My family didn't look like everyone else's growing up. My fourth-grade teacher made me feel included.

Tech Insider : Business
Group of Diversity school children learning acrylic art together in art class.
The author (not pictured) felt included by her fourth grade teacher.

VeeStudio89/Getty Images

Parents, I know Elf on the Shelf is a hassle, but I promise you one day you'll miss it

Tech Insider : Business
Terri Peters and her family at Christmas, dressed in formalwear, standing outside on a sidewalk and smiling at the camera.
The author loves spending the holidays with her family, even as traditions change over the years.

Courtesy of Terri Peters

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

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

A naming expert said parents choosing 2025 baby names are going for names they like, with fewer worries about tradition

Tech Insider : Business, Travel
Baby sleeping in crib under white blanket, parent's hand touching baby's head
Parents are focused less on tradition when choosing names for their babies these days.

Pekic/Getty Images

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

I've been wearing my mom's locket since she died. When I lost it in London, a stranger found it for me.

Tech Insider : Business, Style
Katharine Horgan selfie
Katharine Horgan wears the locket her mom gave her before she died.

Courtesy of Katharine Horgan

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.

duckycards/Getty Images

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