I take solo trips to Japan every year without my kids. It may seem selfish, but it makes me a better parent.

Tech Insider : Travel, Business, Environment
Author Ashley Franzen smiling in front of mountain, water in Japan
As an introvert with a rich and complex inner world, I use the time I spend traveling alone to recharge while pursuing my passions.

Ashley Franzen

I moved my family of 5 from a big city to a small town. We love our new life, but there are some things we miss.

Tech Insider : Travel, Business, Environment
Kathy Larson
The author and her children have enjoyed the slower pace of living in a small town≥

Courtesy of Kathy Larson

I am a mom and a longtime writing teacher. My kids' slang shows me how fast language is changing.

Tech Insider : Business, Style
Family posing for a photo
The author says slang is very much alive nowadays with kids.

Courtesy of the author

I haven't spoken to my mother in 6 years. I'm making sure to show up for my sons in different ways.

Tech Insider : Business, Environment
A woman hugs her two sons.
TK

Maskot/Getty Images

I'm always eager to offer advice to my adult kids. I've learned to wait to be asked for it.

Tech Insider : Business
Close up shot of unrecognizable mother and daughter celebrating Mother's day by having coffee and holding hands, simply bonding with one another.

fotostorm/Getty Images

My wife loves to talk nonstop, but I love silence and alone time. We came to an agreement that saved our marriage.

Tech Insider : Business
Kimanzi Constable and wife in front of the wiffel tower
The author and his wife struggled with communication at first.

Courtesy of Kimanzi Constable

I'm a parenting coach and mom of 3. Here's how I avoid shopping meltdowns.

Tech Insider : Business
Shot of small boy lying on floor and fusses while his mom and dad shops for groceries.
The author said she used to dread shopping with her kids (not pictured), but she's developed a way to keep the peace when they ask for things.

filadendron/Getty Images

My grandmother wrote me a letter before my wedding. Her marriage advice insulted me at first, but now I get it.

Tech Insider : Business
Groom raised up the bride in the passionate dance. Woman smiles pleasantly and kisses her husband. Plenty of guests are on the background

Victor Dyomin/Getty Images

I gave birth to my baby, then I checked my work email. I thought I was in control, until I nearly lost myself.

Tech Insider : Business
Camille Seigle poses with her husband and daughter.
TK

Courtesy of Camille Seigle

As a mom of 4, I've done every parenting phase. Middle school has been the hardest — and the most humbling.

Tech Insider : Business, Travel
Mother and Children Watching Sunset
The author says that parenting middle schoolers can be hard.

VISION4RY-L4NGU4GE/Getty Images/iStockphoto

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