Top Stories

Stories in Families that you'll love, handpicked by our team.

Growing Up Overnight. Top Story - September 2021.
I’ve often made the joke that I was born nearly grown, an old soul my closest friends call me. I remember laying in bed as a child trying to contemplate the meaning of life and death. I’m still trying to figure that one out. I always wanted to grow up in a hurry. I didn’t want to waste my time in elementary and middle school, I was wanted to start my career in saving the world. Looking back, I can better understand that way of thinking. In hindsight, it was because of personal heartbreaks from a painfully early age that had a much bigger impact on me that I am only recently realizing existed.
By Judith Jascha5 years ago in Families
Coming of Age in the 1960s. Top Story - September 2021.
I was a late bloomer Baby boomer. Shy to the point of almost being afraid of my own shadow. The boys in my junior high school classes never flirted with me like they did most of the other girls. One of them, in fact, told me not to worry, I would "fill out" one day. It didn't make me feel any better.
By Linda Rivenbark5 years ago in Families
Candy Bars and Chemotherapy. Top Story - September 2021.
I remember watching my father walk down the street, the bright yellow shirt with the solid black zigzag pairing perfectly with his bald head. An adorable Charlie Brown if there ever was one. He was laughing with my mother (who was dressed as Snoopy), watching my sister rushing ahead in a witch's costume as she darted from door to door. I had lingered slightly behind, trying to commit as much of the scene to memory as I could. After all, it was possibly the last Halloween I would get to spend with my father.
By Robin Laurinec5 years ago in Families
The Weeks of the Cult. Top Story - September 2021.
A week before my junior year of high school I picked out the all-important first day of school outfit. The outfit that would set the tone for the rest of the year. Like, the effortlessly cool girls would look cool no matter what, but I really had to work at what and who I wanted to be. This outfit could make or break me.
By Maria Shimizu Christensen5 years ago in Families
21st Century Fathers Are Awesome. Top Story - September 2021.
The Family Backstory As I parked my car at the mall a short time ago, I saw a lovely sight. A father stood at the opened hatchback of his SUV changing the diaper of his infant. I further observed him talk to and play with his baby as he carefully secured its onesie. The father appeared to enjoy these priceless moments with his precious tiny one.
By Dr Deborah M Vereen5 years ago in Families
The Things They Don't Say About Motherhood. Top Story - September 2021.
Most mothers say Motherhood is a joyous time, like Christmas or Easter. It can have those moments. It can be pretty brilliant when it does. I adore my two daughters more than anything. But most don't say how mentally draining and downright embarrassing all of this is.
By R J Briar5 years ago in Families
Tips to Raise a Baby. Top Story - September 2021.
The truth is that babies cost a lot of money. They need a lot of things, which can make them even more expensive. The truth is that it doesn't have to feel that way. If you are smart and careful, you can raise a baby, without spending a fortune on them.
By Shelley Wenger5 years ago in Families
A Job That Never Ends. Top Story - September 2021.
One year. Nine months. That's how long I was an only child. I have no recollection of this time, only after. After I became a sister.
By M.J. Carlock5 years ago in Families
Everything Was Fine . . .. Top Story - September 2021.
I sat in the hair salon one Saturday getting my maintenance trim and I suddenly realized something about my surroundings. There was a young woman getting her hair all twirly-curled, faux-complaining about the shoes she ordered for her wedding (she clearly just wanted to talk about how cute and perfect they were), a young girl accompanied by her mom and grandma was getting especially dolled up for some upcoming event and the two mothers were there to make sure everything went smoothly, simultaneously giving directions to the stylist who was cheerfully taking their advice. Another woman, tinted and blown out, paid her bill, left a tip and, placing her tortoiseshell sunglasses above her wide grin, walked confidently out into the morning sunshine.
By Cindy Eastman5 years ago in Families
A Letter To My Daughter, M; Parental Alienation Is The Worst Part Of Breaking Up. Top Story - August 2021.
Dear M, I have so much I want to say to you, that I need to say to you, really. I don’t even know if you’ll read this but, if you do, I think it’s best I start here:
By Aaron Corey5 years ago in Families
I'm Pretty Sure I May Have Just Become A Terrible Grandparent. Top Story - August 2021.
It was hot as hell, and I couldn't believe they didn't sit our group inside. Yet here we were, sitting in a covered patio with old school fans blowing warm air on us on a 95 degree Texas summer afternoon. And worse than that is we were about to be served some chips and salsa.
By Rick Martinez5 years ago in Families
A Letter To A Lost Loved One.. Top Story - August 2021.
"You will lose someone you can't live without, and your heart will be badly broken, and the bad news is that you never completely get over the loss of your beloved. But this is also the good news. They live forever your broken heart that doesn't seal back up. And you come through. It's like having a broken leg that never heals perfectly-- that still hurts when the weather gets cold, but you learn to dance with the limp" Anne Lamott
By Amanda Russo5 years ago in Families