Latest Stories

Most recently published stories in Families.

Cancer Does Not Come Softly
My son has cancer. I've been slowly writing a small amount, thoughts that cannot be contained, emotions that spill out like acid reflux. There isn't really a gaviscon for the emotion cancer brings. Maybe writing will help.
By Kiera Moran7 years ago in Families
Pregnancy, and Being High Risk Pt. 1
I know pregnancy is different for every woman, but I hope my story can maybe help someone out there who's been through something similar, and doesn't know how to deal with it, or if they feel they can't reach out to anyone.
By Sofia Maria7 years ago in Families
15 Tips for Going Out with Multiple Kids
Going out with one child often feels like you are preparing for a polar expedition, going out with multiple children is stressful, and going out on a date with children means you will have to gather all your courage and resources. The mere thought of loading the children into the car, or getting them onto the train, or coach can make you feel drained before you even set foot out of the door, but with a little preparation going out with kids can be a fun and relaxing experience for you too. Here are fifteen tips for going out with multiple kids that should make it much less stressful.
By Clare Scanlan7 years ago in Families
The Apartment
On a warm autumn evening, I perched atop the highest branch of my favorite apricot tree, watching the sun fall below the mountain peaks. The sky was a delicate pink. The beauty of rural Utah awed my young mind. I was in a euphoric daze until I heard my name called from the house, it was my mother inviting me back inside for Family Home Evening. I hesitantly climbed down from my tree and slowly made my way across the rocky field we considered our backyard. I dragged each foot deep into the dirt hoping the ground might sense my need and swallow me whole. I opened the door and heard a cringe-worthy off-tune rendition of, “I am Child of God.” My family sat down together in the living room of our cramped two bedroom apartment attached to my grandparents’ house, all eight of us.
By Mikaela Call7 years ago in Families
6 Effects of Aerated Drinks on Kids' Teeth
As conscious parents, understanding the effects of your child's food habits is very important. As children, the bright colors, the attractive ads, and of course the freebie toys always attract them to the ‘not so healthy’ sections of the supermarket. While a treat once in a while may not necessarily be bad, consuming such food and drinks regularly will have a severe effect on their overall health.
By Ross Geller7 years ago in Families
How to Be a Better Parent to Your Introverted Child
Raising an introverted kid can be perplexing to extroverted parents, who cannot understand totally their bairn, his quietness, alienation, and difference to them. Nowadays, in a society geared towards extroversion a lot of perceived success is based on self-promotion, exhibiting yourself and your skills. Introverted people sometimes can't cope with such pressure. They are not just ‘shy’ as inexperienced parents may claim, they simply think and express themselves differently. Such children have their own strengths and abilities that need to be nurtured and developed. This is a challenge for parents that they must pass with honor and dignity in order to make their child happy, prepare him to social scrutiny and adapt it to the world of completely different people.
By Tata Nech7 years ago in Families
Psychopath at Work
I saw it too. I saw him walk with his head held high, across the field heading for the bleachers, three curly haired children in tow. I saw him stand cheering as his boy collided in the dirt, tumbled and twisted around teammates.
By narcissistic whisperer, Andrea B. Wainer7 years ago in Families
How to Help Your Kids with the Many Turns of Life
Growing up can be a very hard thing to do. Your kids will need your help during many different and challenging times in their life. Knowing that your parents are there for you can be a big boost that will build a child’s confidence and raise their chances of success. Once you learn how to help your kids with the many turns of life, it will be easier to feel like an all-star parent.
By Kevin7 years ago in Families
Mom: New Body and Wellness
In my early 20s, it popped up in my mind that I've always wanted to be a mom. All I know about raising kids is to take them to fun activities, and how to change their diapers. I had no idea about how difficult it can be to adapt to body and wellness changes as a new mom. Once I became a mom, I learned a lot, and I'm still learning today. I enjoy being a mom, in good and bad moments, with my own children. Also, I struggle to adapt to my new body and lifestyle. So I'll talk about how it's affecting my self-esteem.
By KaSandra Madrigal7 years ago in Families
Fostering Socialization in Young Children
Sometimes there are tears, sometimes just plain stubbornness, but in either case, we are talking about a child who has still not developed social skills.
By Isla Wright7 years ago in Families
How to Take a Break from Life as a Family
When was the last time you took a break from the business of everyday family life? Sometimes taking a break from life as a family just means going on a family trip, so you can relax with one another instead of stressing all the time. Sometimes, taking a break means going solo.
By Kevin7 years ago in Families
You’ll Never Understand My Love for You, Little Boy
I knew parenting was going to be hard, but never in my life did I imagine I’d be doing it entirely alone. And never in my life did I imagine JUST how hard it would be, day in and day out. From the early morning when my son wants to hang out at four AM, and watch cartoons, to the late nights that he just can’t seem to fall asleep. It’s exhausting. From the coughs, bug bites and scrapes from him being well... a boy, I never knew how much I’d worry about another being. From the doctors appointments, days he seems to wake up on the wrong side of the bed, unsolicited parenting advice and not being able to do anything as I pleased, like I did before having a child. It’s literally mentally and physically draining. Attempting to manage my time effectively has been nearly impossible, so finishing school work on time, and working full time has been a struggle–to say the least. And don’t get me started on terrible two’s, and how accurate that is... some days I definitely want to call off work, take my baby to his sitter and just sleep and cry. But I get done what needs to get done, breaking down isn’t an option.
By Mar Ta7 years ago in Families