As a firstborn, I know what it's like to be the oldest sibling. I empathize with how my daughter feels about the responsibility.

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The author poses with her daughter in a park.
As a firstborn child, the author knows firsthand the pressure that her oldest daughter is experiencing.

Courtesy of Rachel Garlinghouse

My college kids went back to school, so I went on a cruise alone. It was awkward at first, but I loved my alone time.

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a woman facing a cruise ship
The author loved going on a cruise without her family.

Oscar Wong/Getty Images

My parents got divorced after 35 years. Their split strengthened my marriage.

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Parents and daughter in Colorado
The author's parents divorced after 35 years together.

Courtesy of the author

I tried to manage my kids' screen time, then I realized my own was out of control

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Busy mother working in park on wooden bench while a young girl sits by her side
The author (not pictured) realized that her own reliance on devices was impacting how her children viewed screen time.

Svitlana Hulko/Getty Images

I thought my move from Massachusetts to Maine was temporary. I've been here for over 20 years.

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Portland, Maine.

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My son asked not to be contacted for a couple of days after his college move-in. The boundary helped us both adapt to our new normal.

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Jimmie Williams and his son selfie
The author (left) didn't contact his son (right) after college move-in.

Courtesy of Jimmie Williams

I attended an academically rigorous magnet high school. I loved it, but I wanted something different for my daughter.

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two female students looking at their notebook and laptop
The author attended a difficult magnet high school.

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My husband and I made a conscious decision to say 'yes' to more things. I learned I can handle more.

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The author and her husband at theGreen Man music festival in 2025.
The author said she and her husband pushed themselves to say "yes" to more things this year.

Courtesy of Alexandra Meyer

I worried homeschooling would make my kids antisocial and friendless. I was wrong.

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The author's kids after participating in a group theater performance.
The author's kids enjoy participating in theater, and it adds to their social lives.

Courtesy of Terri Peters

At 30 I wanted a fresh start. I moved cities and met my husband.

Tech Insider : Travel, Business
The authos and her husband

Courtesy of the author

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