Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Families.
"A Child's Prayer"
“A Child’s Prayer” is the name of a song that Primary age children (3 - 11) sing in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I sang it when I was that age. In the decades since then, it has gained greater significance for me. Without making any conscious decision to do so, this song has become the default soundtrack for suffering, and plays on repeat in my head when I worry. The special, sacred meaning it has for me I now share with my daughter and granddaughter. I’ll tell you why…
By Luke Haymons3 months ago in Families
The Bench by the Lake
There’s a bench by the lake not far from our house. It’s old, paint peeling, one leg slightly crooked. When the wind picks up, the boards creak just a little. I used to pass it without noticing. But last fall, I started sitting there every afternoon after work. At first, it was just to think. Then it became something else—a kind of quiet I hadn’t realized I needed. When the Noise Never Stopped For months, life had been a blur of to-do lists, phone calls, and background stress. Every small problem felt bigger than it should have been. Work deadlines ran into unpaid bills, which ran into sleepless nights and short tempers. Even the house started to feel different. It wasn’t the safe, warm place it used to be. It was just another space filled with worry. The turning point came one morning when I spilled coffee all over a stack of papers—bank statements, bills, things that already made my stomach hurt to look at. I just stood there, watching the brown stain spread, and thought: I can’t do this today. So I didn’t. I grabbed my jacket, walked out the front door, and ended up by the lake. The First Time I Sat There It was early. The sun had barely come up, and the water was still. The surface reflected the sky so perfectly it was hard to tell where one ended and the other began. I sat down on the bench without really meaning to. For a long time, I didn’t move. I didn’t think. I just listened—to the soft lap of water, to the faint rustle of leaves, to the quiet I hadn’t allowed myself to hear in months. Something inside me loosened. Coming Back, Day After Day I started visiting the bench every day after that. Some days I brought coffee. Other days, I just sat and breathed. There were moments when I wanted to cry and moments when I found myself smiling for no reason. The problems didn’t vanish—they were waiting for me at home—but they stopped feeling like an avalanche. It’s strange how life keeps happening even when you feel stuck. Ducks still cross the water. Kids still laugh in the distance. The world doesn’t pause for our pain—but sometimes, it gives us a place to sit while we catch our breath. The Morning That Changed Everything One morning, as I was leaving, an older man sat down next to me. We didn’t talk for a while. He just nodded toward the sunrise and said, “Beautiful, isn’t it?” I nodded too. Then he said, “You look like you’re trying to figure something out.” I smiled a little. “Aren’t we all?” He laughed, quiet but kind. Before he left, he said something that stuck with me: “Whatever you’re carrying, make sure you put it down sometimes. You can’t walk through life with full hands.” After he walked away, I sat for another hour, watching the light change. And for the first time in a long time, I didn’t feel like I was failing—I just felt human. What the Bench Means Now The bench is still there. I still visit it when life starts feeling too heavy. The paint is even more faded now, and one of the slats is cracked, but it doesn’t matter. It’s not just a place to sit—it’s a reminder. That no matter how hard life gets, the world will keep offering small moments of peace if you’re willing to slow down long enough to notice them. And sometimes, that’s enough.
By David Litt3 months ago in Families
Akhlaq Lil-Bay’ (Morality for Sale
In the old streets of Cairo, where the sound of life echoed through narrow alleys and children’s laughter mixed with the calls of street vendors, there lived a man named **Sebaei**. He was a simple government clerk, earning just enough to keep a modest roof over his head. Every morning, he walked to work with his worn briefcase and his tired smile, weaving through the noisy crowds of merchants and workers.
By America today 3 months ago in Families
When News Becomes Noise: How Media Stress Affects Children’s Emotional Safety
Adults can analyze the news. Children only feel it. It’s a regular morning. The family sits around the breakfast table. The TV hums softly in the background, reporting an economic crisis.
By Morteza Shamsian Norasteh3 months ago in Families
The Silent Protector:
mma Parker had always loved the summer months. To her, they were magic—long days filled with endless adventures, lazy mornings on the beach, and evenings spent watching fireflies light up the night sky. This summer, however, was different. Emma was about to turn 16 and was eager for her first big trip without her parents—an entire week at the coastal town of Clearwater, staying with her Aunt Clara, known for her quirky stories and love of animals.
By Tracy Phillips3 months ago in Families
Breaking the Stigma: Expanding Behavioral and Mental Health Services for a Better Tomorrow
For decades, mental health has been surrounded by fear and misunderstanding. Many people have been told to “stay strong” or “just get over it,” which only exacerbates the situation. This attitude creates stigma—a harmful belief that mental illness is something to hide. In truth, mental health struggles are everyday, and seeking help should never be seen as a weakness. Breaking the stigma begins with understanding. Mental health affects how we think, feel, and act every day. Just like physical health, it needs care and attention. Anxiety, depression, and stress are not personal failures—they are real conditions that can be treated. When people talk openly about their experiences, it helps others realize they are not alone.
By St. John's Community Health3 months ago in Families
How AI Robot Pets Are Changing Playtime for Kids
Technology is everywhere, and children are growing up surrounded by screens, gadgets, and digital tools. While too much screen time can be a concern, AI robot toys and pet companions offer a new way to play that is both fun and educational. These smart toys interact with children, respond to commands, and even simulate emotions—bringing learning, creativity, and emotional growth together in one experience.
By Susmit Bhowmik3 months ago in Families
Calm Meltdowns Fast: Proven Sensory Solutions for Autistic Kids
When an autistic child feels overwhelmed, meltdowns can happen in seconds — loud noises, bright lights, or unexpected changes can flood their senses. Parents often feel helpless and want an instant, gentle way to calm their child. The science shows that with the right sensory strategies and toys, you can bring balance back quickly — safely and naturally.
By Susmit Bhowmik3 months ago in Families
The Aussie Love
Fireworks Over the Harbor - The Aussie Love The first time I saw her was at Bondi Beach during one of those perfect Sydney summer mornings when the light turns everything golden. She stood at the water's edge with a camera pointed toward the sunrise, so still and focused that she seemed like part of the landscape itself. I had been on my usual morning jog when something made me stop, made me notice her.
By JULIEN GINAILHAC3 months ago in Families
