parents
The boundless love a parent has for their child is matched only by their capacity to embarrass them.
The Bridge Between Fathers
For 19 years, I was lucky enough to celebrate Father’s Day from both sides of the holiday. Like a lot of things in life, I didn’t appreciate how special that was until it was gone. I was a bridge between two generations, both shaping the man I’ve become. Through that bridge flowed the lessons of the past and the promise of tomorrow.
By Carl J. Petersen3 months ago in Families
Getting Through Life Alone and Loving It
Happy Father's Day to all the dads out there. The ones who are involved in their children's lives and loves them unconditionally, I appreciate you to the highest. To a son, a father should be their hero, rather than a disappointment to them. I no longer celebrate Father's Day, because I've been estranged from my father for nearly 15 years. I'm the oldest of three children and unfortunately, I've suffered physical and verbal abuse on a regular basis from him. Every day, I was fearful of him. Whether or not I did something wrong, he would yell, belittle, and abuse me. Even over the smallest things, such as me refusing to greet someone, this toxic cycle continued. While parts of my childhood were great, the majority of it was filled with abuse. It was difficult for me to open up to him about certain things, because he would bombard me with a million questions. Him constant critiquing me on a regular basis was his favorite toxic trait. He would take issue with me on things I liked and how I presented myself. A few things about Liberian parents that everyone needs to be aware of are the following: They'll never admit any wrongdoing, apologizing to their children is beneath them, always portraying themselves as victims instead of doing any self-reflection, and finally, they gaslight you anytime you try to express that they've hurt your feelings. I've experienced these red flags firsthand when I was 14. I remember one day my father was constantly criticizing me for no reason. It was at the moment that I had to stand up to him once and for all. Spoiler alert: it didn't go well. He responded by yelling in my face, resulting with me being reduced to tears. It hurt my feelings deeply and I'm a very sensitive person. These are the reasons why I no longer commemorate Father's Day or share a picture of him on social media. Also, near the end of 2022 was the year that I told people that I preferred to be addressed by my middle name. I'm still toying with the idea of changing my last name, because having it reminds me of being born to toxic parents.
By Mark Wesley Pritchard 3 months ago in Families
What Do I Say to I Love You?
Awkward! That’s an understatement. How do you reply to someone who ends a phone conversation with “I love you”? Not just anyone, but your mother. There’s a catch. She gave birth to me but never raised me. In fact, she abandoned us, as some of you have already read in my earlier publications.
By Alexandra Grant3 months ago in Families
The Wife Who Smiles Through Exhaustion
She wakes up before the alarm rings. The house is still quiet, yet her mind is already busy. She thinks about breakfast, work, school schedules, bills, errands, and family needs. Before anyone else begins their day, she has already started carrying its weight.
By Dark Insight3 months ago in Families
5 Year Old Doesn't Know Letters or Numbers? What Finally Helped Me Understand Why
Tuesday morning. I'm sitting at the kitchen table with my son. He's got a bowl of Cheerios, I'm scrolling through my phone, and I see this Reddit thread where some parent says their kid knew the entire alphabet by age three. I look over at my son. He's five. Kindergarten starts in four months. I point at the cereal box and ask him what letter that is.
By Understandshe3 months ago in Families
My 4 Year Old Doesn't Know Letters or Numbers: Should I Be Worried?
My daughter sang the ABC song at two. Full song. Loud. Off-key. Proud. At four, she still couldn't point to the letter B on a page. She'd stare at it. Tilt her head. Then point to the dog in the picture instead.
By Understandshe3 months ago in Families
An Unusual Relationship
The Elusive Ham Unicorn My love affair began when I was a child. My mother used to cook amazing food. The scent of her cooking and the taste of her meals still fill my nose. She has been gone for over a decade. What kind of voodoo is that?
By Alexandra Grant3 months ago in Families
My Dog Accidentally Locked Himself Inside a Room: What We Did and What UK Pet Owners Should Know
A few days ago, I had a stressful situation at home when my dog, Milo, accidentally locked himself inside a bedroom. The door had closed behind him, the latch caught, and the handle would not open from the outside. Milo started barking and scratching near the door, and it was clear he was becoming unsettled.
By James Hartshorn3 months ago in Families
