Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Families.
An Open Letter to My Kids
To my babies: I never was ready to be a mom! I never thought I had it in me to take care of you. But I do! I love each and every one of you from the bottom of my heart. So much that some days my heart could burst if it were allowed. The three times that I endeared the joys of giving birth to you all left me speechless and filled with tears the moment I looked at each of your little eyes. I did that and was a part of creating you.
By Salina Lehn7 years ago in Families
A Letter to My Parents
I don't know what I would do without the love you have both showered me with throughout the years. You have been understanding, firm, sensitive, and supportive from the very beginning, always pushing me towards my dreams. I am lucky. I have been provided with such wonderful opportunities and you've given me such a pleasant childhood to recollect. You have both been role models for all four of us children and it is because of you that we are all on such amazing paths in life. I know this may seem cliché, but I consider you both to be two of my closest friends due to the fact that I can tell you anything and everything.
By Hannah Taylor7 years ago in Families
Why Don’t We Talk About Those Who Have Passed?
When you saw this title you probably thought “Huh, that’s a morbid topic.” Yes, I would agree it’s not the most “sunshine and rainbows” topic, however, it’s something I believe is worth thinking about. So no, I’m not one to be thinking of death often but losing my grandma in February is what sparked my thoughts on this topic.
By Christina Russo7 years ago in Families
My Father
When I think of my father, there's only one thing that comes to mind: The Cubs. That's something he can talk about for hours on end. His entire living room is decorated in Cubs merchandise, most of his clothes have the Cubs logo on it, and every Christmas he will undoubtedly receive something that has anything to do with the infamous team. I remember one night, when I was maybe seven years old, the Cubs won an important game and my dad was ecstatic. He took the Cubs flag that he has hanging on his living room wall and began swaying it side to side while singing "Go Cubs Go". I had never seen such pride in his eyes. The sheer joy that he had for his team at that moment was unforgettable. Unfortunately, I do not share his passion for The Cubs because I do not care about sports in the slightest. Starting in fourth grade, I found my life path through music and teaching instead of ball throwing and dirty gym socks. However, sometimes I wish I could find it in myself to love The Cubs just as much as he does. I always wonder how different our relationship might be if I shared that interest with him since it is so prominent in his life.
By Regina Knots7 years ago in Families
Motherhood: The Ups, the Downs, and Everything in Between (Part 1)
Have a baby they said, it’ll be fun they said. Don’t get me wrong, there are so many times I find myself smiling and having the best time of my life but my story isn’t only going to tell you about the ups of being a mom because there are downs too!
By Danika Toralbo7 years ago in Families
I’ve Just Learned That My Father Is a Narcissist, and I’m Angry!
I’ve just discovered that my father is a narcissist, and I still can’t believe it. My father is in his late 90s, but don’t let that fool you. This is not some doddery old man who doesn’t know what day of the week it is. In fact, my father is kind of a miracle man, inasmuch as he’ll be getting his telegram from the Queen in just a couple of years, but he’s still the fittest person I know. He swims every day of the year, regardless how cold or wet it may be, and many days during winter he’s the only person out there in the icy cold water. After his swim, he gets on his stationary bike and pedals away for 30 minutes, then finishes off with some stretching exercises. He plays golf on a regular basis and can hold his own with golfers 20 and 30 years younger than himself. He doesn’t need to wear glasses, he certainly doesn’t need a hearing aid, and he even has all his own teeth! He lives in his own home, mows his own lawns and tends to his garden himself. Every day he gets into his car and takes himself shopping and out for lunch. And, to top it all off, he is an excellent cook and is perfectly capable of taking care of his home. Yes, I sound proud of him, and in a way, I am.
By Mari-Louise Speirs7 years ago in Families
Attachment Theory
Attachment Theory There is a social-emotional relationship developed between the child and the parent, usually the mother, because preattachment develops during prenatal and soon after birth. Attachment theory has played an important role as a framework for exploring and explaining parent-child relationships and the impact of early relationships on child and adult development (Palm, 2014). There are multiple types of attachment theories. Parenting styles are big influences on attachment. Babies develop a set of forecasts about parents' opportunities and openness, both generally and in times of stress. The result shows the importance of early attachment and the development of inner working models and how those become a state of mind in adulthood (Palm, 2014).
By Corinne Poole7 years ago in Families
When the "Deadbeat Dad," Really Isn't
It’s one of the saddest tales on Earth; a father who doesn’t care about or support their children emotionally or financially. The fathers want nothing to do with the children and move on with their lives without a care in the world. But what happens if the father wants to be there for his children, pays support, and does everything in his power possible to be there, yet because the father and mother are no longer together, the mother becomes bitter and dubs the father a “deadbeat dad?” This is becoming a trend that is spreading all over.
By Crystal Nicole7 years ago in Families
Teen Mom
A challenge that I have faced in my life was being pregnant as a teenager. This meant that I fell under the stereotype of teen pregnancy which portrayed financial and emotional struggle, lack of education, and irresponsible parenting. This stereotype is painted by the image people choose to believe about teenage parents but does not portray what all teen parents look like. Many people would pity me as I walked through the halls in high school, thinking that my life was over. Little did they know, becoming pregnant as a teenager was the best challenge I have ever been faced with.
By Brittany Meier7 years ago in Families
Breastfeeding
So you're about to have a baby. CONGRATULATIONS!!!! Time to make some decisions! Picking names, decorating the nursery, buying clothes, furniture, toys, and car seats. You will carefully weigh each decision you have to make because you only want the best for your new bundle of joy. You also need to decide how you will be feeding your baby. The decision on how to feed that baby is up to you. Breastfeeding or formula?
By Amanda Vadeboncoeur7 years ago in Families
Top 5 Baby Items Used During Micro Preemie's First Year
My daughter was born at 25 weeks gestation. That is 15 weeks early! I'd been around preemie's before, but never any that early. I had many baby items at my disposal, but some were my favorites. They were used over and over again. I wanted to share what the items are so mom's with new babies, both premature and term, will be able to use them.
By Sarita Day7 years ago in Families
