Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Families.
How Can Pregnant Women Cope Throughout Covid-19?
On Monday 16th March, pregnant women were officially encompassed in a “vulnerable group” by the chief medical officer. Naturally, this announcement has led to distress and anxiety, especially as there’s little information currently about the impact Covid-19 could have on pregnant women and new-born babies.
By Caitlin Purvis6 years ago in Families
After 25 Years, Father John Kauta Bids Farewell to His Parishioners at St. Patrick's Church
For 25 years, the parishioners at St. Patrick's in Bedford have been warmed by Father John Kauta's greeting. "You pray for me and I'll pray for you," he'd open the dialogue. With his time now coming to an end at St. Patrick's, his flock easily recognizes that he cannot be summed up in a catchy logline.
By Rich Monetti6 years ago in Families
Synchrodestiny
Girgle...Girgle..Girgle.....it was the 10th of April 2004...the four of us lay on the floor of our roof top home sleeping....he wanted to make love to me...while I nursed our youngest daughter Sanjukta and our elder daughter pretended to sleep fidgeting all the while...."Mama, look something is coming out of daddy's mouth" I turned to see what she was pointing at..it was my husband Shivaji....eyes rolling back and face turning blue....I did not know what to do ..but thought fast so that Sanjana my elder girl could go get some help...." Take your sister with you , I said .....Once they had gone I could feel this unexplained feeling of numbness flow over me ..I watched his eyes staring at me glazed over ..tears rolling down ..as if to say, "I am sorry" ...His hand still clenching to the the silky ribbon of my jammy bottom.....
By Jacqueline Payne6 years ago in Families
Sun, Surf & Sand
It’s not so far away now, an end is in sight; a plan is in place. When our doors reopen and we can venture outside, I’ll be grabbing my board, my BBQ, and my family and friends. We’ll head to my favourite beach, to the tang of salt air and the feel of warm sand between our toes. We’ll spread our towels on the shore, unpack our picnic baskets and prepare the fire-wok for an evening BBQ.
By Vic Womersley6 years ago in Families
How to Keep Your Kids Entertained During School Closures
This year has started with an unexpected twist. Typically for this time of year, the weather is getting warmer and the nights are lasting longer, but our doors and plans are remaining firmly shut and sealed. With the outbreak of Covid-19, the government has enforced social isolation to minimise the risk of spreading the virus. Some of us are working from home, schools have been shut, and we only leave the house for exercise or to shop for necessities. This is leading to a lot of free time for some of us!
By Fay McFarlane6 years ago in Families
BETTER DAYS CHALLENGE
We're all dreaming of better days—when we're finally able to see the people we've missed all this time and do the things we've anxiously been waiting to do. As the mother of a grade 12 Graduate to be, keeping our Graduate positive was a challenge. Not letting her feel defeated was a welcomed task. The philosophy of seeing the glass half full became the most important thing during isolation. Dreaming of better for our girl, I didn't want her graduating year to be defined by a pandemic. I desperately dreamt of something for the Grads to outshine the negative. Daring to Dream is so important more so now than ever.
By Paulette Wiebe6 years ago in Families
Gentle Parenting Approach
Gentle Parenting, also known as Attachment Parenting, is a method of parenting with the goal to develop confident, happy children who think for themselves. Gentle Parenting takes a huge amount of self-control and believes in connection between parent and child, empathy and mutual respect.
By Madeline Keys6 years ago in Families
A Tale of Two Mothers
On this mothers day I reflect on the relationship and lack thereof that I have had with my mother over the years. The role of a mother, to provide nurturing and support, was a role that my mother wasn't quite ready for. At nine months old, she abandoned me in a small southern town under the assumption that she would return when her core training with the United States Army was complete. She did not fully return for many years. For the next decade she was like an imaginary friend, appearing and then dissapearing, as though she was a figment of my imagination. The memories I have of that time are of a woman covered in glow of glitter and theatrics, always smiling this gleaming white smile. A Halle Berry haircut circa Boomerang. To me my "mom" was more like a fairy godmother. She appeared with gifts and left me to return to rags at midnight.
By Deana Barnes6 years ago in Families
