Family

A guest writer says that immigrants, and the many languages they bring, enrich American English. What do you think?

How much have your parents, grandparents or other relatives told you about your family’s past? Are there aspects of this history that you wish you knew more about? Helen Zia begins “My Mother’s Secrets,” her essay about learning about her own family history, this way: Growing up in the 1950s as one of the few…

Now read this excerpt from Ms. Damour’s reply:A. You and your grandson are in a heartbreaking predicament for which there are no complete or satisfying solutions. I cannot tell you how much I wish this weren’t true. Above all, I want to acknowledge the painful reality of the circumstances you describe.Even though there are no…

Is there a notable cook in your extended family? If so, what are his or her best dishes, in your opinion? What memories do you have of eating them? Tell us in the comments, then read the related article about the woman pictured above, who “may be the most popular and powerful grandmother in baseball”…

Do you take vacations with your family? What was the last trip you took together? What do you remember about it? Over all, do you look back on it fondly? Or does the memory make you never want to travel with your family again? In “How Your Brain Morphs Stressful Family Vacations Into Pleasant Memories,”…

Asian cultures around the world are celebrating the Lunar New Year with a variety of rituals. How does tradition help you feel connected to your roots?

In “Kuya,” an illustrated piece by the artist AJ Dungo, he tells the story of his relationship with his older brother, who struggles with mental illness. He is proud of his brother’s courage, and he sees far beyond any negative labels that society might put on his brother.Do you have meaningful relationships with family members?…

What special objects or everyday items have been passed down from your family members?

Please note: We are trying something new and linking to the vocabulary.com definitions for some of the words and phrases that might be unfamiliar to some students or need more clarity. Vocabulary.com defines family as a “primary social group,” “parents and children” and “a social unit living together.” By these definitions, who is your family?…

My favorite vacation was going to Asia because it was the first time I’ve been out of the continent and it was a different experience. For the 13 years I had been breathing, I had never been out of the continent. This trip to Korea and Thailand was going to be amazing. Once we landed…