I'm a parent of 5 kids. Here are my 8 tips for parenting teens that everyone should know about.

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Teenage son kissing his mother on the head
The author has raised five kids and has learned how to support teens.

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When I moved abroad, my mother was fearful and jealous. It strained our relationship, but I had to chase my dreams.

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Courtney Cardini and her mom in the Vatican in italy
The author, left, went to Italy with her mom, right.

Courtesy of Courtney Cardini

My wife and I knew from our first date that we didn't want kids. We've been together for 17 years and lost friends because of our choice.

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Headshot Matthew Walters
Walters and his wife have been together for 17 years

Courtesy of Matthew Walters

I went back to work 4 weeks after giving birth. I had dizzy spells from how exhausted I was.

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Stressed businesswoman drinking coffee front of the office building
The author (not pictured) had to return quickly to work after giving birth.

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My family moved to Florida in 2016 and have been through 6 major hurricanes. We're staying here anyway.

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Family posing by the ocean in Florida
The author says she and her family are not leaving Florida any time soon.

Courtesy of the author

My wife is the breadwinner, and I'm a stay-at-home dad. I hate when people say I'm less manly because of it.

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a father sitting down with his baby strapped to his chest
The author, not pictured, is a stay-at-home dad.

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I had to downsize before a move. I found a box of my kids' baby clothes and relived so many memories.

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Old photo of mom and kids
Karen Siwak kept many of the clothes her kids wore when they were little.

Courtesy of Karen Siwak

My biggest parenting mistake was making my kids the center of my world. Women need an identity beyond 'mom.'

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a tired mother holding a baby as her kids run around
The author, not pictured, devoted her life to her kids.

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I'm a mom of 3 and my house was full of stuff my kids didn't use. Decluttering made space for new interests and memories.

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Baby girl laying down in living room
The author had a hard time letting go of things because she had memories of her children playing with them.

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My daughter hates her name because it's traditionally used for boys. I hope one day she learns to love how different it is.

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View from behind of girl looking out window at dusk.
The author (not pictured) named her daughter Kyle and hopes she grows to love her name someday.

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