Families
Family relationships, in all their complicated glory. Families explores the intricacies of being parents, siblings, mentors, and friends.
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Stories
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Top Stories
Stories in Families that you’ll love, handpicked by our team.
Dear Mom
Dear Mom (An open letter to my 1950’s mother) By: De Etta Miller Dear Mom, I’m not sure if this letter is for you or for me. But decades after your leaving, I feel the need to say: “I’m sorry.” I don’t know that I even believe in Heaven. I can only assume, that which was taught throughout my childhood might have some validity. Perhaps we all find the truth of our afterlife when it is indeed time for an afterlife. But what I do know and believe in, is how hard and yet delightful motherhood can be.
DeEtta MillerPublished 8 days ago in FamiliesStars in My Pockets
The La-Z-boy chair was burgundy. Carefully selected to meet my mother’s needs of both comfort and stability, this chair had the added bonus of also matching the living room. There came a day when I couldn’t hug her for fear of hurting her, but I could lean into her by leaning into the chair’s cushions.
Lydia StewartPublished 16 days ago in FamiliesMy Oma, My Dragon of Memory
The last time I saw my Oma she was old, small, tired, and in pain; lying in an oversized chair, wrapped in blankets with a cast on her arm and two nurses at her side. I remember placing my hand upon her and saying "goodbye Oma, I love you." I didn't plan on it being the last time. 4 hrs later I got a phone call. She had passed away in her sleep, just minutes after I had left. This is the last image of her that I hold in my mind. But that was far from all of her.
Effervescence
Gma shows me how to fold paper napkins, fives, and socks into the brown paper bags we bring to the park to leave for the forest of sleeping bags.
Christy MunsonPublished 20 days ago in FamiliesReturn of the Stay at Home Dad
My daughter’s mother, my ex, died. The funeral was to happen in 48 hours. I scrambled to find the quickest way back to Minnesota from Bali, Indonesia. I told my daughter to do her best with the funeral arrangements until I arrived.
Arlo HenningsPublished 26 days ago in FamiliesTiny pink shoes
The drive home from the hospital was quiet, I always pictured this day differently. We had so much to say but we kept the thoughts to ourselves, as if it was taboo to speak. I wanted to say something and nearly do, when I glance at her she is looking elsewhere.
Dear Dad
I've been contemplating if the last few months have been the hardest of my life. They haven’t, but they come pretty fucking close. You of all people would know what a poignant statement that is.
Sian N. CluttonPublished about a month ago in FamiliesWhy We Need Substitute Grandparents
I don’t know if it takes a whole village to raise a child, but it takes more than just the parents. If we’re fortunate, as we grow, we’re guided by a rich network of adults who look out for us and help us along the way—relatives, teachers, coaches, youth leaders, and others. We need a whole tribe to look out for us, to guide us on our way.
Chuck EtheridgePublished 2 months ago in Families
Collections
Themed story collections curated by the Vocal moderators.
Kids Say the Darndest Things
The unfiltered truths from the fruits of our loins. And the creepiest things they've ever said. Help?
Parenting Wars
Do or do not - there is no try. The ins and outs of one of the most difficult jobs on earth: parenting.
Nature vs. Nurture
What plays into our humanity? Nature vs. Nurture – how two factors affect one individual.
Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Families.
Embark on Your Saltwater Aquarium Journey with These 5 Effortless Techniques,
Are you prepared to immerse yourself in the realm of saltwateraquariums yet feeling inundated by where to commence? Fret not, for we are here to provide guidance. In this discourse, we shall elucidate 5 uncomplicated methodologies to initiate your very own subaquatic sanctuary. From establishing your tank to discerning the suitable aquatic fauna and preserving aqueous purity, we shall furnish you with all the requisite implements to fabricate a resplendent and flourishing saltwater aquarium. So, seize your snorkel and brace yourself to delve into this exhilarating avocation!
goddy igbinosaPublished about 2 hours ago in FamiliesNews: Should children read/watch the news?
In times of uncertainty and distress, the question of whether children should read/atch the news often arises. As a parent or caregiver, it is crucial to consider various factors before making this decision, with the age of the child being a significant one.
Sanjana DixitPublished about 14 hours ago in FamiliesBella's epic taste and venture: A journey into solid foods
"Starting solids is a milestone, but it's also a beautiful chapter in the story of your baby's growth and development." In the heart of the bustling kitchen, where the rhythm of chopping and the sizzle of pans created a harmony of culinary delights, a fantastic journey was about to begin - an epic exploration of flavors and feast for the little Bella as she discoveries on her weaning adventure.
Madness of candy
My daughter asked me to write a story about something crazy because it was a challenge. In such a case, when I finally take the plunge, I don't wonder what I could invent, but simply think back to see if I've done anything crazy in my life. Who hasn't done? Okay, but what is worth describing? Maybe one from my childhood. Let's see how it happened.
Unleashed
When told to jump, that’s what I did. My paper airplane ticket used as a bookmark took an unintended trip a few hot summers ago. We were out on a friend’s houseboat – a sizeable vessel in the middle of Lake Powell in Utah, on vacation. It was a gorgeous day, sun overhead and bright with a bit of breeze kicking up. The lake full of boaters and water skiers zipping around… vacationers taking advantage of summer’s bounty as laughter mingled with the scent of Coppertone and birdshit. Gulls gliding, their raucous calls echoing from boat to boat. I lay on my back, sunning myself, reading the next chapter of Jackie Collins-styled smutwork. As I turned the page, my plane ticket took flight as a liberated butterfly, carried on the wings of a passing breeze. It fluttered through the air, gracefully, landing in the shimmering black waves of the lake.
Cathy SchieffelinPublished a day ago in FamiliesEmbracing the Soul of St. Patrick's Day: A Festival of Irish Legacy
Presentation: St. Patrick's Day, noticed every year on Spring seventeenth, is a valued occasion celebrated by millions all over the planet. It recognizes the life and tradition of Holy person Patrick, the benefactor holy person of Ireland, and fills in as an energetic articulation of Irish culture, legacy, and pride. As the world becomes green for a day, St. Patrick's Day unites individuals in a blissful festival loaded up with music, dance, and the unquestionable soul of the Emerald Isle.
My Infertility Journey
It's weird to me how sometimes your body just knows when there are going to be complications. From my teenage years, I was afraid that I would struggle with infertility. At the age of 20, I began fertility testing as I had already been unsuccessfully trying to get pregnant for over a year. Sadly, an unfortunate event when I was seventeen landed me with an STI that when untreated can cause damage to reproductive organs. I am unaware how long I had the STI, but immediately got treatment for it. The first treatment, however, was unsuccessful and I had to go through it again to fully get rid of it. The STI was asymptomatic with me, so if I didn't start fertility testing I may have never known.
Brilainey CreatesPublished a day ago in FamiliesRamadan's Significance: A Season of Spiritual Renewal
The Essence of Ramadan: At its core, Ramadan is more than just abstaining from food and drink from dawn till dusk; it is a time for self-discipline, compassion, and spiritual enrichment. Muslims view fasting during Ramadan as a means of purifying the soul, cultivating empathy for the less fortunate, and strengthening their relationship with Allah.
Lily JamesPublished a day ago in Families
Creators We’re Loving
The creative faces behind your favorite stories.
Lana V Lynx
213 published stories
Steven Rice
25 published stories
Addison Horner
47 published stories
Misty Rae
221 published stories
Oneg In The Arctic
138 published stories
Rachel Deeming
293 published stories
Arlo Hennings
116 published stories
Salgado
14 published stories
Heather Hubler
233 published stories
Christy Munson
62 published stories
Eda Marie
5 published stories
Sian N. Clutton
72 published stories