Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Families.
Traveling Teenagers
I was a teacher's aide and I went to the zoo with kindergartners and 3rd graders and they each had a different perspective. The 5 year olds saw it as new and exciting because after all, animals are interesting and fun as far as they know. The 8 year olds wanted to learn all about the animals, they read the signs and showed concern about the environment and how it effects the animals. They also were aware of the risks associated with working with wild animals. I bring this up because a few short years change perspectives.
By Lisa Sollman7 years ago in Families
Teenage Pregnancy
Five months had passed, and in this time my academic focus was at an all-time high. I was successfully balancing the juggling act which is life after so many years of failing to do so. I had found my goal; my aspirations had become clear. I knew where I wanted to be... but all at the same time there was a hidden truth, one that had been smothered to the bottom of my thoughts, yet also so very apparent.
By [email protected]7 years ago in Families
Sometimes Life Throws Grenades
Sometimes instead of lemons, life throws grenades. Miscarriage is never pretty. A miscarriage, for all intents, is losing a baby that never was. Most are lost before 12 weeks, with most happening between 4 and 6 weeks. Life is more than a miracle than people realize with so many miscarriages being missed as the woman never realized she was pregnant. I have been through three. I can tell you that it is not a lemon life throws at you, it is a grenade. It shatters you in ways you didn't know you could shatter. It is not JUST the loss of an embryo, it is the loss of your child. It is all of the Christmases, and Halloweens, and every single milestone that that child will never reach. The first word, first steps and high school graduations are all taken from you in an instant.
By Michelle Shaver7 years ago in Families
Jessica
Goodnight, Jessica. Jessica has a routine before she goes to sleep at night. She puts on her pajamas, she brushes her teeth, and she gives kisses. The routine is the same as any other seven-year-old's who are going to bed. She also has a routine after going to bed.
By Nicole Cormier7 years ago in Families
Adopting Siblings
Whoa. You just got that call. A case worker has asked you to take in three kids, siblings. You don’t know that you can. I mean, you family will grow by three. Your SUV has a third-row seat, which means you could take them, or lose the space you hardly use. There will have to be bedroom sharing, but you never wanted your own kids to give up their space. Especially to some kids, that you know literally nothing about. Your monthly bills will go up, maybe by a couple dollars, or even a hundred. Can you really afford it?
By Heidi White7 years ago in Families
An Introduction to Bri
Hey there strangers! Well, I probably know most of you because you probably opened up my Facebook link to this article, but I’m sure there are a few new readers in the crowd! Before I dive in, I just want to say thank you for taking time to read this, it means a lot! Okay, so let’s get on with it.
By Brianna Westover7 years ago in Families
Raising Tiny Humans Is Exhausting
Let me just start by saying "Whoever said ALL moms are superheroes!" lied. For those that say that they "Would love to be a stay at home mom," please stop, just STOP! Before I met my husband 4 years ago, I was already a mommy of two kids trying to be the best mom I could be. I worked my butt off to give my kids everything they needed and wanted. When I met my husband, one thing he always said to me was that he wanted me to "spend more time with the kids." At the time I seriously thought it was the best idea to come to mind. But, oh boy was I wrong!
By Alejandra Alam7 years ago in Families
Searching for Hope
My mind goes back to that first question. Why am I here and why now? I try to pinpoint when it all started. I remember August 2, 2017 because that was the day my youngest child was born. I remember getting to the hospital at 5AM and getting prepped for the C-Section. I had one with my first so there was no question; for the safety of everyone, a C-Section would have to be done. I laid in the hospital bed for just over an hour while they pumped some fluids in me. I have never been good at staying hydrated so it was a good thing this was a standard procedure when it came to C-Section patients. I played my favorite radio station to keep me calm while the surgery was happening. Just the thought of someone cutting me open freaked me out.
By Janice Page7 years ago in Families
The Fussy Baby
We’ve all been there... Look, I know what you’re thinking. An article about a whiny baby. But I can assure you there are more mothers out there who can relate to this more than you know. A lot of moms out there are scared to talk about their fussy baby. They feel like they're the only ones who are going through this. But that is not the case. There are so many moms who are going through the same exact situation as you or me. There are groups of women supporting each other in their day to day struggles. Don’t feel alone, or like you have no one to talk to. I promise you that there are thousands of mothers out there you could relate to.
By Billie Mullins7 years ago in Families
Young Mother
Everyone knows that it is more common than not in this era for young girls to be pregnant. Most parents either go with the flow or they completely freak out on their child. My mother was the one to go with it while my dad was the one to freak out. I wasn't ever planning on being a young mother, but I knew what I was doing. Being 17 years old and finding this out was a complete shock to me, but I knew it was a possibility. Let's get this story going shall we?
By Bethany Taylor7 years ago in Families
'GoT' Ironies
Frustrated is the word that pops in my head when I think about living hand over fist. I could say we’ve all been there but that isn’t exactly the truth. Most people in this world will never understand what it means to live this way. And while many are living this way, there is still someone out there miles away or minutes away that have it worse.
By LaLa Magnoliagyrl7 years ago in Families
