children

Children: Our most valuable natural resource.

The Importance of Monsters
Which would you rather have stop you from reaching into a fire: 1. the fear of pain OR 2. the scars and permanent disfigurement- along with the traumatic memories of acute pain and treatment- from the last time you did it?
By Haven S4 years ago in Families
Our Next Chapter
I sat on the floor in shock, I couldn’t believe the words that just escaped from your mouth; “I’m done, I don’t love you anymore, I don’t want to be with you, I’m sick of trying.” You looked so angry and exhausted as you said it, but then relieved. In that moment my heart shattered and it felt like my world was collapsing around me. I’m that moment all I could think to do was beg, plead, hope I could convince you to stay and try and work on things. Nothing I said made you want to stay, or even talk more about it so I gave in.
By Rebekah Lamb4 years ago in Families
Forest of Pears
“Let’s go past the corn field into that forest over there to play,” Blake pointed with his juice box. “No! That is not a good place to go!” River protested.
By Seashell Harpspring 4 years ago in Families
You're Grand, Da
Fourteen years ago, the thing I had dreaded most throughout my life finally happened. I lost a parent. To lung cancer that, had medical investigation been conducted thoroughly, would have had a good chance of cure, or at least the prolongation of my father’s life. But, the pain of loss is enough to bear without sorrowfully and angrily indulging in what might have been, ‘if only’. His lung tumor was so large it had severed his recurrent laryngeal nerve, rendering him able to speak in only a forced whisper for the last months of his life. Since there was only me and my parents in our family, the fact that my mother was already in the throes of Alzheimer’s, could not understand my father’s illness and incapacity and spent much of her time berating and humiliating him, made the year that he had left to live even more difficult. We had a tough relationship, my father and I, for reasons that were complex and underscored by our mutual incapacity to show emotion, or talk, to each other. Yet, for all that, I adored him. I always will.
By Marie McGrath4 years ago in Families
Watch Out For Those First Two Years
A lot of people have told me I should write a book about my life. They’ve been saying this since long before I even realized I had the stuff of books happening to me and the literary bent to convey these happenings in somewhat entertaining format. Many have said this to me. Indeed, even I have said this (to myself) far from the madding, somewhat maddening crowd. However, all these people so confident I can write a book, who believe I’m honor-bound and obligated to dedicate myself to its creation and completion, aren’t me.
By Marie McGrath4 years ago in Families
Baby Sleep Miracle, Good for you
Co-sleeping is the practice where the child sleeps in bed with his parents. Not surprisingly, it is one of the most hotly debated and controversial topics related to pediatric sleep. Let’s see why.
By Gift Card4 years ago in Families
A Cat Named Squeaks
"Mommy…. Daddy….Where are you?" I called out. I’m scared, hungry, and lonely and I don't like this feeling. I don’t like this at all. Normally when I wake up, my mommy and daddy are there. But today, something feels off. I can’t put my paw on it, but I just know something isn’t right.
By AGirlFromSF4 years ago in Families
A Letter To My Daughter, M; Parental Alienation Is The Worst Part Of Breaking Up. Top Story - August 2021.
Dear M, I have so much I want to say to you, that I need to say to you, really. I don’t even know if you’ll read this but, if you do, I think it’s best I start here:
By Aaron Corey4 years ago in Families
7 Lessons We Can Learn from Children
I don’t have kids, and I don’t know if I ever will, but I still marvel at them. Little human beings are entertaining, heartwarming, and the stewards of our future. But they can also be our teachers. Here are seven lessons I think all adults can learn from the little ones in their lives.
By Joy Nelson4 years ago in Families
Inn on the Lake of Peace
I originally wrote this story in my high school English class in the mid-eighties. It is about my mother’s childhood during the war. I wanted to recount everything she told me about this brief healing period of time that meant so much to her. It offered her stability and security in times full of fear, terror, and uncertainty.
By Jackie K4 years ago in Families
THE FROZEN POND
I was back in my hometown for a writing conference. As I usually did, I visited all the old stomping grounds and friends still in the area. However, a new destination had been added to my list. The scene of a tragedy a few years back beckoned to me, in spite of emotional misgivings. The backdrop was a small, close-knit, neighborhood community. The main character was an innocent, frozen pond with deep secrets hidden beneath.
By Lisa Brasher4 years ago in Families
The New Skates
My brothers and I hurry to put on our coats, hats, and gloves and grab our skates to head to the Derby pond which is only 4 or 5 blocks away (but seems farther when you are only 8 years old and carrying a pair of hand me down worn out old skates). Nevertheless, I am excited and can't wait to get on the frozen pond and skate with my brothers (Jon- 2 years older than me , and Stephen- 1 year younger). I don't even care if they tease me or skate too fast for me to catch up- I am so excited!
By Angela Behring4 years ago in Families