My daughter started taking public transportation to school at just 10. The independence has given her a lot of confidence.

Tech Insider : Business, Travel
A mom and her daughter pose in Morocco.
My daughter and I during a trip to Morocco. I'm glad the independence she's gained while taking public transit in Washington, DC, has made her a more confident traveler anywhere we go.

Jamie Davis Smith

I spent my first sober Christmas alone. It was the best one I ever had.

Tech Insider : Business
Wine bottles on shelves at night
The author spent his first holidays sober my himself.

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My son stayed home alone at 7 and biked across town by his tweens. I don't regret giving him so much independence.

Tech Insider : Business, Style
Julie Royce sitting next to her son on a blanket in a park
Taken at Pease Park in Austin. My son is 19 in this picture and still indulges me for family pics.

Courtesy of Julie Royce

I left my teaching job to become a freelance writer. I doubled my income in just 4 months.

Tech Insider : Business, Politics
Ryan Crawley
Ryan Crawley, a former elementary school teacher who left his job to become a freelance writer.

Courtesy of Ryan Crawley

My husband handles all the outside chores, and I handle the inside ones. This compromise is the key to happiness in our marriage.

Tech Insider : Business
a view from inside a washing machine as a couple load it up with their laundry
The author (not pictured) and her husband split their house chores evenly.

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I tried to be a good parent by catering to my son's every whim. It backfired, and now he has little self-esteem.

Tech Insider : Business, Style
Crystal Hoshaw with her son sitting near a creek
My son would make excuses for why he couldn't do simple tasks or chores. I put up with it for too long.

Courtesy of Crystal Hoshaw

My family has holiday traditions for the entire month of December. It's chaotic, but I love it.

Tech Insider : Business, Travel
The author's family smiling and sitting outside at night in front of a sign that says
The author's family celebrates the holiday season the entire month of December.

Courtesy of Tiffany Nieslanik

My eating disorder ruined the holidays for me. Now in recovery, I'm able to enjoy them again.

Tech Insider : Business, Style, Travel
A family begin their holiday dinner.
 

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I guilt-tripped my teen into joining a family Christmas tradition. I'm mourning the days when my kids loved the holidays.

Tech Insider : Business
Laura Falin and her family with a snowy background
The author (far left) and her family while hunting for their Christmas tree.

Courtesy of Laura Falin

I thought my way of doing Christmas was the right one. Becoming a mom softened my idea of perfection.

Tech Insider : Business
After the Christmas Party
The author (not pictured) realized people celebrate the holidays differently.

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