Lifestyle
For the lives that we love, and everything that comes with it.
Parenting a Teenager
The night around them lay heavy. Every sound was something sinister... Oh, wait. Wrong story. This one is much more terrifying, I'm afraid - and there are no heroes. No one to save you. All you can do is walk slowly through the darkness, and pray for the light to come - and come it will, but it will take its dear time. "It can't be that bad." You think, scoffing at my title as you gaze lovingly at your rosy cheeked, adorable chubby fingered toddler. "My baby could never become the stuff nightmares are made of." I was that naive and delusional once - and then my child became a pre teen. She was so sweet, thoughtful, and considerate; every bit the angel that yours is right now. If I concentrate hard enough I can still remember the sound of her giggling, and how it felt to be her best friend, respected, the center of her world. Then, the inevitable happened. She became twelve, and Aunt Flo found her. Suddenly my sweet, considerate child became this hormonal, moody thing that only wanted me around if I was a convenience for her. Not just during "That time of the month." Oh no. Don't delude yourself into thinking it's only then. I went from momma to mom and when she's annoyed (which is oh so often) or mad Muh-Therrrr. Just like that. Just like how it's spelled. I assure you. Now instead of hugs, kisses, and smiles I get eye-rolling, huffing, and stomping, or - my personal favorite - the sarcastic, rude remarks and ever popular "must get the last word in no matter the cost."
By Jennifer Culbreth9 years ago in Families
Meet Loki
Hey there! I have always been dog-obsessed, I reckon so much so that my first word as a baby was probably "dog." I have had dogs all of my life, my first family dog was Chester. He was a beautiful redheaded boxer dog — I myself am a redhead too, so obviously we had a bond right away. I was only two years old when we got Chester as a puppy. Unfortunately, when I was around seven, my parents thought it was best to rehome Chester as he was left alone all day while my parents were working and me and my siblings were at school. Obviously at the time, I really was not happy about this situation, but looking back I know it was the fairest thing to do. Chester went to a home with another boxer dog and a family who had lots of time for him — luckily, we got to visit him sometimes too!
By Natalie And Loki9 years ago in Petlife
Parenting Without Using Physical Punishment
As promised in my last article, I’d like to share some ways of parenting children without using physical punishment that I learned both as a parent and a grandparent. This article is not designed to change your beliefs about smacking children: if you believe physical punishment works, then my goal is not to change your opinion, because as I stated in my first article I too used to hit my children. However, I do believe there are many parents out there who are looking for an alternative way of raising their kids. This one is for you!
By Mari-Louise Speirs9 years ago in Families
An Open Letter to Drugs
I remember sitting in a freezing car in the middle of Los Angeles, looking out of the car window at the homeless people that passed. Many of them walked by without a second glance, but a couple of them made direct eye contact and stared. Eventually they moved along, but my heart raced as I waited for my father to return to the car. As every homeless person passed, I imaged my dad in their torn clothes, begging people for money on the streets. To this day, I'm not sure why my young mind had placed him there, maybe it was just one of my worst fears playing tricks on me.
By Kasey Lomax9 years ago in Families
Transmisogynists Have Trans Women's Blood On Their Hands
Transmisogyny is growing like a cancer (and as someone who has had cancer, I’m allowed to say that). Everywhere on the internet and in the “real world,” I see transmisogynists undermining my trans sisters’ humanity and basic rights.
By Kimia Etemadi9 years ago in Viva
