Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Families.
Diary of a Black Baby Daddy
November 13, 2012 is the day my life changed. Whether I was ready or not, it was game time. In the hospital I sat and thought, "Man, I'm gonna chronicle all the big moments of my daughters life and share it with the world." That's where today's first lesson kicks in. "See, I'm a dad, right..." is my favorite rebuttal when discussing my laziness. I'm a 31-year-old single parent of a four-year-old daughter and sometimes I just put things to the side. See, it's easy as a parent to say, "Well, between getting a child ready for school, working 60 hours a week, making sure dinner is ready, clothes are ready, and the kid is bathed and settled for the night, I can't find the time." Yes, the time is difficult to accumulate, but if you're reading this, THE TIME IS NOW! I was supposed to chronicle my daughters growth, to share moments from birth and beyond, yet I procrastinated. My daughter is four now, so I left you guys hanging on the first words, the first steps, the first day of Pre-K, etc. My daughter is only four so there is A LOT of growing that still has to be done. So I am here now to say, don't let parenting procrastination get the easy victory. Yes, you can do it tomorrow, but hey, why not do it today?
By Joshua Barner8 years ago in Families
Nature Nurtured
I knew I'd become a mother as soon as I became a mother; it was an instant success! I never thought I'd ever be a mother, and now I was and am and lived to enjoy every bit of it. At least it was completely true from childbirth to pre-teen years.
By Martina R. Gallegos8 years ago in Families
Five Ways to Surprise Your Wife!
Husbands, were you aware of the importance of September 17? If not, time to take note, because we have just passed the International Wife Appreciation Day! I hope all of you treated the lovely ladies in your life… However, if you’re like my husband and didn’t find out until the day after, time to get your diary out now. Here is a collection of ideas of how to show your wife appreciation. It's a little early but at least you will be well-prepared for International Wife Appreciation Day 2018!
By Nathalie Martin8 years ago in Families
Dear Dad
Dear Dad, The day is half way gone and I've spent most of it trying to ignore the obvious, but I won't let it go by without acknowledging you. I'd never do that. It's been 26 years to the day that you were taken from me. 26 years. I've come to terms with the fact that I don't know how to grieve. I don't know how to properly and healthily process what happened. I feel like I start the grieving process over and over again. It never stops. It doesn't get better. It never gets "easier." I hate myself sometimes because I can't remember what your voice sounds like. That drives me crazy. 1991 didn't have the technology of today so I don't have any recordings or videos or anything where I can just hear your voice. I daydream about how different my life would be of you weren't taken from me. I think about the impact you would have had on who I turned out to be as a person. I feel like there is a void there that will never be filled. That could never be filled. Had I known we only had five years to squeeze in a lifetime of memories, I would have fought to spend more time with you. I would have spent all of my time with you. All I have left are fading memories, and stories of your past from people who knew you better than I did. Every once in a while I have to tell one of your old teammates that you're no longer with us. They stare at me with pity in an awkward silence. It's been a pretty weird couple of decades.
By Ashlee Nicole8 years ago in Families
When Introverts Get Married
My husband is a hardcore introvert, and so am I. When we were young, one of the things I liked about him was how he liked doing quiet things just like me. I love being married to a guy who runs at the same speed. We have a whole weekend to do what we want? Great. He can play 20 hours of Skyrim while I devour a 500-page novel. Or we can binge-watch the Lord of the Rings movies. Don't have any friends? No problem, we'd rather stay home anyway.
By Lana Hutchinson8 years ago in Families
Revelation
It came to me in a dream, like a labyrinth of unmistakable waves. Hours prior I had received the worst news a young child of thirteen years of age could adhere. Something so unfathomable, and something so unrealistic in a young and naive mind. "I'm sorry I have to be the one to tell you this," my eldest brother spoke, panicked over the phone, "but Mom just passed away."
By Crysta Miracle8 years ago in Families
Children on the Spectrum
After my son Caleb was born, at about four months old I knew something was a bit "off" with him. He made no eye contact and didn't smile much. I had a nurse that would make weekly visits to my home (from the nurse and family partnership program) and when she made a milestone check-up on Caleb, she confirmed my suspicion. She said she would monitor Caleb more because she suspects he might be autistic. Sure enough by the time he was six months old, my nurse referred him to early intervention and Caleb was evaluated. For the next few months, he was seen by therapists and evaluated thoroughly for any physical delays, occupational delays, and cognitive delays, as well as speech delays. I didn't know much about autism so I wasn't devastated by the time he was officially diagnosed when he turned two. I did however feel guilt for a while. Maybe if I didn't work so hard while I was pregnant. Maybe if I had a better diet. Maybe if I slept a bit more. Guilt was what I felt. I started learning more about autism and tried to understand my son. Little things that I didn't know would matter, actually mattered. For example, one of the psychiatrist took a toy away from Caleb's hand during an evaluation to see how he would react. In return Caleb tried to take the toy back. I thought he did good but the psychiatrist said Caleb never once made eye contact with him. Usually a child would study a person's face to see what the expression was like. Caleb just focused on getting the toy back. It was like there wasn't even a person in front of him at all. After trying for a few seconds, Caleb gave up and just took another toy. Apparently any other child would've tried a bit more to retrieve the toy or even cry. When calling Caleb's name he would never react or look at whomever was calling him. You had to physically go to him, grab his face and have him look at you. This was also unusual in a child at that age apparently. He didn't acknowledge people or his surroundings.
By Cindy Del Villar8 years ago in Families
Experts vs. Parents
Let me preface this article by explaining that the views here on behalf of "Parents" is my own and not meant to represent anyone else personally. Any reference to "The Experts" will appropriately have citations of the websites I have used. This is not meant as a target for the "bashers" out there, but as a place to express views. I certainly understand that every parent is different in their views on raising their children and some listen vehemently to the advice provided by experts in various fields. I appreciate comments expressing your opinion on any topic listed here or any other child topics, however request that you keep your comments and opinions neutral without bashing each other for their views.
By Melissa C.8 years ago in Families
Raising Capable Children. Top Story - September 2017.
We have become so focused on producing enlightened children that we have forgotten the fundamentals. The goal as a parent isn't to have your child wear the most eco-friendly clothing while munching on kale wrapped asparagus or whatever healthy concoction has dominated their young lives. Our goal as parents is to produce capable adults.
By Amy Jourdan8 years ago in Families
