Latest Stories

Most recently published stories in Families.

Are Children Racist?
There are two types of parents in this day and age. The first type claims their children are color blind and have never noticed anything like race. Then there is the other type of parent that grills their child on how not to be a raging racist because the child has mentioned something about an individuals skin color in a somewhat negative way. Both of these approaches are wrong.
By John Doe7 years ago in Families
My Sister Janna's Last Words
When you’re young, things that’ve happened just don’t seem to click. Even catastrophic things, like death. Maybe it does click for some kids, but most of them just process a sudden tragedy, they may ask questions, and they may express sadness, and then they move on.
By Kira Zimney7 years ago in Families
Being a Mom
I am a single mother because my daughter's father passed away before I knew I was even pregnant. I will have to explain to her that her father chose to drink and drive and it cost him his life.
By Amanda Vadeboncoeur7 years ago in Families
Effective Strategies for Behavioral Interventions in Defiant Children
Behavioral interventions for children go far beyond changing poor behavior. The development of the theory of behavior modification completely altered the way people of the time thought about children’s motivation to behave. Studies on behavior modification began with behaviorist experts B.F. Skinner and Ivan Pavlov. Regardless of their methods of research, they were able to develop techniques that behavior strategists still use today, decades later. Jay Belsky, a psychology professor, asserts, “We now have a better idea why rewards work better than punishment with pre-adolescent children.”
By StephanieCristi7 years ago in Families
Newborn Mamas...
The one thing all mom's-to-be hear is "get ready to never sleep again!" or "catch up on your sleep now, because after the baby is born you won't get any!" plus many other variations of! I am here to tell you that it is only a partial truth!
By Tabbitha Ingram7 years ago in Families
Grieving with a Step-parent's Death
58 days ago, 2:08 PM, I was given the news that I had lost my step mom. It’s hard to process something like that when just hours earlier you were leaving for school and everything seemed normal.
By Madeline’s Cooking7 years ago in Families
Why More Dads Should Take a Longer Paternity Leave
Any parent knows how exhausting and demanding taking care of a newborn is, and some have to face it all alone. Both moms and dads try to do everything they can to prepare, but there may be more for those who are wondering about parental leave and whether both parents will take it. For those in relationships and/or married, there are plenty of beneficial reasons why both partners should take some time off work (especially you dads!), and tips for those dads who are wondering how to do so.
By Kara Riggleman7 years ago in Families
Stepparenting for Beginners
Being a stepparent is the most difficult part of my marriage. I've known my husband since we were young children and we get along perfectly—well, most of the time. We communicate when something bothers us and we compromise with each other. And even before we were officially dating, I knew his son was always going to be part of him. His son is five now and officially being "stepmom" has come with more hurdles than I ever thought there would be. Hopefully these tips will help with some of your own hurdles.
By Hali Moore7 years ago in Families
Full Time Moms who Work Full Time
Do you ever get so confused as to why people get so upset when they meet a woman who is not only a single parent, but also works full-time hours???
By Elizabeth Fitz-Gerald7 years ago in Families
Preparing for Parenting
Becoming a parent is a HUGE step. Everyone talks about how hard it can be to care for a little one and how expensive it can be, but there’s so much to know within that. Take it from me, I got pregnant unexpectedly at the age 15, and had my son at the age of 16. I wish I knew then what I know now. And no one is ever READY READY to become a parent, but there are things to think about to give you an idea on how it is like.
By Alyssa Baur7 years ago in Families
How to Raise Kids Who Love to Read
I don't think I need to go into detail about how important reading is to developing children. The research is out there in heaps. For starters, fostering a love of reading creates strong critical thinking skills, better concentration, and can really give them confidence in school.
By Amy Jourdan7 years ago in Families
More Than You Can Handle
My perfect creation. Let me start off by saying I am truly blessed to have the chance to raise two perfect babies. Ok this question is for all the women. Have you ever wanted something so bad you tried for years to get it? Well I did. I tried for four years to have a baby. I was told by my family and others I wasn't able to have kids. Any mom or women who plan to become a mom knows how devastating tis news can be. For me it was soul crushing I've always dreamed of having the perfect all American family. The white picket fence and the dog in the yes with a boy and a girl running around playing catch with their dad. So you can only imagine after trying for so long when I became pregnant how happy I was. The happiness was short lived though. Soon after finding out I had conceived I lost the baby. This happened three more times. So when my fifth pregnancy came you can only assume that I wasn't even the slightest but excited. During the first few months I didn't tell the family or friends in fear that it would all be a disappointment in the end. I almost lost the baby twice during the pregnancy. Little did I know yet that I was having twins. At the first scare of false miscarriage I found out it was pregnant with twins. I looked at the doctor and laughed. I really thought he was joking. He then showed me the monitor. I was so happy words couldn't describe. I was scared, excited, and in disbelief. I had a wave of emotions come over me. From sadness to hurt I felt it all. I went through so much durning the pregnancy. I was never able to hold down food I never got bigger then someone carrying just one baby I was in constant pain and would faint all the time. When the day came to find out the sex I had their dad on the phone and my best friend beside me only they were allowed to know the sex and they were to hide it from me. The day I found out what I was having was so great. I'm not going to lie I wanted it to both boys. Instead I got even luckier I found out I was having a boy and a girl the best of both worlds. The only problem was I had always planned on having a boy first and a girl later I wanted a little boy to grow up to protect and defend his sister someone she could look up to. When the day came to have them it was scary and wonderful all at the same time the prepped me for the c section and got me in the room a short hour later the we're here. First came my precious son and then my beautiful daughter. I got exactly what I asked for, a boy then a girl. Maybe not in the way I wanted but I wouldn't dare change it for the world. I'm not going lie the first month was hard but with their father's help love and support we are getting it done. I'm learning new things everyday. As each day passes my love for them grows more deeply. I have to day it's the most amazing feeling in the world. I wanted to share my story to let people know that anything is possible. Just keep your heard up and keep moving forward. To never give up and always keep hope. I'm living proof that it can happen.
By Brittniey7 years ago in Families