Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Families.
Behind the Scenes
My mom walked toward me in a solicitous was as I was stretched out on my grandmother's apple green couch. I remember how much I hated those couches when I had first moved down to Greasy Hill Loop, they were always so damn uncomfortable. I grew to love them, up until they had became a self-proclaimed throne of mine. My mom smacked my leg as she asked for paper, more specifically graphed paper. I didn't have to answer her at all, she already knew I did. From the many years I spent doodling, and hoarding sketchbook after sketchbook, I had accumulated stacks of paper of many different varieties. I ran off to my side of my grandmother's bedroom and searched for graphed paper, tossing everything aside, I was anxious to know what she had needed it for. I took the papers into the kitchen, and placed them neatly on the dining table. Surrounding the oval dining table was the three women of the house, the fourth slowly made her way down the hall. My mom, Evelyn, sat at the end with a pencil handy, and the papers laid in front of her. My sister, Earla, sat adjacent to her, this was her usual spot at the table. To the side of her sat my grandmother, Evangeline, she was silent and gazed off into the distance. Their demeanor and silence had made me anxious and curious. I turned and stepped into the kitchen, just as my grandmother Floria had eased herself into her chair. I opened the fridge and glanced over at the table, they were all seated so still, and not one spoke a single word. The TV was the only noise filling the empty space between all of us. I grabbed the nearly-ancient pitcher of iced tea and headed for the counter. I stood there as I examined the pitcher, and wondered just how old it was. I reached upwards into the cabinet for a glass, I could not take the dead silence any longer. I spoke. "Why are you all so serious? It is freaking me out."
By Kyra Kallestewa8 years ago in Families
The Dreaded Hour Before Bedtime!
The hour before you put your child to bed is like the final mile in a marathon when you are so close to the finish line, yet depleted of all energy to cross it. Not that I have any clue about marathons. In fact, my phone has been beeping like crazy this week (since I had to start walking the school run) telling me "Well done! 15 minutes of continuous walking." I am sure the phone thinks that it has been stolen!
By Michelle Godfrey8 years ago in Families
Best Co-Parenting Tips
When a schism of some kind occurs within a family, whether it be the mother or father leaving for whatever reason, a host of issues can be bred during that child's rearing. It's important to keep the children out of it at all costs, so as to ensure they aren't left feeling like it's their fault, or that they may not be the issue, but an issue. This is why co-parenting is one of the most important concepts when designing a family after a separation.
By Salvador Lorenz8 years ago in Families
Best Learning Gifts for Kids
From science kits, to diaries, to robots, these are the top gifts to give to your kids. Always be confident in the way they spend they play time. We have created a list of the best learning gifts for kids that will encourage brain development each time they pick up these educational toys.
By Kelsey Lange8 years ago in Families
Realistic Mom Life
Okay, you see this photo? It took us 20 minutes to take because Oliver kept running away and Henry kept making weird faces or I was yelling at Oliver to get back there so we could take a photo. It was the only decent one in the 50 that we took.
By Sabrina Crawford8 years ago in Families
Daddy's Girl
Her father went to jail when she was very young. All of the stories ever told to her all say she was about three years old when he left, her sister one, and her brother still in their mother’s, if that’s what you call such a person, womb. She had always been a daddy’s girl, even with him being so far away. She had always loved him and thought he could do no wrong and that him being in jail was just the fault of the world and not his own. He always called and wrote letters and made sure he was still present in their lives, unlike their so called mother.
By Akilah Simpson8 years ago in Families
Morning Madness
Being a parent isn't always the easiest thing in the world... I’m not going to lie to you there. Especially if the day starts off a wreck because then your mood throughout the entire day is off. My oldest slept in, my youngest was crying...it was 7 AM and we had to be out of the house by 7:15 to go drop them off at daycare before we headed to school.
By Sabrina Crawford8 years ago in Families
Loss and Being Strong for Your Own Children
I never thought my father would pass away when he did. Nobody ever expects it, I guess. My father died three years ago, suddenly. He had broken his ankle, had surgery, and passed away from a blood clot two weeks later. I was 31 at the time and my father was 60.
By Jessica Goodman8 years ago in Families
Introvert Mom
Let's be honest; if you've stumbled across this article you must be in the same or similar position with your kid. I'm an army wife and mother to a handsome 2-year-old brown boy. My husband and I both have Master's degrees, work decent jobs and are enjoying watching our little one grow. The issue is, mommy is an introvert... kiddo is an extrovert.
By Scripts Scribbles8 years ago in Families
Dad?
Did he really love my mom? Is abuse love? The only memories I have of living with both my parents is arguing and fighting. It was very traumatizing until this day every time someone argues in front of me I think they’re gonna start a fight. I love my dad don’t get me wrong, but he isn’t exactly the father I wish I had. I can never watch a movie about a good dad because I wonder how my life would of been with one. I also hate watching movies with bad dads because it’s relatable and it hurts. My mom and dad were young parents; my mom loved to travel and my dad was just never around, so my grandparents help raise my sister and I. My grandpa passed away when I was in seventh grade he was my dad. He did everything a dad should do, take me to school, make me breakfast, and spoil me. He spoiled me with anything I wanted and most important love. He was such an amazing person the nicest person I’ve ever met. He was an alcoholic, it killed him, maybe that’s why I won’t drink and hate drinking. I miss him so much.
By Alyssa Sotelo8 years ago in Families
Divorce
My marriage of seven years ended this past October. We were supposed to be forever. I thought we were happy. We had a beautiful family together. I didn't realize it was all a lie. Turned out he had multiple relationships throughout ours, starting while we were dating. One of his many girlfriends was his brother's girlfriend. Who does that to family? I realized we were done when he took a trip to see his current girlfriend on Mother's Day. While he was gone I did some digging. That's when I found all the messages from one of the girls. I immediately found a lawyer.
By LATOYA RICHARDSON8 years ago in Families
