parents
The boundless love a parent has for their child is matched only by their capacity to embarrass them.
Born Addicted
What does an addict think when she finds out she is pregnant? Does she consider what could happen to the baby? Does she think about her next fix? What happens to those babies when the mother never stopped using when she was pregnant?
Mommy Unedited
Parenting. The one thing that everyone is an expert on, until they have actually had to become one. I will be the first to admit, I was that person in the store looking at the toddler throwing a tantrum, thinking to myself, "Nope, not my kid," before I actually had a kid. I thought I knew all the solutions to problems I didn't think I would even have. I had it ALL figured out the moment I pissed on a stick and saw the double lines. Or so I thought.
Edin MirelezPublished 6 years ago in Families
My Mother the Fortune Teller
Look at her. Pay close attention, because every day there’s more to see. She shuffles her cards, and is one of not many I know who can smoke a cigarette without using her hands. The rooms to the ceiling fill with smoke, and three of four part-time roommates that stay here are losing patience.
Winter BlackPublished 6 years ago in Families
We Are Who We Choose
Often in life, we look at someone and say, “I’m not going to end up like that person.” Or “I’m going to do better than what I lived.” And saying that might be hard for other people to hear because we can’t undo the past, only make the future better. And those of us who have small children LITERALLY hold the future of the hands. When they fall down and reach for your hand, it is like a silent whisper asking for help. The voice of an angel that is calling out to you and asking your undivided attention. And as a mom of two, giving that attention isn't always easy.
Heidi SunshinePublished 6 years ago in Families
Things I've Learned from a Great Father About What Makes a Good Man
The things I’ve learned from a great father about what makes a good man are many, to be sure: honesty, hard work, generosity and a sense of humor. If you ask me about my dad, I’ll tell you these are his four most salient characteristics and the four values I strive to embody—I’m not sure I’m nailing it, but I’m trying, every day, to follow his example. Doing so makes me a better man and a better father.
David PorterPublished 6 years ago in Families
The Invincible Man
"My dad is stronger than your dad." "Well, my dad is smarter than your dad." Many of us have gotten into childhood arguments with friends or adversaries over whose dad was the smartest, toughest, richest, etc. When you grow up with attentive, involved fathers, it is easy to begin to see them as larger than life. Seriously, my dad was always one of the strongest and the smartest. He was also hard-working and family-oriented. He had a passion for his faith and his family. He believed strongly in education, hard work, and loyalty. He still believes in those things, however, to look at him now, one would think he is helpless, hopeless, and haywire.
denise knightPublished 6 years ago in Families- Top Story - December 2017
5 Things I Have Learned About Being a Stay at Home Parent
Parents all around the world stay at home to take care of their children. Whether it's a decision made by both parents or just as a result of wanting to be home with the kids. Stay at home parents don't get the credit they should from most people. Staying home to raise a family is hard. It's a 24 hours a day, 7 days a week job. I say job because...it definitely is a job. You are on a round-the-clock schedule; wake up, make sure the kids eat, clean, dishes, play and bonding time, clean, lunch, clean, educational time, make sure kids don't have tantrums over silly things, make sure they are safe, dinner, clean, baths, clean, get them to bed and clean some more. We do it every day. All day. It's a repeating cycle that continues even after they are in school. Raising tiny humans is hard. You put them first, above all else. Here are 5 things I have learned from being a stay at home parent:
Kayla HilliardPublished 6 years ago in Families 
How To Avoid Having a Stepdad
Kobi's father left us when he was 2-years-old. His father went god knows where, to do god knows what, with god knows who. That left me as a single parent with a 7-year-old daughter and Kobi, who was potty training.
Katie CarterPublished 6 years ago in Families
An Open Letter to My Parents
Dear Mom & Dad, I wanna first start off by saying I truly do love and appreciate everything you do for me. I know I talk back and make your life hard. I know you go out of your way and beyond to provide for our family. I am extremely grateful for you and I thank God everyday for the both of you!
Perception
As kids, we believe our parents are invincible. We say things like, “I bet my dad can beat up your dad! He can lift both me and brother up at the same time!” and, “My mommy’s so smart! She helped me make a huge tower out of blocks.” I later found out in geometry class that the secret is just to use triangular items for strength and stability in a structure. I also learned that our parents can’t withstand all obstacles the world throws at them without it taking a toll.
Giselle OmarPublished 6 years ago in Families
Dad?
Did he really love my mom? Is abuse love? The only memories I have of living with both my parents is arguing and fighting. It was very traumatizing until this day every time someone argues in front of me I think they’re gonna start a fight. I love my dad don’t get me wrong, but he isn’t exactly the father I wish I had. I can never watch a movie about a good dad because I wonder how my life would of been with one. I also hate watching movies with bad dads because it’s relatable and it hurts. My mom and dad were young parents; my mom loved to travel and my dad was just never around, so my grandparents help raise my sister and I. My grandpa passed away when I was in seventh grade he was my dad. He did everything a dad should do, take me to school, make me breakfast, and spoil me. He spoiled me with anything I wanted and most important love. He was such an amazing person the nicest person I’ve ever met. He was an alcoholic, it killed him, maybe that’s why I won’t drink and hate drinking. I miss him so much.
Alyssa SoteloPublished 6 years ago in Families
Mommy Issues Are Real, Too
Growing up with a toxic parent is hard enough, especially when they're the one who brought you into this world. Girls with absent fathers are usually taunted or used as a kink. We've alllllll heard of "daddy issues." What about the girls who had to learn about womanhood for themselves?
Hayley wardPublished 6 years ago in Families
