, and the cafeteria was open, if we wanted to eat. David said he was hungry and dad was too, but Mrs. Peterson didn’t want to leave, and asked if they’d bring her a coffee on the way back. An hour or so later, David and his dad returned with coffee, and found Christopher awake and chatting away about the operation, couldn’t wait to show his friends the scar. The doctor had come back by and said if Chris passed a couple of tests in the morning that he could get discharged tomorrow afternoon. All was well as visiting hours ended with hugs and kisses all around.
By David X. Sheehan5 years ago in Families
Tony and Frankie
‘Come on Jaden, we’re going to be late!’ My little brother slammed the trailer door behind himself. ‘We wouldn’t be late if you’d waken up on time Ema.’ He ran are old Subaru and got in next to me. I started the engine and backed out are drive. It took half an hour to get into town and I dropped Jaden off minutes before the bell rang then high tailed it over to the dinner where I worked.
By Sierra Reding5 years ago in Families
Molly and Her Monsters
Molly slowly opened her eyes. She stretched and yawned welcoming in the new day after a good night’s sleep. Suddenly she remembered it was a school day. She jumped out of bed and ran to the bathroom mirror. Much to her disappointment nothing had changed. Her freckles were still there, and her bright red hair didn’t change to a beautiful golden blond or brown.
By Caroline-StoryGirlCA5 years ago in Families
Children Simply Are Not Affordable
Are children affordable in your area? Consider yourself lucky. Living in the Bay Area all my life and into my 20s has taught me that unless you have an income of 100,000 coming in a year, don't have them.
By Chantel5 years ago in Families