Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Families.
Love, Hugs, and Last Chances
When I lost my 14-year-old son to a tragic accident, I was plunged into a world of utter darkness. The light had gone out in my world. Everything moved in slow motion, and I would only hear the sounding of my heart trying to stop beating. The pain was so unbearable, I thought for sure I would not live until morning.
By Pattie Warner-lee6 years ago in Families
Seven Ways to Teach Children More About the Environment
It is essential to teach children about the environment, so that they will want to protect it from the dangers of pollution that harm the air, soil and water. Parents and teachers can help children to learn more about the environment in a variety of ways.
By Mikkie Mills6 years ago in Families
Hide-And-Seek
Paige was our youngest daughter. Youngest of three, in fact. Julie and Michelle were in their early 20s and in college, starting at life. Kenan would be so proud. He used to say, “Thank the Lord for my beautiful black girls.” We buried him on Julie’s 21st birthday. The honor guard sounded their rifles, each shot shaking my insides. Then, they took the neatly-folded flag in white gloves and walked uniformly to me, and handed me the fabric for which Kenan had fought and died. And it was everything I could do, not to crumble. I had to be strong for my daughters.
By David McKelly6 years ago in Families
3 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Starting a Family
Am I Ready to Start a Family? There are some things in life that take major planning, and starting a family falls into this category. The number one concern that most people have when talking about this subject matter is money. Do they make enough money to support a family? I am sure that everyone knows that it is expensive to have children. The next thing would be the time management that is required to have a work-life balance in this economy. A child or children will need to feel secure and confident that their needs are going to be taken care of; this is a part of the equation. Let your mind take flight with the simple question being, are you ready to start a family? These are simple yes and no questions that you can answer.
By Mikkie Mills6 years ago in Families
What to Do When Your Child's Pet Dies
“Our dog Chloe was really old for a dog, and couldn’t do that much stuff anymore. She couldn’t see or hear, so someone came to our house and put her to sleep. I felt really, really sad, because she was a good, behaving dog. I started crying. The whole family was sad because they loved her. I still miss her,” says nine-year-old Audrey Jones. There’s no doubt having a pet is a special part of childhood. Pets bring joy and fun to a household. So how do you handle it when that pet dies?
By Kerrie McLoughlin6 years ago in Families
Stocking Up On Meals Before (and After) Baby’s Arrival
Let’s get real here. Once your baby arrives, you won’t have time for basic hygiene, let alone cooking. Babies are on their own time schedule, which means when you’re ready to prepare a fabulous five-course meal, your crying bundle of joy is ready to be held nonstop. And who wants to spend Baby’s future college fund on take-out? Besides, the goal is to lose the baby weight, not to pack on more pounds eating pizza day and night just because it’s a quick fix.
By Kerrie McLoughlin6 years ago in Families
When My Mom Broke Scrabble
I had no social life in college. My hard-working immigrant parents couldn’t afford my college tuition, so I bartended at a TGI Fridays full time, leaving me with no energy and no time to go to parties and do keg stands. When I wasn’t working, I’d come home from school, catch up on my studying and then set up the Scrabble board on the kitchen counter. My playing partner was Jacqueline, a cousin who lived only two houses away because Cubans have a tendency to stick together, regardless of the country. Jacqueline was only thirteen years old but mature for her age, so much so that I'd often forget she was still a budding teenager. I would talk to her about school, bartending, boys, everything. She would sit and listen to me and offer me feedback.
By Yvonne Castaneda6 years ago in Families
6 Ways to Give Back to the Community as a Family This Winter
Although serving your community all year around is very important, it is especially important during the winter months, when temperatures are very cold and frigid in most areas. Getting the whole family involved in helping the community is not only a great way to make an impact on the environment around you, but is also a great way to teach kids about those less fortunate and how to give back. Below are a few simple ways to help serve the community as a family, especially during the winter months.
By Damien Justus6 years ago in Families
Guide to Choosing a Mattress for Children's Health
It's not a secret anymore that you need a quality mattress to power through your day without any tiredness or heaviness in the body and mind. When you feel your body is giving up due to ache and discomfort, the first thing that you need to check is the condition of your mattress. A damaged or old bed can fail to relax your body. The same thing can happen with your kid if his or her mattress is not proper. A kid can be healthy and active only when he or she gets sound sleep. And as you are aware, the choice of a surface on which your kid sleeps can play a substantial role in this.
By Silvia Watson6 years ago in Families
