Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Families.
"Night Owl"
I never was one for sleep. That is I was never one for going to bed early. To my fathers perpetual dismay, I was a self proclaimed night owl. A fitting colloquialism since the average barn owl is a nocturnal predator. For the longest time I was proud of it, saying foolish things like, "I get my best work done at night." I made it a point to say things like that whenever I could, especially when Dad was within ear shot.
By Fabricating Fiction5 years ago in Families
The Barn Owl
The barn stands alone in the field, forlorn, empty, waiting for the owl that lives in the loft. As if on cue, the owl screeches into the night. It reminds me of my father, clamoring for attention, flying off into the night, screeching to get the ladies to notice. And notice they did, when he was young, all the young Asian ladies noticed Rob. And he bragged about those nights, bragged to his young daughter.
By Tanya Marie Barrus5 years ago in Families
Little Mouse
Little Mouse had had a very hard day. They were hungry and wet and cold, and they were sitting next to the very still body of their very good friend Littler Mouse. Littler Mouse had been very still for a very long time now. They had skittered much slower after they had been hurt by Angry Mouse. Their fur had got redder and redder as they skittered and skittered, and then when there was too much red there was no more skittering at all. Little Mouse very much enjoyed going on mouse-sized adventures with Littler Mouse but now they worried that there would be no more adventures, because Littler Mouse was not skittering anymore. Skittering was a very important part of adventures, because there were many things to skitter to and away from. Maybe if they had skittered away from Angry Mouse faster, Littler Mouse would not be so red, and they would still be skittering together now.
By Matt Batchelor5 years ago in Families
Your expectations of Child Care. Top Story - January 2021.
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.
By Terri Mulhern5 years ago in Families
The "F Word" in Child Care
There are a few words in daycare that providers consider unofficial cuss words. These words are used by parents to get away with the very worst of behaviors. Like using the words “Allergies” or “Teething” as an excuse to drop a child at daycare that they know is not well and should be at home. Another buzz word for us is “Occasional” because usually it is used by a parent who wants us to watch their child for extra hours without getting paid for them.
By Terri Mulhern5 years ago in Families
Messenger
“Deirna, mother’s calling.” I glanced behind me at the warm familiar voice sounded behind me, a welcome contrast to hear besides the howling wind of winter that accompanied it. Shuffling inside for a moment was Benji’s hunched head enclosed in layers and layers of thick, rough fabric, leaving only his mop of brown hair – the same color as mine – displayed. Here, in this day and age, those who resembled the dirt seemed fated to work it.
By Tara Aggarwal5 years ago in Families
My Child Is A Picky Eater Help?
Many parents think picky eating is just a phase. However, if you speak to any child nutritionist or the best Dietitian and Nutritionist in Dubai would advise that picky eating can cause issues with your child’s oral hygiene. Your child will naturally gravitate towards sugary or sweet foods because it tastes good to them, but that can lead to a range of issues such as cavities and poor nutrition. What causes children to be picky eaters?
By Thomas Joe5 years ago in Families
Cornbread and Sunshine!!!!
Panicked, sweaty, and out of breath they dive under Sue’s bed. It was the safest place or rather the place their dad thoroughly dispelled their fear of monsters of hiding. “Papa, papa, papa” they shrilled. So I shrilled. They heard my eerie screaming every few weeks. Inconsistency is the key to terror. I complimented my vocals with a few taps on the window for good measure. Then I perched and watched my orchestration.
By Tyree Broadway5 years ago in Families
My Indigenous Great Grandmother
My father, Pedro Baca y Griego, didn’t talk much about his parents. I don’t think it was because he didn’t love them or think of them but because he had to focus too much on the present. He had to be in order to keep a roof over our heads and food on the table for a family of thirteen. Every day was a work day for him. Nothing was easy for a man with little education. Only his skills that required a man with an attitude of “I can do anything that requires a strong back and a fierce work ethic.”
By Chris Baca5 years ago in Families
Choosing a Childcare
If you are planning on having a baby, you should research the cost of child care where you live even before conceiving if possible. Planning for a child care bill is similar to planning for college tuition. You have a 4-5 year period where you have a payment that can be equal to or even higher than your mortgage. If you plan ahead and set aside one year's worth of care before getting pregnant, you can set aside a few extra month's worth before giving birth and set up a dependent care flex account through your work if they offer one so that each time you pay your fees, your work will reimburse you from your flex account with a simple form signed by your care provider.
By Terri Mulhern5 years ago in Families
The Next Round
“IT’S AN ARM BAR!!” The commentator screamed as all the nerves in Katie’s arm lit up like a firework. A roaring cacophony rose from the thousands of people packed around the octagon and a sickening sense of hopelessness filled her chest. The pain was so intense and focused that her eyes started to blur out, but she wouldn’t tap out. If there was ever a fight that she wouldn’t tap out of it was this one. Her legs writhed and she cried out. Gathering the reserves of her strength, Katie pulled hard in a last, jerk effort to break free from the iron grasp of her opponent. A move she instantly regretted as she heard, seemingly louder than the cheering and yelling of the crowd, a loud crack in her arm and it was over. The fading sound of the match being declared over, filled her ears as she blacked out.
By Sara Cooney5 years ago in Families
