Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Families.
Distractions
I didn't look for them. God knew what I needed so he sent me distractions. And yes they helped me deal. I had so much to deal with, parents dying, nowhere to live, sad all the time, empty inside. I was depressed, sad and lonely. I felt like an orphan. My life as I had known it was gone, replaced by this weird existence. I wasn't living life, I was merely going through the motions. You know, wake up, get dressed (maybe), eat (maybe), brush teeth, cry, go on computer look for something, anything to distract me from the pain, the anguish I was feeling. Strangely enough, social media did help. I spent a lot of time looking at my computer screen trying to lose myself in other people's dull and boring lives.
By Edwina A. Lewis8 years ago in Families
When To Stop Breastfeeding
A plethora of internet content is devoted to the subject of breastfeeding. A person can gorge themselves on material dedicated to the "whys," and the "shoulds," and the "what-ifs" surrounding the advent of breastfeeding. Similarly, articles about breastfeeding maladies and how to fix them run amok, sharing equal time with the warm squishy fuzzy articles about how wonderful breastfeeding is.
By Meghan Gattignolo8 years ago in Families
Planning for Pregnancy, Fertility Facts and Alternative Methods. Top Story - August 2017.
When it comes to reproduction, fertility is the number one focus for many. Some people aren't able to conceive naturally. Studies have shown that one in seven women will have problems with infertility. This can be caused by numerous factors such as an underlying health condition, a poor diet, an unhealthy lifestyle, stress, depression, anxiety or even the smallest encounter with a toxin like fluoride {which is found in most toothpaste as well as drinking water}, or BPA{ a toxin found in plastic bottles and the inner liners of cans used in the packaging of canned goods}.
By Kelsey Park8 years ago in Families
So Dearly Disowned
Divorce can be a nasty beast and in the end, it is the children that suffer the most. My parents separated but still lived in the family house. My mum did her best but the endless rowing became the norm. My dad went completely postal! Cut up Mum’s underwear, salt in the sugar pot, padlocked what used to be their shared bedroom, relegated my mum to sleeping on the sofa and to top it off—he loosened the wheel nuts on the car! Luckily it was spotted before any real damage could occur—what if I and my two sisters had been in the car with mum on a motorway! It does not bear thinking about! I can understand that dad is angry and hurt but trying to harm his children and the mother of his children is unforgivable.
By Anabel Hudson8 years ago in Families
How To Survive the Terrible Twos
Ever since you got pregnant, you probably have heard women warn you to brace yourself for certain stages of your child's life. Newborn babies, for example, are known to drain you of sleep and patience with incessant crying. But, as bad as newborns can be, most moms will take a newborn over a child who is entering the Terrible Twos.
By Rowan Marley8 years ago in Families
Breastfeeding Woes
Every day I willingly subject myself to grueling torture at the mercy of an adorable bundle of nine pounds and eight ounces of joy. How can something so natural be so difficult and painful? Repeatedly, about every two hours to be exact, I engage in an excruciating tug-of-war battle with my nipple and a formidable cherubic ninja jaw warrior. After the conclusion of each skirmish, I sulk as I dress my battle wounds and fervently pray that a truce would soon commence. I am never the victor. I long for the days when the pain was but a mere migraine, easily fixed with a warm compress, temple massage, and a long nap (or a strong prescription drug if I’m being completely honest). Daily, I wish for a personal medic or, better yet, a magical nipple fairy who could wave a wand and “bippity- boppity-boo” make all things right in my universe again. But of course, I am not afforded such luxuries.
By Kristen Barber8 years ago in Families
When Teens Reach 18
So your little one has grown up. Gone are the days of changing nappies and making so much mess you can't see the floor, sulks and tantrums... so we think! Your little one may be grown up, but still, she is going through a rollercoaster of emotions as she finds out about adult life.
By Carol Ann Townend8 years ago in Families
I Love Your Kids
See this kid? She is the best thing in my life. I was there to celebrate when they got pregnant, partied at her gender reveal, and I was there the day she was born. I have Skyped with her across the miles, sang to her over the phone, read to her in person, and had epic dance parties. I am Auntie Heather.
By Heather Clarke8 years ago in Families
A Caged Dove's Song
Everyone has dreams, no matter how big and outrageous they may be. Yet some people have dreams that are simple and not as far fetched as some. That’s me and my sister Faith. I want to be the greatest African American female dancer in the states. And my sister; she just wants to publish one of her stories. Faith has always been the one to reach for something that wasn’t as far away from her reach. But I, I wanted things I know I couldn’t have. I had dreams that not even the greatest people dreamt of. I wanted to conquer all. But Faith wasn’t as ambitious as me, despite us being identical twins.
By Imani Patterson8 years ago in Families
Are You REALLY a Good Role Model for Your Children?
We all want what's best for our children. At least we believe we do. Goals are important, but when do our dreams cross from the child's to our own? Some parents hope for the next Derek Jeter or Jennifer Lawrence out of their children, however, what if that's not the path THEY have in mind for themselves? On the other hand, today's athletes, models, and rock stars are all easy targets for a developing mind to latch onto as the grown up they want to emulate. These are both equally toxic for a youngster!
By Joe Martinek Sr8 years ago in Families
