Real Talk

Raising Without Religion I’m raising my kids without religion. There, I said it. We don’t attend church. We don’t read the Bible. Not that I’m against those things, it’s just not my style. It may be an unpopular opinion, especially in the South, but my children get to choose whether or not they want to follow an organized religion. I do not force it, but if they decide to go that route, I try my best to encourage it. Our children will grow into adults before our eyes and I believe they’re entitled to the right to choose their own spiritual path. I was raised as what I could only describe as a lax Catholic. My parents chose to bring me to...

It's Tough To Hear, But It's True :: Grandparents Have Earned Their Opinions I’ll start by saying that this article is written with a humble, grateful heart. When I think about all that my parents have done to foster the growth and development of my daughter, I cannot help but form tears of thankfulness and immense appreciation. It has been a journey to get to the place of sincere recognition for my parents’ efforts, and I write to hopefully help others feel the same.   Let’s start from the beginning. You see, I was almost thirty-two when I had my daughter. Well settled into my career, financially responsible, educated, with a promising future, my life was on a path towards executive leadership...

In My Bad Friend Era Growing up I didn’t have a large group of friends. I had a select few I could confide in until I reached high school. Then that circle got even smaller. I found myself becoming friends with guys more often than girls. Why? Because guys are easier, they aren’t so dependent on connection. This of course came with a whole set of its own problems though. You know the problems I’m talking about. It’s not too hard to figure out. Then I reached my twenties and shortly after having my daughter, I found my forever best friend. In fact, I won’t even call her my best friend. That woman is my soul sister. Through and through. I...

When is the last time that you spent uninterrupted, quality time with your kiddo? Let me clarify before you answer. Not you doing something and your kiddo is there with you, not both of you on screens but in the same proximity, not riding in the car listening to music or the radio… I mean quality time. Time where you bond on a deeper level, where distractions are not allowed, conversation is purposeful, and your kiddo is your number one focus. Why is this so important? Isn’t observing your child’s behavior, spending time together (even though you’re multitasking in that time), and reassuring your kids that you will always be there for them when they need, good enough? After all, our...

Dear Teen Mom, I See You I’ll never forget seeing those two pink lines. I was 16. I’d had a few different boyfriends since I turned 14, but this was my first serious relationship. He was thrilled. I was, understandably, terrified. After a very difficult pregnancy, we welcomed our first son two weeks before my 17th birthday. Of course, it was love at first sight. We had an awesome support system, and I know for a fact the days would have been a lot harder without the help and love we received from grandparents. I don’t take that for granted one bit; they were a saving grace on many nights when I wanted to give up from lack of sleep. In...