My helicopter parents forged job applications for me as a teen. I almost made the same mistake with my own child.

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A young female cafe worker indoors cleans the coffee espresso machines machine with a cloth
A young employee cleans the espresso machine in her cafe.

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My foster mother hated her first name. I found another way to honor her after she died.

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Nicole Johnson with her foster mother, Esther, when she was younger. They are standing outside a car.
Nicole Johnson's foster mother, Esther, made her promise not to name her kids after her.

Courtesy Nicole Johnson

I'm a professional declutterer. Cleaning out your garage is a big project — here are 5 tips to finally tackle it for good.

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A family searches through a cluttered garage.

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I didn't start saving for retirement until my mid-30s and even that was too late. I probably won't ever be able to retire.

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A man looks at his finances both on his mobile device and laptop.
A man looks over his finances.

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We cuddle our kids to sleep. Our oldest is 9, and we don't plan to change our bedtime routine anytime soon.

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Melissa Noble and her son smiling while walking outside on a trail.
Melissa Noble and her husband cuddle with their kids before bed each night.

Courtesy Melissa Noble

I went to graduate school right after college, and I regret it. I wish I had waited and joined the workforce first.

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a classroom of graduate students looking at their laptops
The author, not pictured, went right into grad school after college.

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I moved from Connecticut to California. I loved it, but felt so relieved when I returned to New England years later.

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Author Carly Neil on farm in Connecticut
I was born and raised in Connecticut, and I love living there.

Carly Neil

My son is heading to college in the fall, and he's behaving worse than ever. I finally understand why.

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a teen boy in bed with his hand in a pizza box
The writer's son is misbehaving before he heads to college.

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My wife and I collected 24 years' worth of clutter. Now, our hobby is throwing away a bag of trash every night, and it's changed our marriage.

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Couple sorting through items, including old CDs and vinyl records, while sitting on floor in apartment.
The author and his wife (not pictured) have been sorting through the clutter in their new house.

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I never wanted kids. My partner has a son, and it's been unexpectedly great.

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Woman with arm around teenage son, sitting at table, view from behind.
Alexandra Saville (not pictured) never wanted kids but was surprised by how much she enjoyed having a relationship with her partner's son.

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