Why being a parent could give your career a boost
4 min read
I always say 'yes' when my kids ask to host or attend a sleepover. My parents didn't allow them, and I always felt left out.
Parents should be allowing more sleepovers. They teach kids to trust their own instincts and let them know that you trust their judgement.
4 min read
My dad's death led me to China. Living in Shanghai helped me heal.
Growing up, Maria Hsin's father didn't talk about his past or his Chinese roots. After he died, she spent two years in Shanghai.
5 min read
Toy prices are finally rising — after being so low for so long. That inflation could be a good thing.
Inflation is finally coming for toys, which have been really cheap for a long time. This could mean parents finally buy fewer of them.
4 min read
I had a meltdown in front of my 5 kids. It taught me how to be a better parent.
A chaotic morning led me to have a meltdown in front of my five children. It taught me that I needed to be more transparent about my own feelings.
4 min read
Becoming a mom transformed me at work. I realized how inflexible I had been.
Becoming a mom changed how I work and support others. Here's what I wish I'd understood sooner and how to build workplaces that truly work for parents.
5 min read
We took our 2 kids on vacation with extended family. There were tense moments, but beautiful times, too.
My husband and I took our two kids on vacation with my in-laws and his brother's family. It was hard for me to relax at first but we had a good time.
5 min read
Snack duty at my child's preschool nearly broke me. Then I decided to stop caring about kale chips.
I sent in bananas and Cheetos as a snack for the preschool class. At pickup, there was a note on the whiteboard that made me feel shamed.
4 min read
I became a mom in my 40s. It made me healthier, more creative, and bold enough to launch a business during naptime.
I enrolled to be a foster parent and ended adopting my son. Becoming a parent in my 40s made me braver.
4 min read
I thought I was doing everything right as a parent. Then, my son started high school.
When her son's grades slipped, Samantha Wood tried everything she could. It didn't help, and she had to rethink her parenting approach altogether.
5 min read
Long road trips with kids can be hard. Our family practices acts of kindness along the way to break up the drive.
I encouraged my kids to embrace compassion and connection with others on our family road trips. These acts of kindness have become a tradition for us.
4 min read
I built a fun, cost-effective backyard for my kids. It's helping us save money by avoiding family summer vacations.
Instead of spending money on day trips or family vacations to keep my kids entertained all summer, I built a backyard they love. We love staying home.
4 min read
For the last 5 summers my family has enjoyed a $700 pool from Costco. It's one of the best purchases we've ever made.
An in-ground pool wasn't in our budget so we spent $700 on a boxed option from Costco. Five summers later, we're still thrilled with our choice.
4 min read
Michelle Obama says a line her mom used to repeat about parenting always stuck with her
"So many parents feel like they got to show up perfectly for their kids or else they won't get the respect," Michelle Obama said.
2 min read
My kid didn't get invited to a party. It triggered my own childhood memories and we learned to deal with disappointment together.
My kid didn't get an invite to a classmate's party. I learned to let her cry, let myself feel angry, and realized that fixing the issue wasn't my job.
3 min read
My 2 kids and I are living with my parents before moving to Chicago. I'm learning that asking for support isn't a weakness.
My kids and I moved in with my parents before we join my husband in Chicago. I thought I'd be solo parenting, but I learned it's OK to ask for help.
4 min read
Why so many millennials are feeling stuck
The midlife crisis is the latest thing millennials feel priced out of. Blame sluggish hiring and worry over AI claiming jobs.
11 min read
My husband has an identical twin. I can't tell them apart over the phone.
My twins were so confused when their uncle came to visit for the first time since he looked just like their dad.
3 min read
I moved from the US to Thailand, leaving most of my family behind. I don't feel guilty for prioritizing my goals and desires.
When I moved to Thailand so I could retire early, I had to let go of my parent guilt. I no longer feel shame for leaving my kids and grandkids behind.
4 min read
I hired my father to work at my company. I worried it would ruin our relationship, but it brought us closer.
I needed help at my company because of the workload, so I turned to my father. He has years of experience, but I was nervous about working with him.
4 min read
I spent $20,000 to take my kids to a resort in Bora Bora. People thought I was wasting money, but I'd do it again.
People judged me for taking my young adult kids on a $20,000 trip. But it was a bucket-list trip for us, and we created memories well worth the price.
4 min read
I raised my 2 sons to talk about their feelings. It's made me more emotionally aware, too.
I'm a single mom and I've taught my sons vulnerability is a strength and they should talk about their feelings. It's helped me be stronger, too.
4 min read
I live with my ex and his new wife. It makes coparenting our kid easier, and we save money on rent in San Francisco.
I live with my ex and his wife to coparent our kid. It helps us save money on rent in San Francisco, and has changed how I think about family.
5 min read
My immigrant parents attended my Yale graduation. Seeing them on the Ivy League campus for the first time was surprisingly moving.
My parents never had the opportunity to explore Yale while I was a student for the last four years. They didn't fit in with the other families.
5 min read
I'm a mom of 5 and thought work would get easier as the kids got older. I was wrong.
As a mom of five who works from home, I thought once my kids were older, work would get easier. Turns out teens can be as demanding as toddlers.
4 min read
I started a 529 college savings plan when my son was a baby. Although money is tight these days, I still prioritize his future.
Even though my son won't be going to college for years and I'm facing financial stressors, I still make sure to put money in his 529 for college.
4 min read
I have older parents and always worried they wouldn't be here for milestones. However, I've realized there are benefits to their age, too.
In first grade, a friend told me her grandmother was younger than my mom. I started to feel anxiety about my parents being older than most.
5 min read
My sister and I fought our entire childhood due to our differences. As adults, we are best friends.
My sister and I had epic battles as kids, but now we're best friends. The things that once drove me nuts are what I appreciate most about her now.
4 min read
Wait, is Walmart cool now?
Walmart's always been the dorky cousin to oh-so-fashionable Target. That seems to be changing — for kids and adults. Is Walmart actually cool now?
6 min read
At 30, I became friends with my 78 year-old Airbnb host. She's taught me key life lessons that help me feel less anxious about the world.
Vaishali Gauba booked an Airbnb run by a sweet couple in their late 70s. She thought it'd be a typical stay, but it's blossomed into a lasting friendship.
4 min read
I had no idea how brutal traveling during the first trimester of pregnancy would be. Here's how I got through nausea, fatigue, and more.
No one told me how difficult traveling during the first trimester would be. I was tired, nauseated, and needed to be flexible with my plans.
5 min read
When I was rushed to the hospital for emergency surgery, I only worried about who would care for my baby
I was rushed to the ER with appendicitis. Instead of the pain or the surgery I was facing, I could only think about who would take care of my baby.
4 min read
Arnold Schwarzenegger says women are giving him their numbers — but are not interested in him
"If I go to my grave and know that my son has outdone me, I'm in heaven," Arnold Schwarzenegger said.
3 min read
I thought my dad didn't love me after my parents got divorced. A trip with him changed our relationship.
My dad moved to Mexico after my parents split. He took me on a trip when I was 12 years old that changed our relationship and we still travel together.
4 min read
I regretted giving my daughter her dad's last name. I changed it to include mine also.
Six months after she was born, her dad and I were not in a relationship anymore. I felt erased from her life, especially after all I did for her.
4 min read
My teens' social lives are thriving, but my wallet isn't. Dances, movie tickets, and mall outings add up.
I'm happy my 12- and 14-year old have friends, but all these social outings are expensive. I'm using it as an opportunity to talk to them about money.
4 min read
My dad died when I was 7. It has shaped how I parent my own kids.
Ariba Mobin was 7 when her father died of heart failure. His absence growing up has shaped her personal values and how she parents her own children.
4 min read
I had my baby at 48 through IVF. Being an older mom has so many benefits.
Rene Byrd had frozen her eggs before she met her now-husband who is seven years younger than her. She had already lived what she wanted to before.
4 min read
My sister and I are identical twins. We did everything together until college, when we set out to find our own identities.
My sister and I lived in a small town in Iowa in the '80s, and we were known for being identical twins. I had to learn who I really was.
4 min read
I've saved hundreds of dollars by scoring second-hand items. The trick is hunting in the right neighborhoods.
I'm always on the hunt for free and low-cost secondhand items. The trick is hunting in the right neighborhoods and keeping an eye out for freebies.
4 min read
Vintage photos show how fatherhood has evolved in the US
Take a look back at how fatherhood has changed over the last 100 years, from the effects of industrialization to the rise of stay-at-home dads.
6 min read
I have 4 kids and don't send them to sleepaway camp. I'd rather use that money for traveling together.
I didn't realize until I became a parent that my parents sent me to camp because they needed a break. I don't send my kids to camp so we can travel.
4 min read
The last day of preschool was harder on me than on my kids. I realized they'll never be this little again.
Since I became a mom, I've heard strangers everywhere say how fast kids grow up. At my last preschool drop off, I realized they'll never be little again.
4 min read
My daughter graduated from college and is moving home. I've set clear boundaries so we can live comfortably together again.
My daughter decided to move back home after college to save money. I had to adjust to another adult in the house, so we agreed on rules.
4 min read
My mom had me when she was 38. I loved having an 'older' mom, and also decided to wait until 37 to have my first kid.
Judy Koutsky grew up with an older mom who told her no to rush marriage and kids. She listened and waited until 37. It's made her a better parent.
4 min read
My parents sacrificed a lot so I could play sports in college. I didn't go pro, but I'm still glad they invested in me.
I went to a Division II college as a swimmer. The sport changed my life and helped me meet my husband. I owe it all to my parents' investment in me.
4 min read
I thought upgrading to first class would give me and my baby better sleep. I was wrong.
Mary Kay McBrayer upgraded to first class for an overnight flight with her 8-month-old. She booked coach on the return flight and was much happier.
4 min read
I found a way to put an end to my kids' constant summer snacking. I even get to save tons of money.
One day into summer break and I was sick of my four kids asking for snack after snack. My easy solution keeps them satisfied and saves money.
4 min read
My teens and I text each other everything from memes to meaningful articles. Modeling healthy tech boundaries is key.
Smartphones connect my teens to each other, and to me. There's a place for them in our family, as long as I'm modeling healthy boundaries.
4 min read