My 5-year-old started his long Christmas wish list in October. I finally found a way to keep him happy without breaking the bank.

Tech Insider : Business
A boy in a festive sweater writes in a notebook. A Christmas tree is in the background.
The author said her son (not pictured) started his holiday wish list back in October.

Isabel Pavia/Getty Images

As a twin dad, I try to prioritize alone time with each of my sons. I spent $1000 to take one to his first concert, and it was money well spent.

Tech Insider : Business
Dad and son at Oasis concert
The author took one of his twins to see Oasis.

Courtesy of the author

As my kids grew older, I worried about losing them. Getting into their interests helped us connect more.

Tech Insider : Business
A family watches TV together

Maskot/Getty Images/Maskot

I let my daughter reject hugs and kisses at family gatherings. My boomer relatives initially felt offended.

Tech Insider : Business, Style
tiffany tuttle sitting in her car with her daugter with family members outside the car
The author's daughter didn't like being hugged by her grandparents.

Courtesy of Tiffany Tuttle

I put an end to cheap souvenirs. Now when I travel with my kids, I make sure we always do this memorable activity.

Tech Insider : Travel, Business
The author's son learns how to make ramen during a cooking class abroad.
The author said she was tired of her kids asking for stuffed animals and t-shirts while traveling abroad. Now they spend that money on local cooking classes like this one where her son learned to make ramen.

Courtesy of Jamie Davis Smith

I've traveled to more than 70 countries. Each one helped prepare me for motherhood in a unique way.

Tech Insider : Travel, Business
The author with her daughter by Lake Powell, AZ, in 2017.
The author and her daughter on the shore of Lake Powell in 2017.

Courtesy of Jennica Peterson

I was laid off shortly after having a baby. Now I have no choice but to be a stay-at-home mom.

Tech Insider : Business, Travel
Woman in homeoffice
The author was laid off shortly after returing to work from parental leave.

Courtesy of the author

I love having an only child, and I won't apologize for it. She doesn't need a sibling to be whole.

Tech Insider : Business
The author with her daughter sitting on a bench on a sunny day.
The author is happy being the mother of an only child.

Photo credit: Lisette Garcia

My mother-in-law moved in with us and helps with childcare and household chores. It's the best decision we've ever made.

Tech Insider : Business, Economy, Style
grandma playing
The author's mother-in-law moved in full-time with her family.

Courtesy of the author

My kids were born 17 years apart. My daughter and I grew up together, my son is getting a different version of me.

Tech Insider : Business, Travel
A girl is shown from behind on a tree swing.
The author said that motherhood feels different the second time around.

Courtesy of Frankie Samah

Subscribe to parenting-freelancer