I grew up in a house without family photos on the walls. I didn't realize what I was missing until I became a parent myself.

Tech Insider : Business
Family posing for photo
The author says seeing family photos in her house changes her mood for the better.

Courtesy of the author

I don't give my 7-year-old an allowance. Instead, he runs a neighborhood business, where neighbors pay him to take out their trash.

Tech Insider : Business
Laura palmers son taking out a large trash can to the street
The author's son started a garbage business in the neighborhood.

Courtesy of Laura Palamer

My family and I are moving back to my hometown to be closer to my parents. We're giving it a year to see how it goes.

Tech Insider : Business, Travel
The author with her parents, smiling on a sunny day.
The author wants to move back to her hometown to be closer to her parents.

Courtesy of Melissa Noble

After my son was born, I had a hard time leaving our house. Trying new experiences got me out and helped me make friends.

Tech Insider : Business
The author during a pasta-making class.
The author took a pasta-making class.

Courtesy of Autumn Gavora

I grew up missing my grandfather. Now I'm making sure the 400-mile distance doesn't keep my kids from knowing theirs.

Tech Insider : Business, Environment
Kids on phone
The author makes sure her children have a connection with their grandparents.

Courtesy of the author

These 5 gift-giving rules keep Christmas meaningful — and affordable — for our family of 6

Tech Insider : Business, Sports
A young girl with her face obscured by four presents. a Christmas tree is in the background.
The author has come up with 5 rules to keep gift giving in check during the holiday season, including limiting her kids (not shown) to four gifts each.

Klaus Vedfelt/Getty Images

I'm 47 and quit my job without having anything else lined up. I didn't want to live a life with regrets.

Tech Insider : Business, Travel
Woman working from home
The author now works from her kitchen table.

Courtesy of the author

My parents are boomers and always encouraged me to feel my feelings. All my friends wanted to hang out at my house.

Tech Insider : Business, Style
The author with her son and parents.
The author's parents are boomers, and they gave her unconditional support.

Courtesy of Tonilyn Hornung

There's one holiday tradition my 6 kids look forward to every year, and it doesn't involve gifts

Tech Insider : Business
The author with her family.
The author (second from right) poses with her family and Santa while participating in her family's favorite holiday tradition.

Courtesy of Nicole Schildt

My dad prioritized experiences over possessions. Because of this, our family has traveled to 20 countries together.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
The author poses with her family while visiting Mount Titlis in Switzerland.
The author, shown here on Mount Titlis in Switzerland, has visited 20 countries with her family.

Courtesy of Varisha Tariq

Subscribe to parenting-freelancer