I thought reality TV was trash, then 'Real Housewives' helped me connect with my daughter while she's at college

Tech Insider : Business
THE REAL HOUSEWIVES OF SALT LAKE CITY -- Pictured: (l-r) Britani Bateman, Heather Gay, Angie Katsanevas--
The author never thought she'd be tuning in to a show like "Real Housewives of Salt Lake City" regularly. But watching the antics of castmates like Britani Bateman, Heather Gay, and Angie Katsanevas has helped her connect with her 22-year-old daughter.

Bryan Schnitzer/Bravo

We skipped our annual Christmas celebrations with extended family and went on vacation instead — just the 4 of us

Tech Insider : Travel, Business, Technology
Author Margie Pumpa and husband smiling with colorful cups in caravan
I'm fortunate to come from a close family that values large Christmas gatherings; however, our travel plans meant last year's festivities looked a little different.

Margie Pumpa

My son was born in December, and I try to make sure his birthday feels separate from the holidays

Tech Insider : Business, Travel
The author with her son when he was a baby. He is wearing a red and white striped onesie.
The author with her son when he was a baby.

Courtesy of Ashley Archambault

I flew overseas for a festival. I don't regret my trip, but I wouldn't travel like this again.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
A shot of the Afro Nation stage in Portugal.
caption TK

Syeda Khaula Saad

I worried the holidays would lose their spark once my kids grew up. I was wrong, and I love this time with my teens.

Tech Insider : Business
Laura Falin's children dressed for christmas in front of the tree
The author's children loved Christmas as young kids.

Courtesy of Laura Falin

I was a stay-at-home mom for 18 years while homeschooling my kids. I went back to work and realized I had tons of skills.

Tech Insider : Business
Mom reading kids book
The author returned to work after 18 years of caring for children.

Courtesy of the author

I founded a company while on maternity leave. In 2022, I hired my husband, and last year, we did more than $4.8 million in revenue.

Tech Insider : Business
Carinne Meyrignac with her husband and two children.
Carinne Meyrignac founded her company while on maternity leave.

Courtesy of Carinne Meyrignac

When my kids outgrew Santa, I was worried that Christmas wouldn't feel special. We've found a new tradition that keeps the spirit alive.

Tech Insider : Business
A woman holding a microphone while sitting near a Christmas tree.
The author (not shown) turned to karaoke to bring a new special type of magic to her family's Christmas celebrations.

CentralITAlliance/Getty Images

I moved across the country to be near my adult children. It didn't go as planned.

Tech Insider : Travel, Business
A woman lays over two moving boxes in an empty house.
The author (not pictured) moved from Boston to San Francisco to be closer to her adult children.

Aitor Diago/Getty Images

The biggest game changer in my relationship wasn't getting married — it was opening a shared bank account

Tech Insider : Business
Woman wearing pink longsleeve shirt and glasses sits on a picnic bench with man in yellow shirt and sunglasses
Each week, the author and her husband transferred a set amount into a shared bank account to go toward living expenses and savings.

Courtesy of Melissa Noble

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