Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Families.
Adults Should Be Able to Trick-Or-Treat, Too
Who said the holiday was just for little kids only? Was it greedy Grandma Judy or old fart Farmer Brown that had made this decision? I mean, we were ALL children at one time, weren’t we? So why can’t adults go trick-or-treating on Halloween night, too? I believe a lot of the stress level in adults would be totally eradicated if they were allowed to get dressed up into their favorite costume after work, put on their most comfortable walking shoes, grab their durable trick-or-treat bag and start hitting the pavement along with the other kids and cool, creative adults. I mean, it’s only one time in the entire year that Halloween exists, so what in the world is the problem? It’s simply madness. Department stores across the world, whether it’s in a retail storefront or online, sell Halloween costumes for adults to wear all year long. Why do we wear them just for the kids or for personal parties? Why is it also only good to wear for comic/toy conventions to look like Super Mario or impersonate Darth Vader? Why can’t adults trick-or-treat too if they choose to, and why do the other adults frown if an adult tries to do it? Adults shouldn’t succumbed to only giving out bowls of candy and taking pictures at their house. They should have the right to choose and be a part of the trick-or-treating festivities if they choose to do it. What happened with the freedom of expression?
By Kathy Lester8 years ago in Families
Step MOMster
When I met my boyfriend, I knew he had children. I knew their ages and knew their names but I didn't know them. When he and I met, it wasn't supposed to end up how it has; it was supposed to be friends and then everything else happened. We somehow started a family, a very broken and messed up family but a family nonetheless.
By Alysha Clark-Walters8 years ago in Families
Ellis Island and The Fuscos
January 8th, 1893 – My name is Patrizia Fusco and I am 10-years-old. My mother, Catarina and my sisters Silvia and Katia have been travelling in what they call the steerage room for over 2 weeks. Silvia is 17-years-old and Katia is 13-years-old. I am the youngest. The steamship is crowded down here-- and dirty. Mother tells me to stay away from the other children because they have head lice. She has been caring for Silvia, who has been limping for 2 days now, because this room is so crowded someone stepped on her ankle in the middle of the night. It is blue and greenish colored.
By Patti Cakes8 years ago in Families
Toddler Diaries
I should probably start by saying that this is a blog about babies. For those of you who feel queasy at the sight of the millions of photos of other people's children on social media sites, now is probably the time to locate the small ‘x’ in the corner of this page. However, if, like me, you find this world of sleepless nights, gripe water, pampers, and breast pads rather fascinating: please, read on.
By Jennifer Turton8 years ago in Families
The Ultimate Potty Training Guide for Boys
Next to learning how to walk, one of the second most difficult leaps to climb for children is learning how to use the bathroom. This porcelain throne becomes an enemy, like their dreaded shoelaces or nail clippers. To them, graduating from diapers to potty trained is as stressful as it is for the parent. Remember, they're just children, not assholes.
By George Herman8 years ago in Families
The Breakout: How I Finally Conquered the Stigma of the Older-Sibling Shadow
We all know about middle child syndrome: the center of three or more children feeling invisible due to an overabundance of attention directed at both the oldest and the youngest. This is 100 percent real. I have witnessed it. However, what about the younger sibling? As one, I can say firsthand that the attention we receive as babies only lasts so long before relatives, teachers, or family friends begin the comparing.
By Piper Jones8 years ago in Families
The Boy and His Father
The boy had many friends as he grew up, some he still talked to and some he did not. He had moved many times but now he was a man and he felt he had moved for the last time. He had met a girl and she was the one, he was sure. She had been with him when times were bad and even though they argued he still loved her more than life.
By Edna Hampton8 years ago in Families
Benefits of a Live In Nanny
If you live a hectic life and have a young child, you should seriously consider hiring a live in nanny. They help relieve you of any duties concerning child care and live in your homes, which is very convenient so you don't need to worry about childcare mishaps occurring while you're at work or being crammed with chores. The nanny will be at your disposal on a daily basis and will often be around whenever you need them since they are living with you.
By Stephanie Gladwell8 years ago in Families
To the Grandmother I Never Knew...
You didn't know me, and I didn't know you. We were merely strangers that shared DNA. The saying blood runs deep is both true and yet, a lie. You see, I will never live without you, even though I did live without you. I will never forget you, though from day to day, you were like a whisper rather than an actual presence in my life.
By Jessie Melanson8 years ago in Families
