Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Families.
A Beautiful Ride for Motherhood
*As this is my first time ever blogging, please excuse any awkwardness.* I did not know what was to come from such an exciting result. I took the at-home pregnancy test in the morning as soon as I woke up. I went to the bathroom, sat down, and urinated on the stick just as the package directed, OH SO VERY CAREFULLY put the cap on and set it in the flattened wrapper on the bathroom counter, finished my business and washed my hands while continuously watching the result window trying to contain the anticipation and excitement. As I came back to bed, I was trying to hide my smile. I handed my fiancé the test and he asked me what it said. Of course, I did not say anything to give it away but I knew he could tell. I waited to see his reaction as he pulled out our first positive pregnancy test. Not even a month prior I had a blood test due to a late period that my doctor said was negative. I had a feeling that she was wrong and that the bleeding was not menstrual related. We could not be more thrilled until...
By Tyler Black8 years ago in Families
What the Loss of a Loved One Taught Me
Death has always been a tough subject, and we all fear that day when we lose a loved one. That day came to me six years ago, when I got the call that my best friend had died in a car crash the night before. I was devastated, but through this experience, I was able to learn some very important life lessons. These lessons, though difficult, helped shape me into the person that I am today.
By Amanda Batson8 years ago in Families
What If..
Everyone has their own story, with a different beginning, middle, and end. As you grow up, you picture how your life will be ten or fifteen years down the road. Then as those ten or fifteen years creep up, a realization sets in. Life never ends up how you pictured it. There are so many different paths and hidden doors that lead you to a new destiny with every decision you make. It's true, what they say—every choice creates a ripple.
By Randi Dubé8 years ago in Families
It's Alright Mama
"You're so lucky that you get to stay home with your kids all day." "It must be nice not having to work." "I wish I could sit around all day." The many comments women hear when they decide to become stay-at-home moms. It truly can be a blessing to be a SAHM. You get to be there for every moment of your child's life. From the first smile to the first steps, there is a lot to be missed if you're not with your little ones all day. Being a SAHM isn't the luxurious lazy life that a lot of people dream of, however. It can be incredibly stressful to be in this self-imposed isolation, especially for first-time moms and women who are used to working or going out often. Some women are SAHMs out of necessity. With daycare costs becoming increasingly pricey, many families choose to have a stay-at-home parent in an effort to save money. People who assume that SAHMs are lazy clearly do not understand the financial toll this has on a family that previously had two incomes and the physical, emotional, and mental toll this role can have on a mother.
By Erin Torres8 years ago in Families
Separation Anxiety in Young Children
In recent months, many citizens of the United States have voiced concern for the implementation of the immigration policy and the effects that the policy has on the children involved. Since April, it is estimated 2,300 children of illegal immigrants have been displaced and placed in custody. These children are fearful and have been traumatized by the experience. They have been uprooted from the safety and security that they have known. The immigration policy or no tolerance policy can possibly have a long-term effect on these young children.
By Clara Harrison8 years ago in Families
Our Journey
My husband and I met when we were in high school. I was 15 (although he's convinced that I was 16) and he was 17. We started out like any other normal couple in high school. Awkward hand holding, clumsy kisses, the whole nine yards. Things got pretty serious, almost too fast, and we were suddenly in a more adult relationship than most 25+ adults are in nowadays. But we weren't nearly old enough to handle such a relationship. Eventually, the pressures of an adult relationship caused us to make some very adult decisions about intimacy.
By Jessye Gould8 years ago in Families
The Adoption Process
Love is simply not enough when it comes to adopting a child. No matter how much you love children, love is just one of the many components involved in the adoption process. As a former caseworker, I have listened to adoptive parents describe the amount of love they will give their adoptive child. It is during the interview process that I help prospective adoptive parents realize that love will not be enough for an adopted child, no matter how heartfelt and sincere they are.
By Clara Harrison8 years ago in Families
My Life as a Carer
A few years ago my life changed completely. My husband and I thought we had all we needed. We were happy and content, looking forward to the future. We hadn’t been married long so we were still full of all the hopes and dreams for the future.
By Chelsea Johnson8 years ago in Families
What Autism Has Taught Me
Parenting is hard. There's no getting around that. There's the cooking, cleaning, appointments, acting as a referee if you have multiple children, attitudes, and so much more. My favorite part of the day is when the whole house is asleep. I have time to admire my kids, think back to what happened that day, what moments were perfect, and what could have been done a little differently.
By Kilyn Wymer8 years ago in Families
