Close Ad

parenthood

8-Year-Old Uses Her Allowance to Buy This Illegal Thing Heres Why Her Dad Is Calling Her Critics Envious
Uplifting News

8-Year-Old Uses Her Allowance to Buy This Illegal Thing Heres Why Her Dad Is Calling Her Critics Envious

In a bold move that defied conventional wisdom, eight-year-old Ruby McLellan, along with her siblings Angus McLellan and Lucy McLellan, made headlines by purchasing this bizarre thing with their allowance. In a world where "pocket money" typically fuels children's sweet tooth cravings or toy store adventures — you probably can't guess what it is.She Did What No 8-Year-Old Had Done BeforeUsing $6,000 of their pocket money, Ruby, 14-year-old Angus, and 13-year-old Lucy made history by putting a down payment on a four-bedroom house on Melbourne's southeast fringe two years ago, valued at $671,000.Despite facing online backlash and criticism calling their behavior "exploitive," the McLellan family stood by their decision. Ruby's father, Cam McLellan defended his daughter's actions as "required sacrifices" aimed at securing their financial future. He stressed the importance of teaching children the value of money and investing early, a lesson Ruby and her siblings are sure to take to heart. As of 2024, their home has increased in value from $671,000 to an estimated $960,000.How Did an 8-Year-Old Manage to Buy a House?TODAY Show/YouTubeIt's not rocket science. This is a pretty easy equation to solve. At just eight years old, Ruby McLellan didn't come into thousands of dollars by selling lemonade on her street corner. "There’s no easy silver bullet, but while my kids will get enough to get started, they are not silver spoons. They have a leg up, but so can anyone in Australia."Cam McLellan, Daily MailRuby's father, Cam McLellan, provided the funds for the house purchase, a fact that he readily acknowledges. While some may question the ethics of such a gift — and many people did — McLellan sees it as an investment in his children's financial education and future prosperity.So, does that make it right?The Public Attacked His Parenting — But He Couldn’t Care LessTODAY Show/ YouTubeAs soon as the news got ahold of this crazy story, McLellan came under fire. Critics speculated on the legality and morality of the move, with some suggesting it was a tax evasion scheme or, worse, exploitation of young minds. While McLellan frames the investment as an educational opportunity for his children, skeptics argue that the decision ultimately rests on his authority and influence. They worry that Ruby and her siblings might not fully understand what owning a property means. Some think that involving kids in such big financial decisions blurs the line between helpful guidance and too much control from parents. This raises questions about how much say children should have in matters like this and whether they might be taken advantage of. It's a reminder of how important it is to make sure kids are protected and understand what's going on when it comes to money.However, Mr. McLellan — who is the head of the OpenCorp property group — remained undeterred, emphasizing that the purchase was entirely legal and aimed at securing his children's financial future."It’s easy for someone who doesn’t have property or hasn’t made sacrifices, to be angry about it and easy to target a young kid who has a leg-up."Cam McLellanHe went on to share while tenants may find it "humiliating" to pay rent to children, he doubled down that this purchase was entirely driven by pragmatism, not to prove any point.One Father’s Divisive Advice for His Daughter’s “Haters”Cam McLellan had some fighting words for the naysayers and he quickly put himself at the center of a brewing media storm.McLellan was quick to say those attacking the "precocious property purchasers" — such as his prepubsecent children — would be better off devoting their energies to finding extra work, slice their discretionary spending, and saving money for their own first home."Young adults’ lifestyles are very flamboyant these days. I worked three jobs, I didn’t go out, I sold my car."Cam McLellan, Daily MailMr. McLellan went on to criticize the younger generation, encouraging them to "sacrifice" and "delay gratification." In an interview with the Daily Mail, he confidently concluded, "Eating in cafes and shopping has drained people’s money. Even owning a car, they like to change it every five years. I had the same car for ten years."Is It True? Is It Toxic? Or Is It Both?Cam McLellan's blunt advice has stirred debate, raising questions about the balance between financial prudence and the toll of excessive sacrifice. While his call for disciplined spending and hard work may resonate with some, others view it as a reflection of outdated attitudes towards wealth and success. McLellan's emphasis on austerity and delayed gratification may overlook the systemic barriers that hinder financial mobility for many young adults. As the conversation unfolds, it prompts reflection on the complex interplay between personal responsibility and societal structures in shaping financial outcomes.The duality of McLellan's advice — both true in its emphasis on frugality and hard work, yet potentially toxic in its failure to acknowledge systemic inequalities — highlights the need for a nuanced approach to financial education and empowerment. It underscores the importance of addressing both individual responsibility and broader structural issues to ensure equitable opportunities for all.But this isn't a conversation that concerns 8-year-old Ruby McLellan, who confirmed being a landlord at her age is "pretty cool."More from Goalcast:12-Year-Old Refuses to Do ‘Girl Chores’ Around the House – His Mom’s Response Goes ViralTeacher Hand Delivers Free Lunches to His Students at Their House – But That Wasn’t All He Brought8-Year-Old Loses All His Toys in a House Fire – Little Did He Know His Classmates and Teachers Had a Secret

9-Year-Old Girl Loses Her Mom - Years Later, She Pens a Message About Her Single Dad
Everyday Heroes

9-Year-Old Girl Loses Her Mom - Years Later, She Pens a Message About Her Single Dad

Being a parent is hard. Doing it alone can feel nearly impossible. And yet, every day, millions of single parents step up to the plate and kill it, taking on the roles of both mother and father to their children.Tiana Sheehan was only nine years old when her mother died from lung cancer and her father, Glenn, suddenly found himself thrust into single parenthood. Over the next few years, he would be her sole guardian, guiding her through all the messy bits of growing up, including the ones in which most daughters typically turn to their mothers for help. It didn't go unnoticed. At the age of 23, fourteen years after her mother passed away, Tiana penned an emotional tribute to her dad, thanking him for "fulfilling both roles."And it's a powerful message to all the single parents out there.Daughter’s Letter to Her Single Dad Goes ViralIn a Facebook post that went viral on the page, Love What Matters, Tiana shared a core memory of her dad after a routine trip to the grocery store.She explained that she had been shopping in Meijer when she overheard a mother talking to her daughter about shaving her legs."It was her first time shopping for razors, and her mom was explaining what kind of razor she needed, how to shave her legs, etc.," Tiana wrote. "I felt that little punch in the gut that I normally feel when I see a mom and daughter doing mom-and-daughter things. I can't help it."And while she felt the familiar twinge of jealousy and sorrow, it also reminded her of a similar moment she shared with her dad when she was 10, and it made her giggle. "I'll never forget the look on my dad's face when I told him I wanted to shave my legs. It was the summer after mom died and some of the girls I went to summer camp with started teasing me about my hairy legs."There are some things in parenthood that you are just never prepared for. "I remember coming up to Dad and being so embarrassed to ask him for help, but man, did he handle it like a champ!" she continued. "For a moment he put his head down; and then he turned the TV off, took me into the bathroom, gave me a new blade on his razor, gave me his shaving cream, and taught me how to shave my legs."Despite being completely out of his depth, her dad didn't try to push her off or find the nearest woman. Instead, he pulled through. And Tiana? Never forgot it. Shoutout to the Single DadsWhen it comes to single parenting, mothers tend to take on the lion's share of the role. But there are a lot of single dads out there too. And it's to these single dads that Tiana addressed the next part of her letter. "Single dads don't get the credit they deserve; especially mine and all dads who are left playing both roles," Tiana continued in her post. "There was never a time in my childhood where I truly thought I was missing out on anything. My dad was so good at fulfilling both roles and making sure my childhood was as normal as possible; that there was never a time I thought life or God had screwed me over."Her dad handled it all — periods, shaving, broken hearts, even catty girlfriends. Tiana ended her post with a heartfelt thank you to her dad for never being too embarrassed to do the "girl stuff.""Dad, I know I haven't said it enough, so here's a big public THANK YOU for never, ever, ever being too much of a man to be my mom." Her words hit home. Not just with her dad but with the more than 40,000 people who liked her post. Tiana and her dad were shocked by the response. "I never thought in a million years that so many people would see and share it — or that it would resonate with so many people," Tiana told People. Single Parents Are SuperheroesOftentimes as parents, we feel like we're failing. Like we're not doing enough. For single parents, this can hit doubly hard as they carry the weight of providing and caring for their children without the support of a partner.Taking on the roles of both mother and father is no easy feat. And yet, so many parents do it all every single day. Making sure that their kids are happy, healthy, and above all else, loved. And that is something to honor and celebrate. "Single parents rock! They deserve all the praise in the world. It’s not single moms or single dads, single PARENTS are superheroes!" Tiana Sheehan via PeopleWe couldn't agree more. More from Goalcast:Shocked Mom Finds Dozens of Notes In Her Daughter’s Drawers – Realizes Her Husband Has Given ThemGarbage Collector Wakes Up at 3 AM to Make Only $10 a Day – Years Later, His Daughter Makes His Dream Come TrueGarbage Collector Wakes Up at 3 AM to Make Only $10 a Day – Years Later, His Daughter Makes His Dream Come True

Shocked Mom Finds Dozens of Notes In Her Daughter's Drawers - Realizes Her Husband Has Given Them
Uplifting News

Shocked Mom Finds Dozens of Notes In Her Daughter's Drawers - Realizes Her Husband Has Given Them

The camera pans from a mother in tears to the room and they're strewn all over the place. What would motivate anyone -- let alone her husband -- to do something like this? We'll let you decide. A Shocking DiscoveryPhoto by Karolina GrabowskaIt's a natural law that parents are tempted to snoop around on their kids. After all, as they grow up (way too quickly), they do more and share less, leaving their once-informed parents in the dark about their lives.Yet, most parents will do their best to resist and respect their kids' privacy. However, they do have small windows into their world like, for example, placing fresh clothes in their drawers.As per Good Morning America, Sabrina Clendenin, a 33-year-old mother of three girls, gasped when she opened one of their drawers and found something shocking."What I laid out on the tables were not even all of them," Sabrina Clendenin said. "When I came across them all stuffed in a drawer, I was like, 'What in the world?'" she recalled. Indeed, when she figures out what's going on, it sets social media on fire. A Father’s Epic BondClendenin quickly realizes that her husband is the culprit, and he's left them all over. Her utter shock gives her the motivation to go on TikTok and expose it to the world.The video starts with her covering her face in tears as the camera pans around the room. The caption reads 'When you find all the lunch notes your kids keep from their dad.'There, laid out on three tables placed side-by-side, are sticky notes authored by husband Jordan Clendenin. He'd been packing them with his girls' lunches every day, and they cherished them so much they kept every single one.They include messages of love and encouragement like, "I love you very very much! You’re such an amazing daughter!” and "Try to remember a thing that makes you smile or laugh in school today."Clendenin also shares that her husband gets creative with themed days such as "What am I Wednesday, Fun Fact Friday, Motivational Monday."A Father’s Notes Go ViralThe video goes absolutely bonkers with 2 million views and almost 17,000 shares. It also catches the attention of many impressed dads. "What a wonderful father. If everyone had a father like him I can’t imagine how much better our world be," glowed one.Sabrina hopes that her husband sets a new trend for dads around the world. "I think that's really cute. I thought that was sweet to see all those dads be like, 'I'm gonna step up my game,'" she said.How One Father Proves the Importance of Showing UpSadly, many daughters don't have a father around, and the impact is profound.According to Psychology Today, girls who grow up without a father (biological or other) are more likely to endure alcoholism, drop out of school, and go to prison.Yet, it also adds the crucial point that 'Even if a father is physically present, his emotional absence can negatively affect a daughter into adulthood.' In other words, success isn't just about showing up, it's about showing love. In the end, fathers are flawed human beings, learning like everyone else. They can polish their parenting game by looking at this creative and caring pop.As for what the future holds, his wife doesn't see that stopping anytime soon. "I don't think he can stop now. I think he's locked in for life. They're gonna be in college and they're gonna expect those notes."More from Goalcast:Single Dad Delivers Pizza to Make Ends Meet – Then He Pulls Up to a Parking Lot to Find ThisSingle Dad Discovers His 9-Year-Old Son Was a “Bully” — Doesn’t Demand an Apology for This ReasonLittle Girl Needs to Use the Bathroom, but Confused Dad Doesn’t Know Where to Go – Then a Stranger Makes an Offer

Single Man Adopts Sick Baby With No Parents - He Grows Up to Make History
Uplifting News

Single Man Adopts Sick Baby With No Parents - He Grows Up to Make History

Family isn’t always the one you were born into. Blended, adoptive, and chosen families can be just as important in terms of your growth and relationships. And often, these untraditional family units can be particularly special and meaningful in a person’s life.That’s true for this father-son duo. They found each other in an unconventional way and proved to everyone that families can be more than one thing.An Aspiring FatherYears ago, Jerry Windle didn’t think fatherhood was in the cards for him. Sure, he wanted to be a dad, but as a single gay man in the 1990s, he didn’t believe it was possible.“I got a little bit sad and depressed about the fact that I could never have a child,” he told Good Morning America. “But I'd accepted that.”Then he came across a magazine article about a man who adopted a child from Cambodia. The thing that stood out to him was that the article never mentioned a mother, but instead described the father-son relationship.“I called the agency [named in the article] and just said, 'Is it possible for a single person to adopt?' and they said, 'Yes,'” Windle recalled. “I got a packet of information and an application about a week later, and I took probably three days and filled out every single document, got fingerprinted, filled out my background information, I did everything.”A Dream Come TrueVery soon after Windle handed in his application, he learned about a little boy named Pisey who was in an orphanage in Cambodia. Pisey, which means “little darling” in Cambodian, immediately caught Windle’s attention and he knew that he was looking at his son.“It was done the second I opened the envelope and saw that photograph,” he recalled. “I sent a photo of me and asked them to give it to him in a necklace and explain to him that I was his daddy and was going to be coming to get him.”Five months later Windle brought his son, now named Jordan, home. He was ill with scabies and intestinal parasites and suffered from severe infections. But Windle was determined to get his health back up.“When I held him in my arms that first moment, I made a promise to him that I would be the best dad I could possibly be,” he continued. “I wanted his youth to be filled with wonder and amazement. That has been my mission from Day 1.”An Unexpected PathWhen Jordan was seven, Windle signed him up for a summer aquatics class. There, someone important saw him jump off the diving board one day: Tim O’Brien. O’Brien’s father, Dr. Ron O’Brien, had been the coach of legendary diver Greg Louganis. Tim immediately asked to speak with Windle.“He said, 'You need to get this child into diving. He will be a national champion one day. He may even be an Olympian one day,'” Windle recalled.So, Windle put Jordan into diving, and before he had even completed a year, he was doing memorable dives. The following year, he won the junior national championship. When he continued growing in the sport, the family moved to Indianapolis and then North Carolina so that he could receive the instruction he needed.In 2021, Jordan made his father proud by joining the U.S. Olympic diving team. He made history by becoming the first diver of Cambodian descent to compete in the Olympics. He continues to be proud of his heritage and has a Cambodian flag tattooed on his arm for people to see when he dives. According to Windle, Jordan is treated like a rock star when he returns to the country.As for Jordan, he told Today that he dives for his dad and how much his dad loves watching him.“Without him making all the sacrifices that he has, and his love and support the whole time we've been together, I really wouldn't be where I am today,” he told the publication. “I have him to thank for everything, all my accomplishments. It's been an amazing journey with him, and we're still rolling.”There Are Many Ways to Be a ParentThis story is so heartwarming because it’s a beautiful narrative of two strangers coming together and impacting each other’s lives in an unexpected and meaningful way. It reminds us that family can be many things, so long as it’s based on love.It also reminds us that there are many ways to be a parent. Whether you feel as though you don’t have a “conventional” family unit or you’re facing infertility issues, being a parent is something you can still experience. Fostering, adoption, volunteering with certain organizations, or even just being the best aunt or uncle are all ways to make a positive impact on a young person’s life.You never know — with your guidance and love, odds are they, too, will go on to do great things in life.More from Goalcast:Woman Sits Next to Pregnant Stranger on Flight – Ends Up Adopting Her Newborn BabyWoman Has a Dream About the Same Baby for Months – Fights to Adopt Her Husband’s Dead Ex-wife’s SonWorker at Adoption Agency Refuses to Go to Her Grave With Important Secret — How Her Risky Confession Changed Two Lives Forever

Mom Visits Store to Buy Diapers for Her Baby - Finds a Letter That Shocks Her
Uplifting News

Mom Visits Store to Buy Diapers for Her Baby - Finds a Letter That Shocks Her

*Featured image contains photo by Craig AdderleyWhat happens is so shocking, that she goes online in a frantic attempt to find out who is behind it.The Crushing Cost of ParenthoodPhoto by Nicola BartsRaising a child is pricey business, and the cost is only rising.As per CBS, "The cost of raising a child from birth to age 17 will set you back by about $310,000." It's pushed more and more families into homelessness. One of the biggest infant expenses is diapers -- and lots of them. So when Brisbane native Michelle Patricia Bennett is strolling down the aisle at Woolworth's to buy some for her baby one day, she's price-watching. After all, she doesn't want any surprises. Fast forward a couple of days later. Bennett recalls that she was "having a day at home just trying to catch up on the mountains of housework," when a surprise is exactly what she gets. A Stunning Surprise From Aisle 5Photo by Eduardo SoaresThat's because, as she opens up the box of diapers, she discovers something else inside. It's a five-dollar bill -- with a note. What it reads gives her the motivation to share her experience online and it quickly goes viral.Bennett's post is titled 'My Wealthy Wednesday.' "To the kind person that has done this, thank you!!! It is such a wonderful gesture and certainly brought a smile to my face," she writes.She includes a picture of the note which reads:If you having a tough day, I thought maybe I can brighten it up with this little surprise. Go buy a coffee or a scratch ticket. Practice some self-care today. Always remember you are much loved and you are amazing :)Bennett continues, "I'll definitely get a coffee or a scratchy soon."The story had the internet gushing with awestruck comments. "Oh, that's so sweet," posted one woman. "So nice of someone to do such a thing. Lovely little surprise -- a little bit of kindness goes a long way.""This is absolutely beautiful," added another. How a Mother Reminds Us That the Small Things MatterIt doesn't take an economist to know that it's not just parents who are feeling the financial crunch. Per Business Insider, "bankruptcies, foreclosures, and other money problems like car repossessions and loan defaults" have consumer stress levels the highest in four years. While the struggle is real, it's no match for kindness. Among the quotes on kindness, one by Abraham Lincoln reads, " Kindness is the only service that will stand the storm of life and not wash out." It might be a little legal leniency for a single mother, making a waitress's wish come true or repaying a treasured teacher. No matter the situation, through all of life's waves and ripples, kindness endures. Let's all keep that close to heart the next time we're in a bind.More from Goalcast:Single Mom’s Biggest Fear Is Regarding Her 14-Year-Old Son – So His Teacher Makes Her an OfferSingle Mom’s Driveway Is “Stolen” in Broad Daylight – Then a Stranger Makes an Offer She Can’t RefuseBoy Suddenly Goes Missing During Routine Walmart Trip – His Mom Finds Him in an Unlikely Place

Little Girl Needs to Use the Bathroom, but Confused Dad Doesnt Know Where to Go - Then a Stranger Makes an Offer
Uplifting News

Little Girl Needs to Use the Bathroom, but Confused Dad Doesnt Know Where to Go - Then a Stranger Makes an Offer

Traveling with kids is always a struggle — even for the families that sprung for the top-of-the-line compact strollers. Whether it's across the world or across the street, kids have a way of adding extra flair to any situation. They complain that they are hungry or thirsty, sometimes during the most inconvenient of times. And of course, there's the dreaded, "I have to go to the bathroom." And no, they can never wait.While trying to catch a train with his 6-year-old daughter, one dad traveling solo faced the ultimate challenge — taking his little girl into the men's washroom.When It Comes to Bathrooms, Mothers Know Best!It's not everyday you see a changing table by the urinals — and I'm not petitioning we change that!Still, moms seem to have the bathroom dance sorted – ladies' restrooms are typically clean, equipped, and welcoming. But for dads, especially #GirlDads, it's a different and messier story. While I wouldn't know personally, word on the street is, men's washrooms aren't the cleanest for little girls?Go figure.His Daughter Had “To Go” — And He Didn’t Know Where to Take HerKier Gaines/InstagramWhen father, Kier Gaines, was trying to catch a train back to Washington, DC, he found himself in the middle of a real Sophie's Choice.His daughter, Emery, had to go — and to his dismay, she needed a little assistance. At home, it'd be no biggie, but in public? Gaines knew his options were limited and he was running out of time. Option 1: he could bring Emery into the women's washroom, but it was a busy location and he understandably didn't want to risk making the other women feel "uncomfortable" with his presence. Option 2: he could bring his little girl into the men's room. But that seemed awkward for everyone involved — especially after scoping out the place. “She needed to go, but the men’s restroom was really filthy and I wasn’t sure what to do.”Kier Gaines, TODAY.comYes. The bathroom was in the exact condition you would imagine a men's public restroom at the Philadelphia train station would be.Thankfully, one janitor caught Gaines' eye and without any words needing to be exchanged he knew exactly the problem — and was just the man to provide the exact solution."One of the porters that cleans here saw me and he was like, 'Hey bro, you want me to hit the bathroom and clean it for you?' I said, 'Yeah, thank you, man.'"“You Want Me to Clean the Bathroom for You?”Jorsh Delfish, 31, is the resident custodian at Philadelphia’s 30th Street Station and has a little girl of his own. When he saw a fellow father at a crossroads, he knew just how to step in and he brought his mop with him.“I'm a single dad of a little girl. I saw [Gaines] was struggling and I wanted to help because I’ve been in the same situation many times, and it's stressful."Jorsh Delflish, TODAY.comIn Gaines' words, Delfish understood the importance of making little Emery feel "comfortable and safe" and to say Delfish went above and beyond is an understatement.“He Sprayed His Own Cologne”He didn't just make it safe, he made it smell good too!"I wiped down the toilet seat, I sprayed my own cologne so it would smell good, I disinfected everything,” Delfish says. “It's not the first time I've done that. I like helping other parents. I like helping out my co-workers. We gotta have each other’s backs, you know?"Delfish says working maintenance at Philadelphia’s 30th Street Station is a healthy distraction after heartbreakingly losing his 1-year-old son, Avis, in 2022. “There Is No Such Thing as a Small Gesture”Kier Gaines/InstagramWhen Delfish shared he just wanted to make an "impact," he had no idea just how big that impact would be.Kier Gaines isn't just a father, he's also a licensed therapist and motivational speaker with over 600,000 followers. Naturally, his followers were so moved to hear his story about how one man's "small gesture" wasn't small at all.“You know that tingly feeling like you could cry? I feel that. No one wants to hear a man complaining about what’s difficult for him. No one wants to hear a dad complaining about what’s hard. But for that man to see me struggling … and to clean that stall for my baby, man, that meant the world.”Kier GainesThe post racked up over 800,000 likes and the comment section was flooded with other dads sharing their same experience."Single girl dad here, definitely been there bro. I used to pray for the 'family' facilities to be available," @enricoflamingo shared.Delfish's gesture didn't just help one dad out of a sticky situation, his act also prompted an even bigger conversation. A pretty big "impact," if you ask me.More from Goalcast:

Garbage Collector Wakes Up at 3 AM to Make Only $10 a Day - Years Later, His Daughter Makes His Dream Come True
Uplifting News

Garbage Collector Wakes Up at 3 AM to Make Only $10 a Day - Years Later, His Daughter Makes His Dream Come True

Parenting can be difficult, but at the end of the day, the No. 1 thing any parent needs to do a good job is to love and support. Everything else is extra. That means, even if a mother or father doesn’t make a ton of money or give their kids all the bells and whistles, they can still be a successful parent.That’s why one story of a father who sometimes couldn’t put food on the table but still supported his daughter so that she could graduate from college is resonating with so many people.A Man Does His BestA 51-year-old father named Tatay Cristito Quimado doesn’t have much in life, but he has a family, and to him, that is everything. The Filipino garbage collector made headlines after a GMA News article highlighted just how much he loves his family.In the story, the father-of-four explained how he wakes up at 3 a.m. every day in order to get to work at 4 a.m. From there he collects garbage and risks his health due to exposure to various hazards.It’s not the most glamorous job, but it’s a job, and he does it because he — like so many other parents — wants a better life for his kids. He wants them to finish their studies, and he will do whatever it takes to support them in that goal.“It's difficult because I have many children. But even though it's hard, I can handle it. Sometimes we have nothing to eat,” he told the outlet.A Proud FamilyQuimado’s dream came true in April 2018 when his daughter, Jenny Rose Quimado, graduated college with a Bachelor of Science degree in Nutrition and Food Technology. It has been a long road, but the dad said he is proud of his daughter. Jenny is also proud of how hard her father has worked in order to get her to this position.“Sometimes, he comes home empty-handed, but I thank God that he is my father because his work is honorable. He is not doing anything illegal,” she said.What sticks most with Quimado is that, even though some kids might be ashamed of having a garbage collector as a father, Jenny is proud of his work and knows that hard work is hard work. She also knows what you do for a living doesn’t necessarily define you."When people ask, 'What does your father do?' she answers, 'Garbage collector!' she is not shy," Quimado added.A Dream for the Next GenerationNow that Jenny has graduated college, she wants to start working in order to provide for her siblings and for her father. She wants to be able to take him to nice restaurants and buy him nice clothes.She also wants to set the tone for her siblings, and wants to help her family by putting her salary towards putting them through school, too.“I want to be the one to work so I can educate my siblings,” she added.The family’s story was a huge hit, and before they knew it, others around the world wanted to help them out, too. Quimado’s wife was offered a job at a sari store, and others donated money and gifts to help give them a nice Christmas.That generosity isn’t slowing Quimado down from working as hard as he can to provide though. “For fathers like me, it is our obligation to send our children to school,” he explained in a follow-up GMA News article. “I hope for all of our children.”Following Your DreamsThis story is so sweet because it highlights the importance of family and love. But it also exemplifies the importance of following your dreams, even when things get hard.Getting up that early and collecting other people’s garbage isn’t easy. It’s a hard and demanding gig that offers very low rewards. Yet Quimado does it because he knows it’s for a good cause: realizing his dream of his children graduating from college.It’s a reminder to all of us that when things get hard, don’t give up. Remember your purpose, set goals for yourself, and when life gives you a challenge face it head-on. So long as you have loved ones who will support you along the way, you’re going to be all right.More from Goalcast:Poor Dad Raises His 4 Children Alone After His Wife Abandons Them to Start a New Family With Someone ElseStruggling Single Dad of 4 Owes $168,000 – His Mortgage Provider Makes an Announcement That Shocks Him5-Year-Old Girl Empties Her Entire Piggybank to Help Others – 13 Years Later She Wins $48 Million All Because of Her Grandfather

Daughter Refuses to Clean Her Room - So Her Mom Puts All Her Things in Garbage Bags to Teach Her a Lesson
Uplifting News

Daughter Refuses to Clean Her Room - So Her Mom Puts All Her Things in Garbage Bags to Teach Her a Lesson

No one said parenting is easy, but thanks to social media many moms and dads can share stories that make them feel less alone. Of course, when you take anything online, you need to weigh the good with the bad, which one mom was reminded of when she posted about a creative solution to her daughter not cleaning her room.While some people applauded her and said they might copy her tactics, others were against it. And one person even reported her to social services.Enough Is EnoughAlice Velasquez was done telling her teen daughter Tahlia to clean her room. No matter how many times she asked her to pick her things up, there was garbage, dirty clothes, clean clothes, and sporting equipment everywhere. Words weren’t working, so she finally came up with another solution.Velasquez put every single one of her daughter’s belongings from the floor into garbage bags. She didn’t sort anything, and she didn’t throw anything out. What was on the floor went into those bags exactly as it was. Then, she told Tahlia she could buy the bags back one at a time for $25.The twist was that the only way Tahlia could earn money was to do chores around the house.“So $25 could buy a bag of dirty clothes, it could buy a bag of trash, or it could buy soccer gear. #MayTheOddsBeEverInYourFavor,” Velasquez wrote in a since-deleted post, as per Stuff.Unexpected BacklashSome praised the mom for her unique solution. Others thought she was being too extreme. The post was shared thousands of times, and as more people weighed in, Velasquez eventually offered an update.“I guess the downside of posting my parenting choices and having it go 'viral' is all the haters... I do not know when I last received such hateful messages!!” she wrote.Velasquez revealed that one person had even called social services over the post, despite the fact that they didn’t actually know her or her family. She added that this was her taking an active role in parenting and that she was raising her kids to have respect, chores, and responsibility. They are also loved, well cared for, and involved with school, church, and family activities.“When I asked her (repeatedly) to clean her room, I expect to be respected in my request,” the mom continued. “If her teacher or boss asks her to complete a task and she refuses, there will be consequences. That is life, and that is how we all contribute to society.”A Successful ExperimentDespite the negative backlash, Velasquez stood behind her actions and revealed they worked really well for her family. Not only did her daughter work to earn her things back, but her siblings also pitched in and volunteered for extra chores to help her get her belongings even faster.The mom said that people could judge her but she is personally very proud of her kids. “Not only was this a lesson for my oldest daughter, but a great family building exercise, too,” she wrote.“[We look for a] creative solution that can later be looked back at and laughed at by all parties, but yet instills lessons that will stay with both parties and hopefully be a memory, learning opportunity, and bonding experience all rolled into one,” she continued.“I stood by it when I posted it, and I stand even taller by it now that I have seen the results in my children.”We’re All Just Doing Our BestThere’s a reason they say parenting takes a village. There are many rewards to being a parent, but it can also be challenging. Many parents question whether their decisions are the right ones, and look to others for advice when they’re out of answers. These days, many people also ask for help online.That’s why it’s important to not judge other parents and to try and be supportive. If you come across something that is truly concerning it should always be reported, however parenting choices that are meant to teach life lessons in a positive way should be applauded.After all, as parents, we’re all just doing our best to raise decent humans. And we could all use a little help along the way.More from Goalcast:Mom Faces Backlash for Making Daughter Sign a Lease and Pay Rent to Live at Home – She Has the Best ResponseMom Learns Her Entitled Son Bullies Classmates for Shopping at Goodwill – Gets Taught a Harsh LessonSingle Mom Expects 6-Year-Old Son to Do Household Chores – The Reason Why Is a Lesson for All Parents

Mom Has Enough of 13-Year-Old Sons Entitled Behavior - So She Draws Up a Contract to Teach Him a Lesson
Uplifting News

Mom Has Enough of 13-Year-Old Sons Entitled Behavior - So She Draws Up a Contract to Teach Him a Lesson

*Featured image contains photo by Kindel MediaThere’s no handbook for raising children, and despite our best efforts, some kids can be a handful. It can be hard to know how to handle certain situations, and sometimes parents rely on their communities — in real life and online — to help navigate it all.That’s why one mom’s response to her son’s rude behavior has gone viral. Not only are some parents applauding the letter she published, but they’re also taking inspiration from it.Enough Is EnoughBack in 2015, a mother named Heidi Johnson had enough of the way her then 13-year-old son was talking to her. She decided it was time to do something about it, so she wrote him a letter.“Since you seem to have forgotten you are only 13 and I’m the parent, and that you won’t be controlled, I guess you will need a lesson in independence,” she wrote. “Also as you threw in my face that you are making money now, it will be easier to buy back all the items I bought for you in the past.”The mom then explained that if her son, Aaron, wanted access to lights and the internet (he was making money as a YouTuber at the time) he would need to start paying his share of the costs.Johnson then listed out what she expected her son to pay:Rent: $430Electricity: $116Internet: $21Food: $150She added that he’d also need to empty the trash three nights a week, vacuum and sweep, and clean the bathroom weekly. Going forward he was also responsible for cleaning up after himself and cooking his own meals. A failure to do any of that would result in a $30 maid fee daily.“If you decide you would rather be my child again instead of a roommate, we can renegotiate terms,” she concluded.Accidentally Going ViralJohnson took a snapshot of the note and posted it to Facebook, intending to share it with her friends.“The child is going to have a rude awakening today after the words he exchanged with me last night,” she captioned the post. “Not only will he find this on the door, but his mattress stripped, and the toys and clothes that I bought confiscated. He will have three options. Buy his own, rent his clothes at $3 a day, or renegotiate his terms of being a child. Mama's done playing games and being a doormat.”What Johnson didn’t mean to do was to set the post to public. But she did, and when she woke up the next day, she had more than 100 new friend requests. She was confused at first, but then when she saw some of the comments from people who supported her or whom she had inspired, she left it public."Stand proud as a parent, teach them from your experience and get respect."“It’s just that time in life, we all go through it to some degree. Stand proud as a parent, teach them from your experience and get respect, I love it,” wrote one person.“More parents should try this, then the kids might have an idea of what it costs to live. Way to go,” wrote another.Learning a LessonNot everyone agreed with the mom’s parenting style, but in the end, she said it made a difference. “When I ask him to do something, he does it,” she shared in the same post a week later.She added that her son earned his comforter and some clothes back right away, even though she did leave him with some clothes, pillows, and sheets — just not the ones he would want to wear every day. She also explained that there have always been consequences to actions in her house, but things are changing as her son ages.“As he gets older, he also gets more responsibilities because he is old enough to handle more. That seems to be where he wants to dig his heels into the ground more,” she continued. “He wants the perks of growing up without the responsibility that comes with it.”In another update, Johnson explained that she hated having to discipline her kid like that, but that’s just part of being a parent.“I take no pleasure out of punishing my child, but I needed to make a lesson with a lasting impression,” she wrote. “I needed for there to be a teachable moment in this belligerent chaos. I also knew I had to trust my instincts, as a mother who has known her child for 13 years, that I knew this was for the best and that we would work through it.”It Takes a VillageWhether you agree or disagree with Johnson’s tactics, at the end of the day, we can all agree that parenting is hard, and no one ever really knows if they’re doing the right thing. What we do know is that we’re all just trying our best, and sometimes that is the right thing.One of the reasons this story went viral is because of how Johnson took a stance and tried to parent her son. But another and very relatable reason this resonated with people is because parenting is hard and we all have to do things we don’t like when trying to teach our kids to be good people.So the next time you feel alone or stuck as a parent, remember Johnson and her note. Because at the end of the day, all parents will have their ups and downs. But so long as you lead with love and trust your instincts, odds are you and your kids are going to be okay.More from Goalcast:Woman Forces Stepdaughter to Wear Ugly Dresses to School – Teaches Her a Valuable Life LessonUngrateful Daughter Throws Mom’s Gift in the Trash – So She Decides to Teach Her a Harsh LessonSingle Mom Expects 6-Year-Old Son to Do Household Chores – The Reason Why Is a Lesson for All Parents

Little Girl With Autism Tries to Blow Out Strangers Birthday Candles His Reaction Goes Viral
Uplifting News

Little Girl With Autism Tries to Blow Out Strangers Birthday Candles His Reaction Goes Viral

Parents of children with autism are, unfortunately, used to facing stigmas in their daily lives. So often, strangers can judge them or act harshly toward their children because they don’t understand what it’s actually like to walk in their shoes.Sometimes, though, strangers can turn all of that around with a simple act of kindness. That’s exactly what one man practiced on his birthday, and now his actions are inspiring others around the globe.A Birthday CelebrationA man was out to dinner with some friends one day to celebrate his 29th birthday. After the meal, the servers came over with a cake and did a short “Happy Birthday” performance. Typically in these situations, other restaurant-goers will take note and smile. Sometimes, they’ll even sing along.On this particular day though, a young girl with autism saw the celebration and wanted to be involved.In a video shared by Good News Correspondent on X, the girl comes over to the table and tries to blow out the candles. Immediately, her father follows and tries to stop her, but the birthday boy surprises everyone by insisting the little girl be the one to blow them out.The smile on the little girl’s face (not to mention the one on her dad’s face) is so sweet that thousands of people shared the video and reacted to it on social media.An Inspiring MessageIn the comments, you can see how inspired people were by this man’s kindness. Parents were particularly touched and thankful to see such a positive interaction.“As a mom, I have to say thank God for people like this young man,” one person wrote. “Others have to deal with strangers telling us that autism is not an excuse and verbally attacking us.”Someone else gave a shout-out to the girl’s dad. “Sweet. And respect for Papa trying to do his best,” she wrote. “Our special needs kiddos are not always received positively or given much grace from strangers when they have impulsive, compulsive, sensory seeking moments.”"If you can be anything, be nice."“If you can be anything, be nice,” someone else added. Another person shared that sentiment: “Kind people deserve the best.”Choosing KindnessThe reason this story touched so many people is that it inspires us all to be a little kinder in our own lives, too. Sometimes, we can get in a bad mood or feel like things aren’t going our way, and it makes us want to retreat and keep to ourselves.But, as this man proves, choosing to lead with kindness whenever we can has the potential to light up so many lives around us — including our own. That’s why it’s important to put ourselves in other people’s shoes and why we should always try and remember that we never really know what others are going through deep down.Whether it’s bringing someone an extra coffee, baking treats for a neighbor, or even just checking in on someone who has been having a tough time lately, these gestures matter. Besides, the more we practice leading with kindness, the more we can integrate it into our daily lives.From there, who knows who we may inspire.More from Goalcast:Distraught Mom Orders Meal To-Go After Her Son With Autism Has a Meltdown in Cracker Barrel – Attached to the Bag Is a NoteBullied Non-Verbal Autistic Woman Named Valedictorian – Her Unbelievable Speech Will Inspire YouWorried Mom Sends 7-Year-Old Autistic Son on Plane Alone – His Seat Neighbor Does Something Shocking