Articles written by Kristin Castle

What is Helium

About me - Kristin Castle

I am thirty-one years old. I am a full time mother and part time waitress/bartender. My daughter, Madeline, is almost four, and my son Leo is six months. I am very happily unmarried to the father of my children whom is the youngest of five boys and the very

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Parenting & Pregnancy > Parenthood The myth of the good mother: 3 of 54
Good mothers are certainly not a myth. There are plenty of them out there. I have one, know some, and I have recently been informed by several reputable sources, that I am one. I must have put it out there, into the universe, that I was in need of some validation for my efforts, and in one week, on three separate occasions, I... More..
Relationships & Family > Marriage Psychology Do mama's boys make good husband material: 1 of 16
Raising someone's future husband.Raising a son is not without its gender specific challenges, and I can't help noticing that many mothers of past generations have failed in these areas. I don't mean to judge them as I know they truly believed they were doing their best. But in their efforts to ensure that their sons ALWAYS ne... More..
Parenting & Pregnancy > Childbirth & Labor Should you have an epidural or natural childbirth?: 3 of 44
Natural childbirth is called so because it allows our body to do exactly as nature intended it to do. It is what we are built for. It is the single greatest claim which only we can stake, and it should be celebrated as such. Giving birth naturally included the rebirth of my self. I have always considered myself a strong and c... More..
Politics, News & Issues > Presidential Elections 2008 Commentary: Obama's address on race in light of the Rev. Wright comments: 3 of 35

The Courage of ForgivenessMost of us have faith in a God who is forgiving and loyal to those who remain loyal to him. Yet we cannot wrap our jaded minds around a man who wishes to lead our country with these same attributes. We cannot simply accept Obama's forgiveness and genuine hope that Rev. Wright may come to know the Ame... More..
Relationships & Family > Children & Divorce Divorce and children: Putting children first: 5 of 29
My parents divorced just prior to my tumultuous teen years. I can honestly say that I never saw it coming. I do recall a few rather intense arguments, usually in the wee hours of the morning. But I believe that they must have genuinely tried to shield my brother and me most of the time. One day, my mother took me shopping to ... More..
Religion & Spirituality > Thoughts on God Can you make God change his mind?: 4 of 22
A friend just presented me with an interesting question. If we knew what the "greater plan" was, or why we are meant to endure such things, would that make it any easier? I quickly decided that I prefer not to know the greater plan. I have always been a bit argumentative and stubborn and I am quite certain that if I were to s... More..
Politics, News & Issues > US Elections (Other) Is America ready for a black president?: 16 of 66
My aunt just sent me an email congratulating me on my candidate winning the democratic nomination. She is proud to have the first African American presidential candidate. "He deserves it" she says, but follows that up by saying that he is far too liberal for her to vote for, and while she wishes she could vote for him, she do... More..
Society & Lifestyle > Political Values US elections 2008: Race and gender issues in the presidential election: 11 of 45
The Myth of Hillary Clinton's Glass CeilingPerhaps if Hillary Clinton did not lose to an unknown African-American man with a threatening name it would be easier to make the argument that she lost because she is a woman. And maybe if she had not been considered a shoe-in and a force not to be reckoned with, this gender bias ar... More..
Politics, News & Issues > Presidential Elections 2008 The case for Barack Obama's candidacy to the 2008 presidential election: 20 of 65
As a parent to be, I recall watching or reading the news and feeling genuine panic and selfishness at the thought of bringing someone into this cold, harsh mess of world. Who was I to force this helpless, innocent, unknowing little person into all of this? Now there are those classic parental moments when I look into my child... More..
Parenting & Pregnancy > Parenting (Other) All the benefits of having children: 5 of 16
I have to admit, I don't get people who have no desire to have children. I hate to judge and to each his own, but I don't get it. Particularly women. Maybe they have mistakenly convinced themselves that there is something better in store for them. There is nothing better. And anything else in life that requires the sacrifice ... More..