children

Children: Our most valuable natural resource.

The Greens and The Browns
Charlie Green came home after a busy day of fixing pipes, toilets, and other plumbing jobs. He was tired. His tall slim frame slumped as he came through the door, but he brightened when he saw his daughters running toward him. Six-year-old Betty Sue with her long flaxen hair and blue eyes was first to jump onto his knee as he squatted with his arms outstretched. Linda Lou, her junior by two years, took the other knee. She had her daddy’s brown wavy hair. Both girls enjoyed a hug from their daddy as he growled and rubbed his stubbly chin on each of his daughter’s cheeks after planting a kiss. The girls giggled and walked with him to his favorite chair. He put his feet up on the well-worn footstool. Each daughter chose a boot and began undoing the laces. Once they pulled off his boots, they smiled mischievously and began to tickle their daddy’s feet. He gave a warning look, the girls giggled and raced from the room. Charlie smiled as he picked up his iPad to check his emails. His wife, Rhonda, leaned down and pecked him on the cheek. Her long blond ponytail fell forward over Charlie’s shoulder. “Dinner will be ready in ten minutes.”
By anita tosh4 years ago in Families
Fucked up
Sometimes life is just a little more fucked up than we planned or wanted it to be. We often plan our lives out when we are kids. We know what we want to be, and we know what we want to do; we always believe that it will happen just as we planned for it to, but what we don’t know is that it rarely ever goes as we planned.
By Hidden secrets4 years ago in Families
The Long Thaw
Passing by the old garden I became nostalgic as I remembered summers long forgotten. My brother and I would spend hours in that garden.
By Misti Silvers4 years ago in Families
How Does The Pandemic Have A Psychological Impact On Children?
An occasion that for the second consecutive year is altered by the development of the Coronavirus pandemic. More than celebrations, which for sure there will be in some parks, public and family spaces, the moment is propitious to reflect on how this context of restrictions affects the psychology of children in the country.
By creatorsklub4 years ago in Families
TORO
In 1969, on a school band trip, I visited a farm for the first time. Having never been on a farm before I was very excited about everything I might see there. Visions of everything about farms ran through my mind for months awaiting the day of the trip. The animals, crops, farmers and their wives, the barn, the farmhouse… everything. I couldn’t stop thinking about farms.
By Linda Aubert4 years ago in Families
Things To Consider When Building School Playground Equipment
Physical activity helps students perform better in class and behave well. Elementary schools can create healthier, more active play environments with high-quality commercial swing sets and playground equipment. If your school is planning on building school playground equipment, there are some things to consider. Keep reading to learn.
By Jen Hensey4 years ago in Families
The Raging Bull
The front door slammed open with an irritable sounding ‘thud’. They forgot to pick me up...again. A teen that bore more of a resemblance to a wet cat than a person stalked in, tracking muddy footprints through the house with each sodden step.
By Trish K4 years ago in Families
Without Me
Growing up, I never wanted kids. Looking back, we always have someone we do not want to grow up to be like. Those who know me know that I did not have the best childhood. I have not hidden my past from anyone. To be truthful, I haven't had a good relationship with my mother most of my life. I never wanted children because I never wanted my daughter to feel the way I did about my mother. For years I held onto this unhealthy feeling that was a mixture of depression, anger, and confusion. I would be lying if I said that I do not still have those days. The constant "Why am I not good enough?". Here it is 2 am, and while my children are fast asleep, I am lying awake wondering why I will never be good enough. Many tell me I should just let her go. Let go of the idea of the mother I always longed for. I know that they are right and that I should let the pain go. Most days I have, but then nights like this, I lay awake and wonder how she is doing. Many tell me I should be angry with her and choose to ignore her existence, and most days, I wish I could. Not because I hate her (no matter how much I wish I did so I wouldn't feel the pain I do) but because I want to heal from everything in our past. I always wondered what it was like to call my mother and tell her about my day. The good or the bad, and she listen and give me the advice I long for. Or to hear her laugh again under the California sky in the backyard in Lakeport. I do not have many memories where we are happy. I am learning to cherish what I did have. Growing up was rough, and I am sure there will be many more late-night stories about how my childhood was. However, these stories will not be focused on my mother because, to be honest, most of my childhood, she was not there. If you count the internet, then I guess you could say she was. Weekends every now and again at her house when my stepdad allowed. Back then, she could save me from who I am today. However, if she had, I would not have children like I had planned not to. I would have focused on a career that would leave me old and bitter, wondering what it would have been like to have children. So, in a way, I could thank her. In a way, I can erase the bitter pain. But to get close to her again is something I do not think I have left in my heart. I wish her well, and I want her to be happy. I have learned to come to terms with that a comfortable life for her is without me. I hope that she is doing good in college even though I saw she was struggling the last time she allowed me in her life. I hope her move goes well too. I worry that this post will upset her as she does not wish I think about her. Which is fine, but as her daughter, I will always worry about her. If anything, this shows me that I have grown into who I am. I am no longer angry with her because I feel that it does neither of us any good. I have come to terms that she is better off living her life without me for her happiness for whatever reason that may be. So if you have a parent who you feel your distance is better for their happiness, learn to let go and focus on yourself. At first, it will hurt, but it will save you the pain of "why am I not good enough". You can still love your family from a distance and wish them well.
By E.G.4 years ago in Families
An open letter to my youngest child...
You are my last baby and that realization has hit me hard this week as we are preparing for you to start kindergarten. The beauty in being an older mother is I have been through all of this before and I know exactly what to expect, but that is also the burden. I know the struggles you will face ahead and I also know how quickly the years will fly by. Knowing that we were facing a racing clock, I have tried to soak up every moment of your preschool years. We are now on the eve of you starting your school-aged journey I want to share a few tips and hopes with you as you start this new chapter in life.
By Amber Foster4 years ago in Families
7 Lessons I’ll Teach My Son About Masculinity
In today’s world, men can be both villains and victims of the patriarchy — although we refuse to admit that sometimes. Personally, feminism isn’t only about fighting for women’s rights. It’s about making all areas of life equal for all genders. And men’s issues ultimately count toward that, too.
By Denisa4 years ago in Families
Farm Life
Hi there! My name is Olivia. I am one of many cows that live on the Friendly Farm. All the animals and the people are so nice. It’s a way of life here. Not just on the farm but in the city too. I know because my friend, Maria, tells me.
By Winter Lynn4 years ago in Families
Life
So, I got it, I know what I want to write about. I know what I need to write about to get it off my chest. It really isn't much different than the rest but it's what I need to say.
By Hidden secrets4 years ago in Families