Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Families.
Building a Family
Five months ago we added a new member to our family: my niece. This precious angel has brought joy to our family. But, like most new and exciting things, sometimes we "neglect" the other parties involved, which are the parents. With my sister's permission I've asked simple but in-depth questions on motherhood. Women in the 21st century have more responsibility then ever: having a career, being a loyal and supportive wife or spouse, and being a mother.
By teisha leshea8 years ago in Families
Growing Up Old
Hello, whoever is reading this. I'm Krystal. I'm 24 years old. I had an "older" mother growing up. Her name was Barbara. She birthed me when she was 43 years old. She always called me her "little miracle baby," because I was born perfectly healthy; she had two children prior to me (in her 30s) and they both were born premature. I have one sister that has Cystic Fibrosis, and my other sister was born with Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy; she was blind, completely wheelchair bound and had to be tube fed. With her being 43 and pregnant (in 1992), doctors recommended that she abort the pregnancy because I was bound to be born with Down Syndrome (or a worse genetic condition), but my mom didn't care and she even refused the genetic testing that could detect it before birth. My mother had trouble conceiving at first and thought that she might not ever be a mother with having had three miscarriages before one actually stuck.
By Krystal Coggins8 years ago in Families
Divorce and a Daughter
Being told those four words was truly the hardest thing anyone has to go through, especially with a child. You fight between want your heart wants and what would benefit yourself and this precious little baby looking up to you for answer. How can anyone choose between fight to save your marriage or fight to find who are you? You’re lost, you’re confused, you’re heart is aching, all the while you have this beautiful one-year-old looking at you for answers and is concerned.
By Kayla Hans8 years ago in Families
Breastfeeding in Public
There has been a lot of controversy surrounding women breastfeeding in public. There is always some kind of news story about it on social media. The comments often sicken, disgust, and confuse me. I don’t understand why this has become such a big deal.
By James Howell8 years ago in Families
No Right Way
The moment you find out you're going to be a parent is incredible and unique. Some feel scared, others excited, and to some it is even akin to a miracle. No matter your initial feeling, each parent-to-be eventually comes to the same question: "But how do you parent?"
By Mikaela Merritt8 years ago in Families
5 Ways to Help Your Kids Develop Healthy Eating Habits
Kids! Some of the pickiest eaters I’ve ever met. Getting them to eat healthy can be tricky for sure. I don’t have my own but for over 10 years I’ve been a teacher, an aide, and/or a nanny and I’ve found myself looking over the shoulder of hundreds of different children as they eat during the day. I truly believe childhood sets the stage for our lives and that includes which eating habits we adopt. So how can you set your kids up for success rather than a lifetime of battling their weight and health?
By Lindsey Kenmore8 years ago in Families
It's OK to Grieve
I have had many traumatic things happen in my life. I have seen a woman get shot and watched her die. I almost died giving birth to my daughter, and she almost died as well. I cared for my grandmother until she died and it left me homeless for a few months. Nothing, however, has been as traumatic as caring for my parents and watching them slowly die.
By Keleigh Kilgore8 years ago in Families
Death and the Afterlife
What is death? How much of the process do we truly know and comprehend? It’s easy to say that your body expires, organs shut down, and you cease to be. You can read information on the process of dying and how to reassure the person to make their transition to death easier, and what you can expect from the death if you are present when it occurs. I’ve just always felt there was more to it than that.
By James Howell8 years ago in Families
Oh No! I'm an Uncle! What Now?
First thing first, the first time you find out you are going to be an uncle is a pot filled with mixed emotions and rotten tissues, milk bottles, and dare I say nappies with a little present in them. You instantly think you have a fair bit of responsibility now and you need to stop the swearing. I mean, I hardly ever swore in front of kids, but now I had to be sure my mouth was taped up at all times. Oh, how I was deeply wrong. I have two nephews and two nieces with another on the way, congrats bro. They are six, three, two and one. I love them, I honestly do, but what my opinions were when first finding out, that I will be an uncle have taken a full 180 degrees turn. Let me break it down to you without using words I would have used before.
By Asif Ibrahim8 years ago in Families
