Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Families.
Til It Happens to You
Unlike most people, I wasn't there when my mom took her last breathe. In fact, I don't even know when it exactly was. Because I didn't find her until 3 days later. Her death certificate says December 13. But it is actually 4 years ago today (December 10), that at some point, she wasn't here anymore. I wonder what I was doing. Where I was. What I was thinking. Whatever I was doing, I hoped it was that fucking important. That I wasn't there. For all the love that woman had in her heart for her family, it is disgusting she died alone. Not only alone, but that she actually thought she was better off gone.
By ashley sirianni6 years ago in Families
Becoming a Big Sister
Becoming a Big Sister I blame my parents for the misunderstanding. When they announced that they were pregnant with my little sister, they said, “We’re having a baby!” It was natural for me to assume that we all, myself included, were having a baby, and thus, the baby would be mine. I was overjoyed. A baby, for me? The next day, I went straight into my preschool to make the announcement: I was having a baby.
By Jada Smith6 years ago in Families
Toddler Teething Remedies
Growing teeth is hard, man. Sharp little pearls ripping through your gums sounds exactly as bad as it feels for our little babes. When your little one is teething it can cause all kinds of symptoms including fever, irritability, upset tummies, and swollen gums. And, unfortunately, you'll get bouts of teething on and off for the first 3 years or so. No one likes to see their children suffer, so I've compiled a simple little list of tips to help ease the pain and hopefully get you both some peace!
By Emma Conrad6 years ago in Families
Introducing: The Google Generation
A new twist on parenting Note the date. Today, I am coining a new phrase–Google Generation. This is not the same as “Generation Google” which attempts to categorize a generation of younger folks who are supposedly more adept at Google skills than their elders.*
By John Teehan6 years ago in Families
Everything I Ever Knew About Taking Care of Babies I Learned from My Pet Goat
It’s four in the morning and an angry, hungry bleating has awoken me. I look at the clock and realize that yes, it’s that time. I get up and blearily mix up some formula, put it in a clean bottle with a fresh nipple, make sure it’s the correct temperature, and head toward the sound of wailing hunger.
By John Teehan6 years ago in Families
Ramblings from the Soul
I had dinner the other night with a group of girlfriends who I met over 20 years ago. We all had sons in a Tiger Scout den and have been best of friends ever since. I am the youngest of us, but I started my family at the ripe old age of 19 while they waited until their 30s. The dinner conversation was mainly about dating. All of us are divorced, with the exception of one who is widowed. One of my friends even had a date prior to dinner and brought him into the restaurant to meet all of us before he went home. A year ago I would have been all up on this scene, but something warm and wonderful happened at the beginning of this year; I was gifted another granddaughter. I have two more granddaughters, ages 10 and 5. My oldest was born close by, but her parents were military and soon were stationed overseas. When the second baby was born, they lived out of state and have remained out of state. I guess I never got to fully experience the joy of really being involved as a grandmother until Quincy Rose came along. I was there all during her mama's pregnancy, and during the birth, and afterwards the two of them would come and spend the night once a week until my daughter went back to work. Now I babysit the little sugar plum nearly every Saturday. My other two granddaughters live just one state over now, so this year I've been able to visit them more than in the past and that has been wonderful too! There was a time not that long ago when I was concerned with finding a new partner, or obsessing over the current partner......I would say, “I’m not ready to settle into a rocker with knitting needles just yet!” After all, I just barely turned 55; I have a lot of life left to live! But sometimes things can shift without you even realizing what's happening. I used to get happy to get a text or phone call from my boyfriend. Now I text and ask if my grandbaby, who can't even talk yet, can FaceTime with me. If I don't see her for a week, it feels like a month. I used to look forward to date weekends with the boyfriend; now I look forward to surprising my granddaughters with a visit and seeing them run to me with hugs, smiles, and so much love! Or seeing Quincy Rose reach her hand out towards me while we are on FaceTime trying to touch my face as she likes to do. And I got to thinking: why is being a grandmother so much better than being a mom? All I can come up with is that when I was a mom, I had so much responsibility that having fun seemed to take a backseat. Now I get to have all the fun and not so much responsibility. I've learned not to take for granted those hugs, smiles, and moments staring into my granddaughters’ eyes. I'm not resisting being a grandmother anymore, I am falling gently in love with it. I'm spending more time with my own grandmother, who is a very active 93 years old, grateful that she is still with me and still healthy and active. There is something special about this generational coming of mothers and daughters. So special, in fact, that for Christmas I bought yarn, crochet hooks, and a book to teach my oldest granddaughter how to crochet. The rocking chair will have to wait though, not quite ready for that!
By Rev. Rachelle Daniels6 years ago in Families
Best Questions to Ask When Touring a Child Care Center
Hi there and welcome. With a lot of families considering care for the start of next year, most have begun the process of looking for a childcare center for your child/children. As an Early Childcare Educator I love writing about this topic because looking for a childcare center is an incredibly daunting topic (How do you choose just one when there are SO many available?). In this market where there generally are at least 3 childcare centers in your suburb, what should you consider asking the director to help you make your choice? These 5 questions may provide some guidance into how the center operates (beyond location, hours and age groups):
By Morgan Kearney6 years ago in Families
Book I Wrote
I use my book cover not to get more sales but quite the contrary. I am writing to discuss how parents can really affect their child's happiness and how mine affected my life. I knew my sexuality was different at an early age but had no one to talk to about it. I couldn't discuss it with someone who was gay because in the 1970's everyone was still in the closet and to come out as gay meant you were sent to gay conversion therapy.
By Lawrence Edward Hinchee6 years ago in Families
Moving Your Family out of State
Moving is a big decision. Deciding to move out of state is an even bigger decision. Deciding to move out of state with a family tops even that. Whether you’re starting a new job or just looking for a change of environment, an out of state move can end up being an intense process. You’ll want to ensure that you’ve properly prepared everything you’ll need before you start your journey. Here are some tips to ensure your family move goes smoothly for everyone involved.
By Cristian Garcia6 years ago in Families
Best Advice for New Mums
Let me tell you a little secret: When I was given this assignment title I did cringe a little. As a new mum, I really wanted help and advice when I asked for it, but I was inundated with unsolicited advice and opinions from EVERYONE and anyone that had a kid.
By Samantha Bentley6 years ago in Families
'Holiday Rush'
When successful local DJ, Rush Williams (Romany Malco), wakes up two weeks before Christmas, he is a happy man. He receives a text from his young twin daughters, Evie and Gabby (Andrea-Marie and Selena-Marie Alphonse) asking for mini horses for Christmas. Real ones. His middle daughter, Mya (Deysha Nelson) is forced to give him a written list after her sisters hide her phone and the eldest, son Jamal (Amarr M. Wooten), has dreams of getting into Harvard.
By Q-ell Betton6 years ago in Families
