From the joyous chaos of playtime to the heartwarming moments of familial love, the "Family & Kids" section invites you to explore the many facets of family life. It's a space dedicated to sharing stories, advice, and insights about familial bonds that make life meaningful and fulfilling.
Here you can find a variety of topics, each shedding light on the complex and beautiful dynamics of family life. You'll read stories that highlight parenting trials and triumphs, offering perspectives from different walks of life and diverse family structures. Here, we celebrate the unconventional and embrace the unique, recognizing that every family has its own story to tell.
In the "Family & Kids" section, we believe in the importance of lifelong learning. You'll find thought-provoking articles that challenge common misconceptions and encourage open discussion about topics that matter. From understanding the benefits of sleeping in separate beds to navigating the complexities of sibling relationships, we aim to provide you with a fresh look at family dynamics.
Safety and well-being are paramount to us. We share tips and insights from experts that can help ensure your loved ones' safety. Whether it's a swimming instructor warning about the dangers of a seemingly harmless habit or a story highlighting the importance of DNA testing, our articles are designed to inform and educate.
As we explore the world of parenting, we also delve into the joys and challenges of raising children. From celebrity parenting styles to the awe-inspiring resilience of parents searching for their lost child, our articles encapsulate the breadth of experiences that shape the journey of parenthood.
In the spirit of inclusivity, we also shine a light on controversial topics that spark important conversations about parenting decisions. We believe in creating a platform for open dialogue, where everyone can share their views and learn from others.
Overall, the "Family & Kids" section is a celebration of family life in all its forms. It's a space where you can immerse yourself in stories that inspire, educate, and provoke thought. No matter what your family looks like, we hope that our content will resonate with you, offering a deeper understanding of the dynamics that make family life both challenging and rewarding.
Join us as we explore the intricate tapestry of family life, diving into stories that capture the essence of love, resilience, and the undeniable bond that ties us together.
Parenting is hard. We all want the best for our kids, so we follow advice, lean on what feels right, and try to raise happy, successful little humans. But what if some of the things we think are helpful are actually doing more harm than good?Yep, even the most well-meaning habits—like always stepping in to help or praising them for being "so smart"—can have sneaky downsides. Don't worry, though! This isn't about blaming parents (we’re all just doing our best). Instead, we’re diving into 7 common parenting habits that might be secretly backfiring—and even be dangerous for your kid's life. Let’s get into it!
It's easy to get lost in the endless to-dos and parenting worries. But if there's one thing that truly stands the test of time, it's the simple act of wrapping kids in love. 💖 Experts uncover a profound truth: the more affection children receive, the stronger, happier, and healthier they become. And today’s inspiring stories prove just that. From quiet sacrifices to extraordinary gestures, a mother’s love isn’t just powerful—it shapes the very foundation of a child’s future.
Grandmothers, with their years of wisdom and life experience, often amaze us with their strength and resilience. They have a way of stepping up in tough moments, showing just how incredible they truly are. Their quiet courage and steady guidance can turn even the hardest situations around.
We would do anything for our children, even if that means making difficult decisions. Steph, a Bright Side reader and mother to a 13-year-old daughter, is refusing to allow her husband’s other daughter to move in with them because she fears it might have a negative impact on her own child. Her husband strongly disagrees, and the two are facing a challenging time in their marriage. She wrote to us for advice.
Pregnancy announcements are often met with joy, tears, and heartfelt congratulations. However, not every reaction follows the expected script. Some women have shared the most surprising, awkward, and even downright shocking responses they have received when breaking the news. Whether it was an unfiltered remark from a friend, a baffling reaction from family, or a workplace response that left them speechless, these stories prove that not everyone reacts to pregnancy news the way one might hope.
Sandra expected a peaceful journey on her long flight, but an unexpected challenge arose when a persistent child tried to claim her reserved window seat. Determined to hold her ground, she firmly refused to move. However, what unfolded next was beyond anything she had anticipated.
For the many people who cannot have or do not want to have their own biological kids, or even for those who just want to make a difference — adoption, and fostering is the way ahead. Adopting a young child is easier, of course, but some people often take the harder road, and by doing this, set a beautiful example for the rest to follow. Here go some touching stories about people who adopted older children, and turned a tough situation into a success story.
Stepmothers often get a bad reputation in fairytales, sagas, and even real life—painted as cruel and unkind. But sometimes, reality shatters the stereotype, revealing stepmothers who are full of love, care, and kindness.The heroine of today’s story grew up with both a biological mother and a stepmother. To her surprise, it was her stepmother who became a pillar of support, earning her love and admiration.However, when a large sum of money entered the picture, everything changed. Her parents turned a heartbreaking situation into a shocking betrayal. She shared her dramatic story on Reddit, and it’s one that will leave no one indifferent.
Being a single dad means navigating a world where every decision feels twice as heavy—but also twice as rewarding. It’s the late-night talks about dreams, the messy pancake mornings, and the moments when your kid’s smile can fix a day you thought was beyond saving. But it’s not all sunshine; there are struggles, self-doubt, and quiet nights wondering if you’re doing enough. What makes it all worth it? Those unexpected moments of love, growth, and connection that leave a mark on your heart forever.
Weddings are meant to be joyful celebrations, but sometimes, they can stir up complicated emotions and difficult choices. But for this Reddit user, the biggest challenge was neither the guest list, the flowers, or the seating chart.
Money-related issues can create big tension within a family, and in Vanessa’s case, things escalated quickly. When her parents asked her to help her sister secure a house, she refused—sparking an intense conflict. Accusations of selfishness were thrown, emotions ran high, and Vanessa soon found herself facing an unexpected consequence. Now, she’s reaching out for advice, wondering if she was too harsh.
“Choose between your child and me.” These devastating words shattered the world of a 34-year-old mother, who has now poured her heartbreak into a deeply emotional letter to our editorial team. She never imagined that the man she once called her “dream love” would force her to make an unthinkable choice—her own flesh and blood or the relationship she believed was forever.Torn apart and standing at a crossroads, she bravely shared her painful story, revealing how her decision not only shook her to the core but also turned her own family against her. Their anger, their frustration—she feels it all. And now, she’s left wondering if she made the right choice. Read her full, heart-wrenching story and share your thoughts. Could you offer a few words of wisdom to a mother drowning in despair?
“Went to buy some groceries and never returned,” “picked up the wrong child from daycare,” — these stories about fathers are all over the Internet. And although they do take place, there are good dads too, but these days many people still perceive them as some kind of a miracle. This article will tell you about how difficult it is to be a father sometimes.
Money problems can strain family relationships, and Emma’s situation was no different. She had been saving for a dream cruise with her husband, but unexpectedly, he redirected their savings toward his daughter’s new interest—something Emma hadn’t agreed to. This disagreement not only derailed their plans but also uncovered troubling truths about their finances. Distraught and unsure of her next steps, Emma turned to us for advice.
Let’s meet Anna, a truly beautiful young girl who had a very rare condition that even the doctors didn’t have much experience with. However, her family was always there for her when she needed them the most.
Conflicts between married women and their mothers-in-law are a frequent occurrence. Striking a balance between maintaining a positive relationship with your in-laws and ensuring your happiness is vital for family unity. Recently, a woman shared her profound distress after learning that her mother-in-law had been meddling behind her back in her own home. Seeking guidance, she turned to Bright Side for advice on how to navigate this sensitive issue.
We can never be sure what we’re marrying into family-wise. This makes one’s in-laws a kind of lottery. While some of us are lucky to get a second set of parents or siblings, others end up having new family members who would go so far as to try to steal their baby. That’s exactly what happened to one woman who took to Reddit and told a mind-boggling story of her relationship with her SIL, which grew to an unhealthy shade after the woman gave birth to her baby son.
For many, dementia conjures images of forgetfulness and decline affecting the elderly. However, the Fowler family faces a heartbreaking reality — their daughter, Haidyn, battles a childhood form of this devastating illness. Diagnosed with Sanfilippo syndrome in 2020, at 5 years old, Haidyn’s life is a constant struggle against a progressive, terminal condition.
Our relationship with our moms are not always smooth and full of love. Some people can’t boast with having a really loving and caring mother, and our today’s heroine is one of them. A woman wrote to Reddit with her mildly infuriating story about her relationship with her mom. Luckily, all the vile deeds of her mother were returned back to her when she least expected it.
Sometimes, even a simple question, like “How was your day?” can make your kid not want to be around you or spend time with you. That’s why parents, from time to time, should step into their kids’ shoes and see what they actually need from them.
Family vacations are supposed to be a time for bonding and relaxation, but they don’t always go as planned. One woman found herself caught in a whirlwind of tension when a simple request for a plane seat led to a heated family dispute. What began as a well-intended trip turned into a dramatic situation involving her daughter-in-law, her son, and ultimately, her relationship with both.
I knew my life would change once my mother-in-law started living with us. But, what I didn’t expect was that my entire living room would turn into a shrine for her outdated, mismatched decor. The centerpiece? An ugly heirloom she adored more than anything else in the house—maybe even more than my husband.
All people want that love of a lifetime, but practice shows that this kind of scenario is a rare exception to a harsh reality. In 2017 in Europe, there were about 2 divorces per 1,000 people. The good thing is that foreseeing a divorce is possible, and it’s backed up by scientific research.
Many people notice that kids in France are well behaved, brainy, and active. They rarely get naughty and fussy, they eat what they are served, and they politely greet the neighbors. Bright Side found out what kind of "secret ingredient" French women add to their well-known child-raising.
Becoming a parent is a joyous and transformative experience, one that brings excitement, anticipation, and sometimes, unexpected challenges. The revelation of a baby’s gender is a momentous milestone for any family, often celebrated with enthusiasm and love. However, not all journeys into parenthood unfold seamlessly, and for some, the path is marked by unforeseen obstacles.
If your kid gives you a bracelet with the lettering “mediocre” or tries a cat door as the main door, you’re a happy parent. Your child has a sense of humor and family life will never get boring. Just let kids use their imaginations and enjoy the show.
Family is something we shouldn't take for granted, and grandparents often hold a special place in it. With their life experiences, they bring wisdom and often a great sense of humor, making them some of the most memorable and cherished people in the family.
While deciding to get married, we may sometimes make wrong choices. But at least, we choose a partner for life ourselves, while in-laws cannot be chosen. They come to our lives “by default”, and for many people their in-laws become a real Pandora’s box. Our today’s protagonist is Donna, 38, whose relationship with her MIL initially wasn’t a bed of roses and later led to the woman uncovering a nasty family secret.
Having kids is usually a big decision that parents make after lots of thinking and planning. It’s not an easy road, so some people who feel it’s not for them just choose not to have kids. They might feel confident living child-free, but not everyone gets it or respects that choice.For example, some people—especially older generations—struggle to understand why anyone wouldn’t want kids. Take Andrea, 43, for instance. She was so focused on becoming a grandparent or keeping her family line going that she ended up having a kid instead of her daughter. She shared her complicated story with us in a letter and asked for advice on her tough situation.
Welcoming guests into your home can be quite the undertaking, but some individuals take it to the next level by completely disregarding boundaries during their stay, even if they’re family. These encounters can lead to some pretty uncomfortable situations, and almost everyone had to deal with them at some point.
Is there anything better than waking up early in the morning because your 3-year-old is poking you in the eye and trying to turn you into a pirate? And then, just as you’re about to start getting annoyed, your child tells you that they love you even more than their precious toy car and then, you’re ready to go through the poking all over again. Children — they’re the reason you notice more and more gray hairs on your head and why you’ve had more sleepless nights than you could ever count. But they’re also the reason you strive to become a better and healthier person every single day.
Blake Lively, the renowned actress and wife of actor Ryan Reynolds, has been relishing the joys of being a parent to their four children. However, amidst the happiness, Lively also experiences the natural exhaustion that comes with the responsibilities of parenthood.
About 20% of new moms noticed things got trickier with their mother-in-law after having a baby. Balancing parenthood is tough, and some must return to work quickly. A Bright Side reader was stressed when her mother-in-law asked for money to babysit her grandchild.
In the modern world, many women choose to become mothers later in life. And celebrities are no exception here. Some of them decided to become first-time mothers in their forties or later, and they are so happy to welcome their much-anticipated babies.
A desperate young lady, 19, has taken to Reddit to get people’s advice on an issue that is very painful for her. The girl appeared to be the only caretaker for her siblings, while her mom just went away on her own business. The OP has been desperate all this time, because her mom wouldn’t show up for 9 long weeks. She’s sure that everything’s okay with the woman, and she asked people about what she should do in such a critical situation.
Having a teen in the house is always somewhat of a lottery — today you may get a cool breeze, while tomorrow can turn out to be an adolescent storm. And when you have 3 teens that don’t get along well, may good luck be with you. Luckily, all of this is temporary, and with patience and some skill, you can easily find the way out.
