The pressure to be a perfect parent now extends to childbirth
I wanted my baby's birth to be perfect. My obsession almost drove me nuts.
Parenting
I let my kids choose trips for their 13th birthdays instead of traditional gifts. They get independence and I enjoy time with them.
I let my sons choose where they want to travel. I get to know them in a different way and the trip allows us to explore interests.
I'm in my late 60s, and I'm single with no kids. I have grief about not being a grandma.
I'm in my late 60s and never got married or had kids. I worried about what people would think if I was a single mom.
I worried my son wouldn't talk to me when he started college. I have him send me a 'proof-of-life' selfie every day.
I've heard horror stories of kids going to college and refusing to speak to their parents. I force my son to send me a selfie every day from campus.
Having a baby in my 40s was hard. But I was able to appreciate little things more.
I had babies in my 20s, 30s, and 40s. All experiences were different, but the older I got the more I learned to appreciate baby snuggles.
My son and I witnessed the New Orleans terror attack. We won't let it deter us from visiting the city again.
Ruth Chavez was on Bourbon Street with her 17-year-old son during the New Orleans terror attack. She hopes it won't ruin a beloved mom-son tradition.
I worried about who would care for my child with significant medical needs. I gave her 3 siblings to help when I'm gone.
Having a big family was not in my plans. But when my oldest was born with significant medical needs, I wanted to give her siblings that could help her.
I live on an island in Maine where kids still get to be kids. They play unsupervised, and the community looks after them.
I moved to North Haven, Maine, 20 years ago to be a teacher. Kids here get to play outside alone, not only because it's safe, but because they need it.
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I was having a hard time getting my teens to talk about their day. These 3 questions changed everything.
Every night I ask my two kids the same questions. We talk about how they were kind, brave, and how they failed at something.
I won't have an empty nest after deciding to have another baby in my 40s
I had my first child at 25 and my second at 45. I was more tired the second time around, but also better prepared to handle a baby.
I supported my son when he changed his college major from law to philosophy. His grandparents warned it was a huge mistake.
I felt my son's career narrowed when he decided to study philosophy in college. Others pushed me to change his mind, so he'd have a better future.
I'm a mom and a travel writer. Here's how I encourage independence with my 7-year-old when traveling.
I'm a mom and travel writer. To encourage independence in my son, he packs and carries his own luggage and helps plan our trips.
I discovered the key to reducing my toddlers' tantrums. I had to give up some control.
Craig Dennis hit a tipping point when his toddler was cracking eggs and getting shells in the mix. Craig bet against his initial instinct to stop it.
Our kids have an 8-year age gap. We thought having more kids later in life would be easier, but we were wrong.
I've alway wanted a big family. After having two kids, we delayed having more by eight years thinking we'd be better off financially. We were wrong.
I'm a mom of 5. We are making a lot of sacrifices as a family to keep them out of debt as they get older.
I've started 529 accounts for all my kids and taught them how to budget. I'm also encouraging them to go to trade school instead of college.
I gave myself screen time rules when I realized my kids were affected by how often I was using my phone
When I realized my kids were affected by how much I was on my phone, I gave myself screen time rules as a parent. We all benefited.
I faced my most difficult parenting decision this year during a hike with my teen. I'm still not sure I handled it right.
I got to hike a large mountain this year, so I took my teen daughter. She almost quit halfway through; I debated whether I should push her anyway.
I'm a dad and in recovery. I'm trying every day to earn my son's trust.
My wake up call with alcohol came after I crashed my care while driving under the influence. I broke so many promises and I don't want to be that dad.
We give our kids full autonomy over decisions parents usually control, like when to go to bed. It helps my family thrive.
My kids and I are all autistic, and some of us have ADHD and anxiety. Parenting with autonomy has made them feel safe, respected, and empowered.
I moved from the US to Spain. Life here is slower and more simple.
Emily San José married a Spanish man in the US. They moved to Spain after the birth of their second child. She says life is more flexible in Spain.
I grew up going to Disney World at least once a year. Now I bring my kids, and it feels like all the magic is gone.
I loved going to Disney World, but my kids are experiencing a different park today. There are now too many crowds, apps, and restrictions.
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Making the decision to be child-free strengthened my relationships with my friends who are mothers
I grew up thinking I wanted to have kids. When I realized I didn't, I made sure my choice didn't affect my friendships with those who did have kids.
My husband and I both work 4-day workweeks. We'd rather have less money and more family time.
My husband and I both work 4 days a week so we can spend more time with our kids. We have less money, but we're happier.
Connie Chung was mocked for using IVF to try to become an older mom in the '90s. Then, she inspired a generation of women.
In this excerpt from her memoir "Connie," Connie Chung describes navigating her fertility journey amidst her television news career.
My late husband retired at 40. Now I'm teaching our sons his investment strategies and frugal ways.
My late husband was a saver and I was a spender. Now I'm teaching our kids to have his mindset so they can live comfortable lives.
I'm an only child and moved far away from my parents. I feel guiltier as they get older.
I moved with my husband to Paris to be closer to his family. When we had kids, I realized how far I was from mine. Traveling is getting harder.
I hate big birthday parties for kids and won't ever throw one for my son. I prefer our small family dinner.
I'm filled with dread when my son gets invited to a large birthday party, and I don't throw them for him. Our small family pizza parties are perfect.
My kids had tons of stuffed animals they didn't play with anymore. Donating them made it easier to let go.
While renovating our house, we found tons of stuffed animals and blankets shoved in closets. We donated them and my kids felt good about it.
I'm 67 and can't afford to retire. I'm moving away from my grandchild to work less and enjoy a lower cost of living.
A higher cost of living and poor planning has prevented me from retiring. Now, I'm moving to a less expensive area so I can work less.
These Americans moved abroad with their kids in tow. Here are their top 6 tips for a smooth transition.
Relocating can be a daunting process for the whole family. Parents suggested telling kids about the move early and involving them in decision-making.
My kids will all graduate from high school in 5 years. I'm already preparing for my empty nest.
I still have five years, but I'm already taking steps to prepare for my empty nest. I'm strengthening my friendships and creating a travel wish list.
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After my mom died, I thought I'd never enjoy the holidays again. It took me years to find joy in my grief.
My mom would be the best creating joy during the holidays. After her death, I felt like The Grinch. It took me years to find joy while also grieving.
As a kid, my dad asked me to skip the anesthetic at the dentist to save $20. Now that I'm wealthy, my son asked if we were hiring a private chef.
Paul Ollinger was Facebook's vice president of sales before he left the company. He gives his teens a modest allowance and is not an endless supply.
I've always been close to my mom, but didn't realize how much I still needed her until I had my own kids
When I had kids, it brought me closer to my mom. It helped me understand her unconditional love for me.
My son doesn't believe in Santa, but his older sister does. I'm not telling either of them the truth.
My 6-year-old pieced together that Santa is not real, but my 9-year-old still wants to hold on to the belief. I told them he lives in their hearts.
We were short on money, and I didn't think I could get my son the train set he wanted for Christmas. Another mom came to my rescue.
Courtney Ellis was tight on cash and offered to buy only part of the train set from another mom online. She gifted her the rest of it.
As a mom of teens, I was surprised when they asked to spend time with me this holiday season
Long gone are the days when my sons asked for PAW Patrol Christmas gifts. Now, they want my attention and time.
We didn't see our 11-year-old son at a holiday event for hours. We were never worried about him.
For many parents, letting a fifth grader run free for two hours might be scary, but we trust our kids and the community we live in.
As a Gen Xer raised in a frugal home, I skip my family's holiday present-giving. I find it too excessive.
The author hides upstairs when her kids open their gifts on Christmas Day because the present-giving makes her uncomfortable.
As a divorced mom, the holidays can be hard. I take care of myself when my kids are with my ex.
I have two kids that I share custody of, and I'll admit the holidays are not easy. I prepare gifts early and focus on self care when they are gone.
My December birthday used to be overshadowed by holiday celebrations. I make sure my kids' birthday is celebrated.
I felt like my birthday was overshadowed by other celebration. When my twins were born on December 23rd, I apologized to them for the date.
Dealing with my children's lies has been one of the most challenging parts of parenting for me
Since they were kids, my children have lied straight to my face for small, innocent reasons. I've tried to teach them the truth is most important.
Alternating custody over holidays was tough. My son now spends time with both me and his dad, and it works better for everyone.
Co-parenting over the holidays can be tough. We used to alternate holidays, but now our son sees both his parents each holiday day.
I've saved for my son's college tuition since he was in the first grade, and it's still not enough. I have 3 other kids to save for, too.
I don't want my four kids to graduate college with student loan debt, so I started saving 12 years ago. I'll never have enough money to help them all.
My son is a recruited college athlete at Stanford. Imposter syndrome almost led him to drop out.
Stanford recruited my son as a college athlete. He worried he couldn't cut it at the school academically. He had plans to drop out and transfer.
My family didn't look like everyone else's growing up. My 4th-grade teacher made me feel included.
When I was 9, my teacher showed up with painting supplies and asked me to paint her and my mom something for the holidays. She made me feel seen.
Parents, I know Elf on the Shelf is a hassle, but I promise you one day you'll miss it
I used to do elaborate Elf on the Shelf displays for my kids. It was a hassle, but now that they're teenagers, I miss doing it.
My daughter started taking public transportation to school at just 10. The independence has given her a lot of confidence.
Some parents second guessed my choice to let my 10-year-old take public transportation alone in Washington, DC. I'm glad I did.
My son stayed home alone at 7 and biked across town by his tweens. I don't regret giving him so much independence.
Julie Royce was a single mom in the city. By the time her son was 7, she was leaving him home alone. Some questioned her methods but she has no regrets.
My daughter repeated kindergarten because she couldn't read. I ended up sending both my kids to private school because I don't trust the public system.
A mom was concerned because her daughter struggled in reading. She wasn't taught using phonics and her self-esteem was low because she couldn't read.