Latest Stories

Most recently published stories in Families.

The Only Good Thing
And an unloving, tyrannous, brutal man needs no motive to prompt his cruelty; he needs only the perpetual presence of a woman he can call his own. A whole park full of tame or timid-eyed animals to torment at his will would not serve him so well to glut his lust of torture; they could not feel as one woman does; they could not throw out the keen retort which whets the edge of hatred.
By Frankie 6 years ago in Families
Infidelity is Never Free
Infidelity is Never Free When I was young and wild, I would have affairs with married men and party with their wives on the next day. Please know that I am not proud of this, but in my need to cleanse myself of evil, it is my desire to be transparent. I had to learn firsthand that my deeds were not without consequence and expense. Adultery cost me my first marriage and many missed years with my children. I understand that there are deeper issues going on with the cheater and we may discuss some of them later in another post, but this writing is simply about the cost of infidelity.
By Anita Manuel6 years ago in Families
How to Ensure the Safety of Your Kids in School?
When your kids get old enough to head off to school, it can be a frightening experience for you. As a parent, you want to do everything possible to keep your children safe. When they're not in your physical presence, it may seem more difficult to provide an adequate level of safety.
By George Swagger6 years ago in Families
Bridge the Generations With These Activities That Are Fun for All Ages
Getting everyone in the family to agree on something to do can be a big challenge. The next time you're faced with some free time, try one of these great multi-generational activities to add some fun and excitement to the day.
By Mikkie Mills6 years ago in Families
Poverty
I received a George Orwell book for Christmas, a slim volume entitled Why I Write (1946) and I read it in a day. I was intrigued by this social -middle class- democrat Orwell who was genuinely interested in and improving the life chances of the poor working class. I’d read Animal Farm (1945) and 1984 (1949) before I was fifteen or sixteen, and perhaps briefly joined the socialist party on the back of that, but I’d not read any of his other works. I immediately down loaded a gratis copy of Down and Out in Paris and London (1933) from the George-Orwell.org website and was blown away even from page one in chapter one by his novel-esque approach to autoethnography.
By Ian Peter Loftus6 years ago in Families
My Father Abandoned Our Family When I Was A Little Girl
I should note, that this is actually a letter that I sent to my father as my therapist suggested. I wanted him to know how much he hurt me. I never heard back from him, and I am glad. Maybe, someone can relate to this, you know even if one person feels like they are not alone after reading this, then I am glad I have put it out there. Love, Mash.
By MASH 6 years ago in Families
The Price of A Slice of Cake
It was my brother’s fifth birthday party, nothing crazy, just family members and close friends sitting outside on a beautiful spring day. I don’t remember much of it, being that it was nearly ten years ago now, but I do remember the cake. And, oh, what a cake it was. Double chocolate with vanilla buttercream frosting, and a bright red picture of elmo’s face screened on. When my mom asked me what piece I wanted, I insisted on having Elmo’s smile, and I planned on coming back for the rest of him later. However, when I did come back, he was gone. Understandably I was devastated. I scanned the back porch for possible suspects, ruling out my cousin Ben and uncle Steve swiftly - Ben was too little to eat cake and Steve didn’t like chocolate - before fixating on the plate in front of the birthday boy himself. Of course. Of course it had to be him. Yes, it was his birthday, but I saw Elmo first. Not taking a single second to think my spur-of-the-moment plan through, I stomped up to the cake thief and was quick to mush his face into the piece. A brief second of silence. Then wailing. Oh the wailing, it was epic, even for a five-year-old. Now was the time to make my getaway, with mom no where to be seen and dad in the house, out of sight. I chose our toy jeep as my means of escape, battery powered and with the coolest blue wheels. With my brother now on his feet and my mom making her way around the side of the house I was quick to launch myself in the seat. A bare foot reached for the pedal, one hand on the steering wherl and the other on the gear shift. He was gaining ground behind me, she was breaking into a light jog in front of me. I floored it. Sweet freedom was mine, nothing could stop me! Off into the sundhine I would go!
By Kate6 years ago in Families
Becoming A Mom
So my Fiance and I were kind of trying for a baby but not really at the same time. Whatever happens happens you know? But as soon as I found out that I was pregnant I obviously told him first. He was excited, I was excited it was just all around joy. It was a huge surprise to his parents, when I told my mom I thought she was going to faint. She has been waiting so long to be a grandma it's crazy. His parents are already grandparents but they were still excited. This was my moms first grand baby so I could see how she was ecstatic.
By Chels6 years ago in Families
A Silent tragedy
There is a silent tragedy that is unfolding today in our homes, and concerns our most precious jewels: our children. Our children are in a devastating emotional state! In the last 15 years, researchers have given us increasingly alarming statistics on a sharp and steady increase in childhood mental illness that is now reaching epidemic proportions:
By Danika harnett 6 years ago in Families
An Open Letter to Teens
Dear Current and Future Generations: As you grow into adulthood you will be faced with a lot of temptation, challenges, sadness and even the occasional happy day. You will make and lose friends and be the source of frustration and joy for your parents every day. Trust me, I’ve been in your shoes and trying to find your way in today’s world will be difficult – much more so than it was when I was a kid.
By Tina6 years ago in Families
Reality TV Family
If you sat down next to me and asked me what family meant to me, would you want to hear me say that it’s all kittens and rainbows, love and being there for one another? People who always have your back? That would be nice to hear wouldn’t it? Too bad I’m not here to tell you any version like that. My family deserves to be a reality tv show with how fucked up we are. There’s room for everyone.
By Hannah Mchale6 years ago in Families
The Purest Love
I was at my summer student job, you know, one of those “I really need this job and please just let me have this” kind of work. It was hard, I won’t pretend it was an easy job, I had to pack chips and do hard labour, however the pay was good and the work consistent, I had a degree to pay for after all.
By Hannah Van Koughnett6 years ago in Families