Latest Stories

Most recently published stories in Families.

The Many Forms of Unconditional Love
What is unconditional love? Webster’s New World Dictionary defines unconditional as without conditions or reservations; absolute. Most of us will admit we hope to find someone to love and who will love us back without conditions or reservations for the rest of our life. Usually, we are referring to a spouse or a significant life partner. We want the “happily ever after story.” As much as we hope and look for unconditional love, it is very hard to find. Yet the difficulty does not deter us from the quest. The search for unconditional love is so powerful that Valentine’s Day, has become one of the priciest holidays in the US. Those in love or seeking love are set to spend $20.7 billion this year for Valentine’s Day, says the National Retail Federation, beating the 2016 record of $19.7 billion.
By Frank Zaccari7 years ago in Families
When I Realized I Don't Want Children
There comes a time for every woman to question what they want in life, whether it be a career, family, finances, etc.—that ever nagging feeling of questioning one's life choices. Some women want big families and a big house, a nice car, maybe a dog and a cat while others vie for the simpler things in life, a nice apartment, well-paying job, a spouse, a pet to keep them company and offer companionship. It’s human nature to vie for things like this, to make a person feel whole.
By Christina Scanlon7 years ago in Families
The Daughter of a Dying, Alcoholic Mother
Last summer, I asked my mum why she was so horrible. “Because the more people hate me, the easier it will be for them when I’m dead.” That was her reply.
By Katkit7 years ago in Families
Young & Pregnant
Sweet 17, only it’s not so sweet. More bitter than I thought. Getting this kind of news can make your mind wander miles away. What will I do? Everyone will think of me differently. No longer innocent, more like a fuck up who’ll end up living off welfare. My Boyfriend and I met at school. He sat next to me in drivers ed. Black hair with brown eyes that hold desert sands. He’s 19 with a car, so we feel like we got it together. Only we don’t. We’re dumb. I tell him it’s positive, but the outcome feels negative. Is it a boy or a girl? But does it matter? Should I keep it? The stress is killing me. Only it’s not. I see love. Everyone else sees failure. I’ve decided, now ready for the days to come, finding out I’m 10 weeks already, so there’s no turning back. He tells me it’ll be OK. I’m young and pregnant. Only I’m 17, not 16. So not so stereotypical.
By Donna Rae7 years ago in Families
Postpartum Depression
Let’s talk POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION. I know what you’re thinking. It’s taboo. It’s bad. No one should talk about it. Those women are crazy. But the truth is that we need to. Not everyone goes through this in its worst form. But, everyone goes though the crazy hormones of being a new mom. Whether you’re crying because you’ve been up all night, or you’re crying because you haven’t shaved your legs in a week, YOU’RE NOT ALONE. If you’re feeling a little insecure, or a lot insecure, YOU’RE NOT ALONE. If you have laundry up to your eyeballs, or your Diaper Genie won’t even shut because it’s so full, YOU’RE NOT ALONE. As a single mom living in a house with a roommate (best friend), and also works 50+ hours a week, all over the sunny state of Florida life can be CRAZY. Everyone has a postpartum story. Here’s mine...
By Jordan Lawrence7 years ago in Families
Marriage Expectation: Children
Before you start reading, this entry comes from a wife who is not yet a mother or even pregnant. This is coming from a girl who hasn't always wanted to be a mother, but is really thinking about it. This is also coming from a woman who is being pressured by not only her family, but society and social media.
By hailey clark7 years ago in Families
The 10 Best Books for New Parents to Read
When it comes time for your first child to enter the world, you're going to feel unprepared. It's simultaneously one of the most rewarding and difficult experiences of your life, and you want to be as prepared as possible. From sleep deprivation to diaper rash, learning milestones to first laugh, this will be an exciting but challenging time.
By Nicola P. Young7 years ago in Families
3 Tips for Co-Parenting After a Divorce
It’s tricky. Is co-parenting together after a divorce is as daunting and frustrating as it sounds? It’s true that your schedule now depends on the flexibility of someone else’s and that you need to be cautious to make this experience as fluid and easy for your child as you can. Sounds awful, doesn’t it? Well, it doesn’t have to be.
By Amanda Lin7 years ago in Families
Single Parent (Pt. 1)
My own personal story begins when my daughter moved out of our place to start her life. And my story begins when I found out I was pregnant with her 21 years ago. You see, with her starting her own life, I'm left with the empty nest syndrome. I'm left with a lot of time to review my life. I was a single parent for her whole life. Her father left when I was pregnant and I never got together with anyone else.
By Nicole Cormier7 years ago in Families
5 Life Changing Moments in a Grandmother's Journey with CDH
I remember the day my daughter, son in law, and two-year-old granddaughter walked into my work with the news. I will never forget it. I had no idea what was in store or the significance of the diagnosis being shared with me. My unborn granddaughter was diagnosed with CDH.
By Sherrie Pogue7 years ago in Families
A Stormi Day: Why Kylie—And The Kardashian-Jenners—Should Tone Things Down
Like many, I generally could care less about what the #Kardashian clan or the Jenners are up to. While I do applaud the fact that they seem to work hard and are apparently quite altruistic, the entire family generally grates on my nerves.
By Christina St-Jean7 years ago in Families
It's Cancer But...
There's something that changes in you when you lose a parent. It doesn't matter if you're 13, 36 or 65. That person who cared and loved you unconditionally is gone. It leaves behind a huge hole.
By Sian Rodgers7 years ago in Families