Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Families.
Healing from a Toxic Grandparent
My grandma has raised me for nearly 11 years, which is almost my whole life. But the one thing she did for years that I finally confessed to my mother was lead me down the path of hating myself. Every day, I struggle with finding happiness within my own skin and many of the beauties behind the flaws in my own body.
By Heather Wilkins8 years ago in Families
Becoming a Cancer Mom: Part 2
Hospitals. They are terrifying. Do we even enjoy being in there when we give birth? Sure, you get waited on, hand and foot. But does that beat the awkwardness? The opposite sex seeing your nether regions is always uncomfortable in the hospital or doctor's office. People you only know for a day or so pretty much know everything about you! Yet, you can barely remember their name with out looking at the name tag hanging on their shirt!
By Jessica Phillips8 years ago in Families
The Hardest Conversation
Due to my job with the elderly towards the end of their lives, it has gotten me thinking about my life. I work with people mainly in their eighties and nineties, mostly with dementia and Alzheimer’s. Families of my residents often find things hard but, in most cases, have made plans for their relative. This means they can visit them and not worry unduly about what happens when their loved one passes away. This is something I think everyone should consider, especially for themselves.
By ASHLEY SMITH8 years ago in Families
Mommy Issues Are Real, Too
Growing up with a toxic parent is hard enough, especially when they're the one who brought you into this world. Girls with absent fathers are usually taunted or used as a kink. We've alllllll heard of "daddy issues." What about the girls who had to learn about womanhood for themselves?
By Hayley ward8 years ago in Families
Missy's Kreative Kidz
How Becoming a Mom Again Changed My Life Two years ago, I was reveling in the idea that my kids were almost grown. My husband and I were beginning to dream a little about travel, being empty nesters and even retirement. We each had brought children into our marriage from previous marriages. I had two and he had one. We had hoped for a child of our own but those dreams had been shattered after six miscarriages in three years, and my doctor told me that we were not compatible, whatever that meant... In December of 2015, I had my final miscarriage, resulting in a devastating surgery to remove the baby. I had to have this procedure done because my place of employment had refused to allow me time off to tend to what I knew was happening to me. I worked in childcare. One would think that they would be understanding, even sympathetic. They weren't. Once I had to have the surgery and have time off, they were apologetic but that was so I didn't sue them. They even gave me paid leave! Well, April of 2016 I was heading to the doctor to have another procedure done, one that would ensure I would miscarry no more. This is when we discovered I was once again pregnant. I was shocked, scared, and felt alone. Each month I waited for the dreaded signs of miscarriage. They never came. In December 2016, I delivered a baby girl. Little did I know she would change my path.
By Missy Garcia8 years ago in Families
Marriage Made from Heaven
Marriage Made From Heaven -In-Laws from Hell... Remember when you saw "the one" that special someone you wanted to get to know better. The person that you thought about all day long. That person you just could not wait to see on the next date... You took the time to get to know that person deeper and more personally. You talked about long term goals and short term goals, conversations about your families and how you grew up. You shared stories about how your parents raised you and all the special things that you kept deep in your heart. You did everything together and could not see a life without that person in it! You both knew that he/she was the one for you... Talks about marriage came up with the long term conservation of kids including how many, and when to start. Both of you knew that the other one would make an amazing husband/wife and would make a wonderful Mother/Father some day.
By Barry Wick8 years ago in Families
Tiger Mother
Every type of society has its own unique parenting norms, its own set of rules regarding what is and what is not an appropriate way of parenting. One of the more prominent parenting styles is traditional Chinese, or as some call it, “tiger mom.” This type of parenting involves strict rules and extremely high expectations. Recently, stories of this Chinese style parenting have emerged thanks to a memoir written by Amy Chua. In her memoir, Chua describes her experience as a parent and her views on being a tiger mother. But those views were questioned by many claiming that being so harsh would have harmful effects on children. Although Chua makes a strong argument for Chinese-style parenting, the style can diminish a child’s physical and mental wellbeing. Amy Chua’s parenting style hinders childrens’ exploration of interests, confidence and charm, ability to perform in a social setting, and sense of individuality.
By Samantha Brett8 years ago in Families
Dear Dad
Dedicated to all the children who grew up to be stronger without him. It should've been you. The first man I loved, the one who taught me how to change a flat, the man I ran to for advice. I should've been Daddy's Little Girl. Yet, some of us are lucky to get a second chance at having a father figure. I was one of the lucky ones. He grew to love me like his own, instilled the laughs I needed and the advice I longed for. He succeeded at everything you failed at. Good fathers do three things: they guide, they nurture, and they provide, all of which you did on your own account for a short period of time, and all of which he's done effortlessly and without a second thought. He taught me that he didn't have to be my father to be my father. So thank you for leaving so I could gain a dad who stayed.
By Maya Villalobos8 years ago in Families
An Introduction to My Life
My name is Jessica. I am 24 years old and I am a stay at home mom. I have two children: Tristyn is seven and Teagan is one. Their father and I have been together for almost three years now. We live in Northern Colorado and have a crazy life sometimes. Right now, we are getting ready for Christmas like most families. This story is the first in many that I plan on posting about our life, family, and any stories that I feel like sharing.
By Jessica Heid8 years ago in Families
