Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Families.
Ellis Island and The Fuscos
January 8th, 1893 – My name is Patrizia Fusco and I am 10-years-old. My mother, Catarina and my sisters Silvia and Katia have been travelling in what they call the steerage room for over 2 weeks. Silvia is 17-years-old and Katia is 13-years-old. I am the youngest. The steamship is crowded down here-- and dirty. Mother tells me to stay away from the other children because they have head lice. She has been caring for Silvia, who has been limping for 2 days now, because this room is so crowded someone stepped on her ankle in the middle of the night. It is blue and greenish colored.
By Patti Cakes8 years ago in Families
Toddler Diaries
I should probably start by saying that this is a blog about babies. For those of you who feel queasy at the sight of the millions of photos of other people's children on social media sites, now is probably the time to locate the small ‘x’ in the corner of this page. However, if, like me, you find this world of sleepless nights, gripe water, pampers, and breast pads rather fascinating: please, read on.
By Jennifer Turton8 years ago in Families
The Ultimate Potty Training Guide for Boys
Next to learning how to walk, one of the second most difficult leaps to climb for children is learning how to use the bathroom. This porcelain throne becomes an enemy, like their dreaded shoelaces or nail clippers. To them, graduating from diapers to potty trained is as stressful as it is for the parent. Remember, they're just children, not assholes.
By George Herman8 years ago in Families
The Breakout: How I Finally Conquered the Stigma of the Older-Sibling Shadow
We all know about middle child syndrome: the center of three or more children feeling invisible due to an overabundance of attention directed at both the oldest and the youngest. This is 100 percent real. I have witnessed it. However, what about the younger sibling? As one, I can say firsthand that the attention we receive as babies only lasts so long before relatives, teachers, or family friends begin the comparing.
By Piper Jones8 years ago in Families
The Boy and His Father
The boy had many friends as he grew up, some he still talked to and some he did not. He had moved many times but now he was a man and he felt he had moved for the last time. He had met a girl and she was the one, he was sure. She had been with him when times were bad and even though they argued he still loved her more than life.
By Edna Hampton8 years ago in Families
Benefits of a Live In Nanny
If you live a hectic life and have a young child, you should seriously consider hiring a live in nanny. They help relieve you of any duties concerning child care and live in your homes, which is very convenient so you don't need to worry about childcare mishaps occurring while you're at work or being crammed with chores. The nanny will be at your disposal on a daily basis and will often be around whenever you need them since they are living with you.
By Stephanie Gladwell8 years ago in Families
To the Grandmother I Never Knew...
You didn't know me, and I didn't know you. We were merely strangers that shared DNA. The saying blood runs deep is both true and yet, a lie. You see, I will never live without you, even though I did live without you. I will never forget you, though from day to day, you were like a whisper rather than an actual presence in my life.
By Jessie Melanson8 years ago in Families
The Sh*t They Don't Tell You: Lesson #4
Turds in the tub! My children are on an absurdly strict bedtime routine. (Thank you, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder!) You know, it's the typical dinner, bath, book and bed routine, but with a lot more anal retentive steps that I just can't NOT do! (My kids would never survive the night without the scrubbing behind their ears, or the weekly Monday wax removal, c'mon!)
By Tiffany Wade8 years ago in Families
Short Story: Memoir of Boonk Moonks
It all started on Eighth Avenue, Lower-East side of Manhattan, Hell’s Kitchen, apartment B-11. I was heading home from school. On my way home I would always stop by Pablo’s Hut to pick up my day-to-day paycheck. Two slices of pepperoni pizza. Financial instability would be one of the many words that I would use to describe my childhood.
By Carolyn Johnson8 years ago in Families
