Top Stories
Stories in Families that you’ll love, handpicked by our team.
Pinky Promise
I wasn’t supposed to be on that motorcycle, the one my brother died riding, yet there I was, driving down the California highway, not knowing when I’d stop. It’d been sitting in the driveway two months untouched when I turned the keys in its ignition and left. I just couldn’t stand the sight of mom drinking her tea that morning and maybe I thought I would finally cry if the wind hit my face fast enough but all I wanted to do as I started driving was scream into that salty summer sky.
Just A Man
He wasn’t the man she had created him to be in her mind over all of those years. It took time for her to unravel the theories she once smiled curiously, pondering while he would teach the class with his purely acquired life experience.
Jill AshlockPublished a day ago in Families
Your expectations of Child Care
One warning I always give any parent who is looking for childcare is that it is crucial not to have unrealistic expectations. Even though you want the very best care for your child, you have to understand that the very best care would be you staying home. Next best would be your child spending the day with grandma or Aunt Suzie who never was able to have kids of her own. If you are going to place your child in any form of childcare, including a nanny in your home, that person is a substitute and will never do things the same way you would.
Terri MulhernPublished 5 days ago in FamiliesThe Black Mama Experience
Now, if you don't have a black mother or weren't raised by a black woman, this story may not resonate with you. In fact, for some of you "other" folks this story might leave you flabbergasted and feeling like this is your opportunity to stand on your soap box and judge. But, if you've personally had the "Black Mama Experience", well then this story will probably have you laughing out loud as you reminisce about something similar happening to you.
Marie EdwardPublished 5 days ago in Families
Embrace Your Teenager's Perspective - It May Be Better Than Yours
Sometimes our children are the role models we need. My daughter has astounded me recently. Truly blown me away. She’s stoic, compassionate, kind, brave and rational. She’s 13. Can I at 40 emulate this? I’m not sure. She’s been brutally forced to face her deepest strengths at a time when most are working out their most adventurous backflip off the climbing frame.
Bianca BestPublished 8 days ago in Families
Critics Hate Hillbilly Elegy
First a book, then a New York Times Bestseller, now a Netflix film, Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of A Family and Culture in Crisis , depicts the abuse, drug addiction, and overall redneck fuckery that occurs in my home state, Kentucky, and other parts of Appalachia.
Jessica BuggPublished 18 days ago in FamiliesDIY Christmas Cards kids can make!
There comes a point when children want to give loved ones something, just like everyone else. I certainly remember being a child and wanting to give back, but not knowing what I could do or if anyone would like it, at that.
S. G. MarinPublished 28 days ago in Families
An Ode to Christmas Past.
T'was several days ago, when all through my house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse - that was, until the Vocal Team messaged me about writing this story. A story celebrating all the beautiful, little details of my usual Christmas, which every year amalgamate into something innately special and personal. (Well, every year before this one.)
Ciarán ColemanPublished about a month ago in Families
How I (Normally) Celebrate The Holidays
It's the most wonderful time of the year, and the Vocal team reached out to me about sharing my holiday traditions! While everyone's holiday season is bound to look different this year - including my family's - I thought I'd talk about how I usually celebrate the occasion. Y'know, when there typically isn't a horrible coronavirus floating around in the air.
Kathryn MilewskiPublished about a month ago in Families
5 Reasons Black Mothers Support their LGBTQ Children
Although there are a million reasons why! In this post, I will highlight just 5 reasons Black mothers support their LGBTQ children. Despite the reality of living in a world that still sadly communicates all sorts of negative messaging about and towards LGBTQ people and those who support them. Let us as Black mothers be ever so mindful and unapologetically resolved to refute every one of them. Crumbling every negative message with the kryptonite of the power of our unconditional love for our children. Let us encourage one another (as well as others) to do the same until "LoveWins" is a reality and not just a hashtag!
Family Members on Vacation
Vacation is something we dream about all year. The beach, slow mornings, new memories and experiences, sunshine…and family. Have you ever realized how each family member has their own agenda for vacation? Those different agendas often clash and when we’re not in the heat of the moment, it’s pretty funny to look back and reflect on. That’s why I wrote this sketch. I was laughing while writing this, because it reminded me my family and myself so much! I’m sure you can relate to one of these personalities (if not all of them), and can name which family member belongs in which category.
Natalie SpackPublished 4 months ago in Families
My Top 8 Picks For Pre-School Age Learning At Home
When I made the decision to postpone preschool for my twins after COVID-19 hit, I was definitely overcome with a mix of frustration and happiness. I’ve truly loved teaching Ames and Joules new things at home, but—to be totally honest—it can be a little tiring when there’s nobody else to help. For the past ~3 years, the twins have been at home with me. They’ve never been to a mother’s day out, daycare, or any type of organized schooling during the week. We tentatively plan to put the twins in preschool this next Spring 2021—but, until then, I am doing what I can to keep Ames and Joules learning at home. That said, through research online, reading reviews, and talking with other moms, I’ve found some very useful educational material to ease the process of keeping my twins learning at home in the interim.
Michelle JoynerPublished 4 months ago in Families
