Adopting the slang of my Gen Alpha kids took me from being an outsider to someone who is in on the joke

Tech Insider : Business
A mother and child walk together in a courtyard.
The author said her three kids (not shown) were all using Gen Alpha lingo when they spoke. She decided to join in so she could connect with them.

Maskot/Getty Images

Sometimes my adult kids don't get along. I'm their mother, but it's not my job to fix their problems.

Tech Insider : Business
Three boys walking at the beach
The author wants her now adult kids to stay close for life.

Courtesy of the author

My family of 5 moved in with my parents. We pitch in with household bills and cooking, and we give each other space.

Tech Insider : Business
The author with her husband and parents.
The author and her family moved in with her parents this year.

Courtesy of Melissa Noble

My grandparents took me to The Little Gym when I was a kid. Years later, they helped me buy it.

Tech Insider : Business
Sarah Cantera headshot
Sarah Cantera now owns the Little Gym she went to as a kid.

Courtesy of Sarah Cantera

As my mom aged, I had to care for her more and more. I regret the time I missed with my youngest daughter.

Tech Insider : Business
The author poses with her daughter while outside.
The author, pictured with her youngest daughter, said she regrets how much caring for her mother took her away from her parenting.

Courtesy of Theresa Siller.

As a parenting coach, I knew I had to give my daughter permission to be sad — even at Disney World

Tech Insider : Travel, Business, Style
The author and her daughter pose while standing near the teacup ride at Disney World.
The author said that not even being at a magical spot like Disney World could prevent her kids from having meltdowns.

Courtesy of Rachael Fritz.

I had to sell my mom's home to cover assisted living costs. Downsizing her belongings brought us together.

Tech Insider : Business
Woman purging items
The author's mom is enjoying trying on hats.

Courtesy of the author.

With a family of 6, I have to keep an eye on our budget. Thrift shopping has helped me furnish our home and buy luxury clothes.

Tech Insider : Business, Style
A woman shopping in a thrift store.
The author (not pictured) has decorated most of her home with thrifted items.

Olena Malik/Getty Images

My family will celebrate our 40th annual reunion this year. Now that my kids are attending, I'm seeing the tradition's full impact.

Tech Insider : Business
Photo composite, on the left is the author and her grandmother in 2022 and on the right is the author with her dad and brother in front of a pond at the reunion in the late 1980s.
The author's family will celebrate their 40th annual reunion this year.

Courtesy of Lindsay Karp

I'm a mom of 4 and can't keep up with rising costs. We are using our retirement savings to cover expenses.

Tech Insider : Business
Woman holding baby while looking at bills
The author (not pictured) had to borrow from her retirement to pay bills.

Natalia Lebedinskaia/Getty Images

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