Growing up in a house with 5 sisters, I thought I had a solid understanding of parenting — then I had a boy

Tech Insider : Business
A mother flings her son around while playing in a park.
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I live with my partner and 2 roommates. We live like a family, but with our friends.

Tech Insider : Business, Style
Couple in kitchen
The couple and their friends moved to a suburban house.

Courtesy of the author

I haven't ordered food delivery in 18 months. Sure, I've saved money, but the decision also changed my relationship with food.

Tech Insider : Business
a phone with food delivery apps opened like door dash and uber eats
The author stopped using the food delivery apps to save money.

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Napping felt like a luxury I couldn't enjoy as a parent. Now I know it makes me more productive, so it's part of my routine.

Tech Insider : Business
The author smiling while outside on a sunny day.
The author felt tired all the time but didn't think she could fit a nap into her schedule.

Courtesy of Cara Strickland

After traveling the world, I moved back in with my parents. It shattered my ego, but I've learned to look at success differently.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
The author posing in Scotland.
After traveling the world, I had to move back in with my parents.

Annmarie Gajdos

My kids go to a hybrid school. They're at home with me 2 days a week, and the other 3, they're in a classroom.

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The author with her family picking fruit at a farm.
The author's kids go to a hybrid school, with three days in a classroom and two days at home.

Courtesy of Kris Ann Valdez

I'm a sober mom, and I'm trying to teach my teens to avoid alcohol. I don't know if I'm getting through to them.

Tech Insider : Business
a mother and teen daughter sitting on the couch talking
The author (not pictured) is open about her sobriety with her teens.

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I moved from Chicago to Los Angeles in my late 60s, hoping for a fresh start. I found it hard to make friends and felt out of place.

Tech Insider : Travel, Business, Style
woman stand in front of topa mountain winery welcome sign
Julia Bailey visiting a winery in Ojai.

Courtesy of Julia Bailey

Millennial hustle culture defined my early career. My daughter made me realize I needed to shift my priorities.

Tech Insider : Business, Technology
The author and her young daughter pose outside.
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Courtesy of Ann Dunning.

I used to travel without much planning. Having kids made me change the way we take vacations.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
Children running into sea at sunset
 

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