My son is heading to college in the fall, and he's behaving worse than ever. I finally understand why.

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a teen boy in bed with his hand in a pizza box
The writer's son is misbehaving before he heads to college.

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I never wanted kids. My partner has a son, and it's been unexpectedly great.

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Woman with arm around teenage son, sitting at table, view from behind.
Alexandra Saville (not pictured) never wanted kids but was surprised by how much she enjoyed having a relationship with her partner's son.

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I decided not to have a second child and have no regrets. The benefits are just too good.

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Nicole Findlay and her son wearing red and white jerseys and smiling at the camera on a sunny day.
Nicole Findlay's son is an only child.

Courtesy Nicole Findlay

My dad is Black and my mom is white. I struggle to embrace my identity.

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A toddler with two parents.
The author says growing up, she didn't have a community to help her celebrate her biracial identity.

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I run a preschool and see how gentle parenting has made parents less engaged with their kids. It's time to ditch parenting scripts.

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Mothers talking in a school group in a playroom
Parent's talk amongst themselves in a playroom

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I do a lot of the invisible labor in my house. I'm teaching my kids to 'notice and do' so I don't have to ask for help.

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A little girl helps her mom make her bed.

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I'm a public school teacher trying to save money for grad school. I'm on my parents' phone plan and they pay for my tickets to see them.

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Woman posing by door for photo
The author's parents help her by paying for plane tickets to visit them, but they also encourage her to be financially independent.

Courtesy of the author

I'm 23 and getting my master's degree. My parents can't help me financially, so I moved in with them to save money.

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Woman at college graduation
The author decided to go to grad school after finishing her undergrad degree. To save money, she lives with her parents.

Courtesy of the author

I'm remarried but still have the instincts of a single mom. I always ensure I make enough money to support my son on my own.

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Ashley Archambault and her son smiling and sitting in a booth at a restaurant.
Ashley Archambault was a single mom for seven years before getting remarried.

Courtesy Ashley Archambault

I'm a millennial who still depends on my parents to pay for my cellphone and streaming services. I don't feel guilty about it.

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Young woman texting on her phone.

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