Family & kids

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.

Recent Stories of Family & kids

I Gave the Inheritance to My Grandson, and My Family Spiraled Into Chaos

I Gave the Inheritance to My Grandson, and My Family Spiraled Into Chaos
3 hours ago

A reader recently shared her story with us—a decision made out of love that unexpectedly tore her family apart. After years of raising her grandson alone, she chose to leave him her home, believing it was the right thing to do. But when a long-absent family member returned, everything changed. What followed was a whirlwind of accusations, guilt, and something forgotten that left her questioning everything.

I Didn’t Pay for My MIL’s 68th Birthday — She Can’t Keep Using Me

I Didn’t Pay for My MIL’s 68th Birthday — She Can’t Keep Using Me
4 hours ago

One of our readers reached out, feeling torn over a delicate situation with her mother-in-law. After years of covering her extravagant birthday dinners, things took a dramatic turn when the truth about her finances came out. What was meant to be a routine family gathering quickly turned into a moment of tension, leaving our reader wondering whether standing by her husband was the right move.

MIL Always Excludes Us From Family Events, So I Gave Her a Taste of Her Own Medicine

MIL Always Excludes Us From Family Events, So I Gave Her a Taste of Her Own Medicine
6 hours ago

A woman wrote to Bright Side with a story that hit us right in the heart. After years of being treated like an outsider by her wealthy mother-in-law (excluded from weddings, cropped out of family photos, and never truly welcomed), she finally reached her breaking point. So when her son’s birthday rolled around, she made a bold decision, and the fallout was immediate.

I Said No to Babysitting My Nephews, Now I’m the Villain of the Family

I Said No to Babysitting My Nephews, Now I’m the Villain of the Family
8 hours ago

When we think of family, we picture care, loyalty, and mutual respect. But sometimes, those bonds are tested, especially when certain members take others for granted.One Bright Side reader recently wrote to us, overwhelmed and exhausted. She’s a devoted sister and aunt who agreed to help out for one night, only to be ghosted by her brother and unfairly judged by her father. After finally standing her ground and calling out the lack of responsibility, she’s now facing guilt trips, silence, and demands for an apology, all for setting much-needed boundaries.

I Refuse to Work Full-Time While My MIL Hoards Her Fortune

I Refuse to Work Full-Time While My MIL Hoards Her Fortune
10 hours ago

We all hope that in our hardest moments, the people closest to us will be there — not just for support, but for honesty, teamwork, and care. But sometimes, the people we trust most are the ones who leave us feeling the most alone. One reader found herself in exactly that situation. She gave everything she had to keep her family afloat, only to uncover a secret that left her questioning everything.

I Refused to Babysit My Sister’s Kids — They Showed Up and Caught Me in a Very Private Moment

I Refused to Babysit My Sister’s Kids — They Showed Up and Caught Me in a Very Private Moment
14 hours ago

Who knew that turning someone down could spark such chaos? One reader found herself at the center of unexpected family turmoil after she couldn’t drop everything to babysit for her sister. She had other plans—important ones. But instead of accepting her answer, her sister went rogue, showing up uninvited and creating a scene that flipped the narrative completely. Before she could even explain, she was painted as the villain, with the rest of the family rallying behind her sister’s version of the story.

He let his mother insult me — so I gave the ring back

He let his mother insult me — so I gave the ring back
15 hours ago

Life is full of complex relationships, emotional challenges, and situations where doing the right thing isn’t always clear. These stories remind us that even in the most personal struggles, we’re not alone—there’s always someone else who’s been through something similar. Recently, we received a heartfelt letter from one of our readers, Megan, who wanted to share a powerful experience that left her questioning everything.

I Refuse to Go on the Family Vacation—I’m Tired of Being Their ATM

I Refuse to Go on the Family Vacation—I’m Tired of Being Their ATM
16 hours ago

We often give our families the benefit of the doubt, and help them when in need. Supporting your loved ones doesn’t seem like much of a hardship, until the script flips, and it turns into them taking advantage of you, financially. One Bright Side reader wrote to us, telling us about her dilemma, and asking for our opinion.

Trending stories of Family & kids

I Let My Dying Ex-Wife Move In—Now, I’m Badly Regretting It

I Let My Dying Ex-Wife Move In—Now, I’m Badly Regretting It
2 months ago

Showing empathy and offering help to those in need is a true reflection of kindness. One Bright Side reader, Mark, opened up about stepping in to support his ex-wife after she was diagnosed with cancer. But now, he's questioning that decision—because of the unexpected behavior of her daughter.

My Sister Spoils Her Kids, and I Had to Take Action to Make Her See Reason

My Sister Spoils Her Kids, and I Had to Take Action to Make Her See Reason
2 months ago

When it comes to raising children, it is difficult to agree on certain matters, especially when there’s a very different way of looking at parenting. Then the tension can suddenly break, ruining any efforts at kindness and harmony. This is precisely what happens in this story between two sisters and their children.

My Future Mother-in-Law’s “Dehumanizing” Birthday Present Left Me in Shock

My Future Mother-in-Law’s “Dehumanizing” Birthday Present Left Me in Shock
year ago

A wedding is expected to bring joy to a woman's life. However, it's widely acknowledged that conflicts, especially with mothers-in-law, can arise, dampening the excitement of the occasion. Recently, a Reddit user sought solace and advice from the online community while navigating strained relations with her mother-in-law during this journey.

My Stepdaughter Said She Prefers Her “Real Mom” at Her Wedding, and My Husband’s Reaction Stunned Me

My Stepdaughter Said She Prefers Her “Real Mom” at Her Wedding, and My Husband’s Reaction Stunned Me
month ago

Weddings are joyful milestones—but they can also reopen old wounds, especially in blended families. When long-held roles and sacrifices go unacknowledged, a celebration can quickly become a source of heartbreak. Elise, a stepmother who had spent nearly two decades helping raise her husband’s daughter, recently found herself grappling with an unexpected betrayal just days before her stepdaughter’s wedding. She turned to us for support, unsure how to process what she overheard—or what it meant for her place in the family.

7 Things Parents Do That Unintentionally Push Kids Away

7 Things Parents Do That Unintentionally Push Kids Away
3 years ago

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.

I Nearly Ruined My Parents’ Marriage After What I Overheard

I Nearly Ruined My Parents’ Marriage After What I Overheard
year ago

Even though we always want the best for our loved ones, sometimes our good intentions can backfire. That’s what happened to our reader, who thought her father was cheating. It turned out to be a simple misunderstanding, but it has put a strain on their trust, and repairing it won’t be easy.

I Refuse to Quit My Job for My Sick Baby—My Husband’s Secret Plan Terrifies Me

I Refuse to Quit My Job for My Sick Baby—My Husband’s Secret Plan Terrifies Me
3 months ago

When I became a mother, I knew my life would change forever. But I never imagined my husband, the man who promised to be my partner through everything, would turn against me in a moment of crisis. Now, he has labeled me a "terrible mom" for refusing to quit my job to take care of our sick baby, and I can't help but wonder: am I really in the wrong?

My Brother Proposed at My Wedding, a Year Later I Got Revenge on Him

My Brother Proposed at My Wedding, a Year Later I Got Revenge on Him
year ago

Proposing at someone’s wedding is a popular but controversial practice. Some people think that such a gesture is “special”, others think that it takes away from the bride and groom’s day. This is what has happened to a Reddit user. He was angry to watch a proposal at his wedding but didn’t miss his chance for revenge.

I Didn’t Force My Daughter to Be Extroverted—And My SIL’s Reaction Left Me Fuming

I Didn’t Force My Daughter to Be Extroverted—And My SIL’s Reaction Left Me Fuming
month ago

Family gatherings can be both joyful and challenging, especially when differing personalities and parenting styles come into play. One mother on Reddit found herself at the center of a family dispute when her sister-in-law confronted her introverted daughter during a dinner party. The mother’s protective instincts led her to take a stand, but not everyone in the family agreed with her actions.

Best of the Week of Family & kids

8 Signs You Grew Up in a Toxic Family

8 Signs You Grew Up in a Toxic Family
5 years ago

Tantrums, anxiety, hiding real emotions, and low self-esteem — sadly, some parents manage to pass down all of these negative qualities to their kids. Their egoism and indifference toward their children’s feelings make a huge impact on them in their childhood. As a result, kids start to criticize themselves, feel helpless, and have problems in their social lives.

My Sister Wanted to Marry My Ex, So I Ruined Her Wedding

My Sister Wanted to Marry My Ex, So I Ruined Her Wedding
3 months ago

Breakups are never easy, but for one of our readers, things took a shocking turn when her ex proposed to her sister. She decided to get her revenge at their wedding, which only made things even more complicated. Now, she’s caught in a messy family drama and isn’t sure how to move forward.

10+ Family Secrets That Could Trend on Google

10+ Family Secrets That Could Trend on Google
2 months ago

Sometimes the most shocking stories don’t come from strangers—they come from the people sitting across the dinner table. These quick, honest confessions show just how much can stay hidden in plain sight. From long-lost relatives to double lives nobody saw coming, these personal tales prove that every family has its own quiet headline waiting to go viral. No drama for the cameras—just the kind of secrets that make you want to call your mom and ask a few extra questions.

My MIL Called My Son a “Lottery Ticket,” but I Got the Last Laugh

My MIL Called My Son a “Lottery Ticket,” but I Got the Last Laugh
month ago

Family relationships can be full of love, support, and unforgettable memories—but they can also be complicated and hurtful. Sometimes, the people we expect to treat us with kindness cross the line, leaving us confused and upset. It can be especially painful when this happens in front of others, or when it involves someone we love deeply. One reader recently sent us a letter about a difficult moment with her mother-in-law that turned what should have been a joyful evening into a night full of tension and heartbreak.

The Wife of My Ex Forced My 16YO to Babysit Their Newborn at Night—So I Took Matters Into My Own Hands

The Wife of My Ex Forced My 16YO to Babysit Their Newborn at Night—So I Took Matters Into My Own Hands
4 months ago

Parenting comes with its fair share of challenges, especially when families are blended and responsibilities become blurred. It’s not uncommon for parents to worry about their children’s well-being, especially when they feel their child is being treated unfairly. Boundaries, discipline, and expectations can vary from household to household, sometimes leading to difficult decisions and emotional conflicts. One concerned mother recently reached out to Bright Side to share her story, seeking guidance on a troubling situation involving her teenage daughter and her ex-husband’s new family.

My Marriage Was Ruined by My Stepdaughter, But My Revenge Was Oh-So-Sweet

My Marriage Was Ruined by My Stepdaughter, But My Revenge Was Oh-So-Sweet
4 months ago

We present to you the compelling story of Jenna, who faced betrayal when her stepdaughter’s lies shattered her marriage. In a world where trust is easily broken, Jenna’s experience is a stark reminder of the lasting impact of deceit. Yet, her story is not just about heartbreak. When her ex-husband’s new partner encountered a similar betrayal, Jenna found an opportunity to turn her pain into strength. Join us as we delve into a story of empowerment and discover how one woman’s struggle can inspire us all.

Monthly Top Picks of Family & kids

13 Celebrities Who Chose to Become Moms Later in Life

13 Celebrities Who Chose to Become Moms Later in Life
2 years ago

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.

My Wife Earns More Than Me But Refuses to Help My Elderly Parents

My Wife Earns More Than Me But Refuses to Help My Elderly Parents
year ago

A 35-year-old man reached out to us to share a challenging situation he's facing within his family. He expressed his frustration over his wife's refusal to assist his parents financially and support them. He's puzzled by her behavior, especially considering how differently she treats her own parents.

My 16-Year-Old Stepdaughter Got Pregnant and I Decided to Teach Her a Cruel Lesson

My 16-Year-Old Stepdaughter Got Pregnant and I Decided to Teach Her a Cruel Lesson
4 months ago

Teen pregnancy is never easy. Raising a child is expensive, exhausting, and life-changing—even for adults with stable jobs. So, for teenagers still figuring out their own future, the challenge is even greater. That’s exactly what happened when a 16-year-old girl found out she was pregnant.Her biological mother—who was also a teen mom—was thrilled, seeing it as history repeating itself in a sentimental way. But her stepmother saw things differently. To her, this wasn’t just another life event—it was a complete shift in responsibility the teen wasn’t prepared for. The woman turned to Reddit with her story and asked people for their opinions about the hard life lesson she decided to teach her teen stepdaughter.

I Discovered My MIL’s Embarrassing Cooking Secret

I Discovered My MIL’s Embarrassing Cooking Secret
5 months ago

Family traditions often hold a special place in our hearts, connecting generations through shared experiences, meals, and love. But what happens when one of these cherished traditions turns out to be, well… not quite what you thought? Here's my story, a revelation that left me stunned and taught me a thing or two about family, honesty, and emotional resilience.

14 Things All Moms Do That Make Us Love Them Even More

14 Things All Moms Do That Make Us Love Them Even More
3 years ago

Although many of us think that each family is a different world and each one has different ways of communicating, it is inevitable to compare our parents with those of our friends. And when we do, we realize that we are not so different, especially moms, who seem to have the same habits with their children. As we grow up, we realize that those details that bothered us when we were little are actually priceless.