parents
The boundless love a parent has for their child is matched only by their capacity to embarrass them.
The Mother-Daughter Battle. Top Story - October 2018.
I kept seeing people on the interwebs who had written letters to their teenage selves. Sounded like a solid little self-reflection exercise, so I figured I’d give it a try. I thought it would be easy (and perfect timing) considering I just took a major trip down memory lane complete with laughter, tears and a large fire while cleaning out my childhood room at my parent’s house.
By Kacie Main7 years ago in Families
Why Are Fewer Couples Having Kids?
The world's population continues to grow at an exponentially increasing rate, and it's only a matter of time before eight billion humans call Earth home. While this is going on worldwide, several developed countries have been experiencing declining birth rates over the past 15 years. 20 percent of women in the world today are childless, compared to just 10 percent in the 1970s. In particular, American women ages 15-39 have experienced an especially marked drop in fertility. So why are fewer couples having kids today compared to fifty years ago?
By Joseph D. N. Kendrick7 years ago in Families
The Perfect Parent
What is THE PERFECT parent? I am here to tell you that I have asked myself this question more than once, in fact, I am almost positive that I ask this exact question on a DAILY basis! I honestly believe that every good, no, scratch that, every GREAT mom or dad ask themselves this everyday. The comments I get from others on a daily basis usually sound something like this, "They're too young to understand!" or "You're doing the best you can." I know that both of those phrases are so cliche but if you take a minute to think about it, you will realize just how true these comments are and I am going to focus on BOTH of these statements during this blog!
By Beth Ditzler7 years ago in Families
What I Wish I Knew About: Being a Single Mom and Dealing With a Breakup/Divorce
I have been a single mom for 48 days and holy crap is it hard. Suddenly being thrust into being a single parent is one of the hardest things I've ever had to do. Dealing with my divorce on top of that has felt like a nightmare. How am I supposed to take care of a little person when I feel like I can't even take care of myself? Well, I've (sort of) started to get used to it. I have a long way to go but here is some advice I have picked up so far.
By Ashley Rae7 years ago in Families
An Open Letter
Dear Momma, You came into my life when I was 16. I was lost, confused, and broken. I had built up walls so high that I thought no one could climb them. I hated the whole world. I believed that I was unlovable. I was angry, but mostly, I was terrified. I had been alone for so long, with only my sister. I thought everyone was out to hurt me, and I was convinced that I would never, ever, let anyone in and give them the opportunity to break me again. Little did I know, my whole life was about to change.
By Billi Jo Mcvay7 years ago in Families
Why More Dads Should Take a Longer Paternity Leave
Any parent knows how exhausting and demanding taking care of a newborn is, and some have to face it all alone. Both moms and dads try to do everything they can to prepare, but there may be more for those who are wondering about parental leave and whether both parents will take it. For those in relationships and/or married, there are plenty of beneficial reasons why both partners should take some time off work (especially you dads!), and tips for those dads who are wondering how to do so.
By Kara Riggleman7 years ago in Families
Preparing for Parenting
Becoming a parent is a HUGE step. Everyone talks about how hard it can be to care for a little one and how expensive it can be, but there’s so much to know within that. Take it from me, I got pregnant unexpectedly at the age 15, and had my son at the age of 16. I wish I knew then what I know now. And no one is ever READY READY to become a parent, but there are things to think about to give you an idea on how it is like.
By Alyssa Baur7 years ago in Families
A Letter to My Parents
I don't know what I would do without the love you have both showered me with throughout the years. You have been understanding, firm, sensitive, and supportive from the very beginning, always pushing me towards my dreams. I am lucky. I have been provided with such wonderful opportunities and you've given me such a pleasant childhood to recollect. You have both been role models for all four of us children and it is because of you that we are all on such amazing paths in life. I know this may seem cliché, but I consider you both to be two of my closest friends due to the fact that I can tell you anything and everything.
By Hannah Taylor7 years ago in Families
My Father
When I think of my father, there's only one thing that comes to mind: The Cubs. That's something he can talk about for hours on end. His entire living room is decorated in Cubs merchandise, most of his clothes have the Cubs logo on it, and every Christmas he will undoubtedly receive something that has anything to do with the infamous team. I remember one night, when I was maybe seven years old, the Cubs won an important game and my dad was ecstatic. He took the Cubs flag that he has hanging on his living room wall and began swaying it side to side while singing "Go Cubs Go". I had never seen such pride in his eyes. The sheer joy that he had for his team at that moment was unforgettable. Unfortunately, I do not share his passion for The Cubs because I do not care about sports in the slightest. Starting in fourth grade, I found my life path through music and teaching instead of ball throwing and dirty gym socks. However, sometimes I wish I could find it in myself to love The Cubs just as much as he does. I always wonder how different our relationship might be if I shared that interest with him since it is so prominent in his life.
By Regina Knots7 years ago in Families
I’ve Just Learned That My Father Is a Narcissist, and I’m Angry!
I’ve just discovered that my father is a narcissist, and I still can’t believe it. My father is in his late 90s, but don’t let that fool you. This is not some doddery old man who doesn’t know what day of the week it is. In fact, my father is kind of a miracle man, inasmuch as he’ll be getting his telegram from the Queen in just a couple of years, but he’s still the fittest person I know. He swims every day of the year, regardless how cold or wet it may be, and many days during winter he’s the only person out there in the icy cold water. After his swim, he gets on his stationary bike and pedals away for 30 minutes, then finishes off with some stretching exercises. He plays golf on a regular basis and can hold his own with golfers 20 and 30 years younger than himself. He doesn’t need to wear glasses, he certainly doesn’t need a hearing aid, and he even has all his own teeth! He lives in his own home, mows his own lawns and tends to his garden himself. Every day he gets into his car and takes himself shopping and out for lunch. And, to top it all off, he is an excellent cook and is perfectly capable of taking care of his home. Yes, I sound proud of him, and in a way, I am.
By Mari-Louise Speirs7 years ago in Families
