Top Stories
Stories in Families that you’ll love, handpicked by our team.
Advice to my Child
There is no one right way to be a parent, but there are some general pieces of advice that can help you raise happy and well-adjusted children. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you navigate parenting:
Jessica LenderPublished 2 years ago in FamiliesAnother fragrant year for dad's orchard
A few clouds floated lethargically above the sky on a vernal Sunday in spring. I was sitting by the window when the balmy breeze blew in. I felt dull and sluggish as I worked to reorient myself. Suddenly, I inadvertently grabbed a freshly-pick waxberry on a plate to my mouth. I took a small bite; the flesh texture of tenderness in my mouth and the sweet-tart flavour instantly woke up my body and lifted my spirits. Food is inextricably associated with flavour and is fundamentally about nostalgia and memory. These distinctive seasonal flavours hitherto have etched on my mind, offering a window into knowing my father's world into the bargain.
A Hot Pocket Broke My Family
My daughter came home from school yesterday with a school project. She had to write an essay about an event in her life that defined her. She shared a memory I completely forgot. So, I felt compelled to write it out here.
Chrissie Marie MasseyPublished 2 years ago in FamiliesMy Teenage Son’s Cancer Diagnosis Rocked My World
The year was 2014, and my life was full of shuffling kids to school and activities and working. I barely ever had time to sit down and relax.
Chrissie Marie MasseyPublished 2 years ago in FamiliesThe Growing Space Between Us
The event I had anticipated all summer arrived — college freshman move-in day. The car was so tightly packed that it took three of us pushing and tugging to get the pillow into the last potential space between the two duffle bags. With the final item secured, our family high-fived as we closed the trunk, proud of fitting all the essential dorm items into one car.
Jill (Conquering Cognitions)Published 2 years ago in FamiliesMy Mom's Memorial Service Was Full of Beans
My Mom’s memorial service—not what you’d expect to be one of the funniest times of our lives, but whenever we think of it, we laugh and high-five each other. And that’s just the way she would have wanted it.
Catherine KenwellPublished 2 years ago in FamiliesThings I Never Knew
My mothers side of the family has always been a bit of a mystery for me, for a lot of reasons. One of the big reasons was divorce, both my parents divorce and my grandparents divorce. And if I'm honest my mother complicated things. She left our family when I was 5, then decided she wanted sympathy and child support so that is easier if you have at least one of your 4 children. I was the easy target being the youngest, a 5 year custody battle ensued that eventually ended in an airport with her saying "I never wanted you anyway". This is the very short version, it is actually what I usually write about, mostly telling some stories for my kids but you are welcome to check them out if you want.
Heather LunsfordPublished 2 years ago in FamiliesMoving Towards Positivity
Introduction I see a lot of posts and memes that focus on negativity. Often people say they are done with being kind or giving second chances and they will only be happy with taking revenge for some wrong or another. This can even generate hate which is never a good thing. While I can become angry with some events and even people I never let it degenerate into hate because that is a destructive situation and usually I am not in full knowledge of all the facts behind what happened.
Mike Singleton - MikeydredPublished 2 years ago in FamiliesHow I Can Predict If a New Marriage Will Work or Fail
One thing I’ve always been good at is knowing whether a relationship will usually work out long-term or not. This is often possible to figure out once I hang around the two people in the relationship at least a couple or few times. I can remember every wedding I’ve attended where I thought about if the couple had a good chance of making it long-term, or if a divorce was imminent.
Jason ProvencioPublished 2 years ago in FamiliesA good marriage learns to constantly return to zero
When we heard the news of our classmate's divorce, a few of us good buddies were beyond surprised. Let's put it this way, "heaven and earth together, is daring to be separated from the gentleman" - always thought this phrase is tailor-made for them.
David PrestonPublished 2 years ago in FamiliesMarriage is good, look at the toilet to know
01 When I was in my twenties, I didn't know where I read the saying that the cleaner the toilet in a home, the better the relationship between the couple.
David PrestonPublished 2 years ago in FamiliesHelp Your Kids Reset, Recharge and Be Ready
Have you ever experienced driving your car from point A to point B and not remembering driving there? You reached your destination safely but basically did it on autopilot. That happens a lot. Your brain is trained to drive a certain way in a certain direction and get you there successfully. That’s because you have driven that route so many times, your brain is accustomed to the plan. The same goes for many other things in life. If you receive proper training on something, learn it and successfully master it, it comes to you automatically. Children are the same way; they need some training.
Sue McGaugheyPublished 2 years ago in Families