I thought reality TV was trash, then 'Real Housewives' helped me connect with my daughter while she's at college

Tech Insider : Business
THE REAL HOUSEWIVES OF SALT LAKE CITY -- Pictured: (l-r) Britani Bateman, Heather Gay, Angie Katsanevas--
The author never thought she'd be tuning in to a show like "Real Housewives of Salt Lake City" regularly. But watching the antics of castmates like Britani Bateman, Heather Gay, and Angie Katsanevas has helped her connect with her 22-year-old daughter.

Bryan Schnitzer/Bravo

I invented a new type of landline for kids, and my daughter's friends tested it out. This year, we've raised $3.5 million in funding.

Tech Insider : Business, Environment, Technology
Chett Kittleson headshot
Chett Kittleson co-founded Tin Can.

Courtesy of Tin Can

My son was born in December, and I try to make sure his birthday feels separate from the holidays

Tech Insider : Business, Travel
The author with her son when he was a baby. He is wearing a red and white striped onesie.
The author with her son when he was a baby.

Courtesy of Ashley Archambault

I worried the holidays would lose their spark once my kids grew up. I was wrong, and I love this time with my teens.

Tech Insider : Business
Laura Falin's children dressed for christmas in front of the tree
The author's children loved Christmas as young kids.

Courtesy of Laura Falin

I was a stay-at-home mom for 18 years while homeschooling my kids. I went back to work and realized I had tons of skills.

Tech Insider : Business
Mom reading kids book
The author returned to work after 18 years of caring for children.

Courtesy of the author

I founded a company while on maternity leave. In 2022, I hired my husband, and last year, we did more than $4.8 million in revenue.

Tech Insider : Business
Carinne Meyrignac with her husband and two children.
Carinne Meyrignac founded her company while on maternity leave.

Courtesy of Carinne Meyrignac

When my kids outgrew Santa, I was worried that Christmas wouldn't feel special. We've found a new tradition that keeps the spirit alive.

Tech Insider : Business
A woman holding a microphone while sitting near a Christmas tree.
The author (not shown) turned to karaoke to bring a new special type of magic to her family's Christmas celebrations.

CentralITAlliance/Getty Images

I moved across the country to be near my adult children. It didn't go as planned.

Tech Insider : Travel, Business
A woman lays over two moving boxes in an empty house.
The author (not pictured) moved from Boston to San Francisco to be closer to her adult children.

Aitor Diago/Getty Images

I got pregnant with my daughter in college. Now, she's applying to college herself, and I'm grieving the life I could've had.

Tech Insider : Business
Chaunie Brusie and her daughter in a field
The author (left) was pregnant in college with her daughter.

Courtesy of j&j brusie photography

My dad retired last year, and he's now working 2 part-time jobs. They keep him active and social.

Tech Insider : Business
Senior owner man business demonstrating or teaching how to use a device for digital payment

Happy Kikky/Getty Images

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