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

FG Trade Latin/Getty Images

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.

FangXiaNuo/ Getty Images

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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I burned out trying to be an overachieving parent. I learned it's OK to ask for help.

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Amanda Miller Littlejohn and her daughter on a yellow background with baby toys and a bottle in red collaged in squares behind her.
The author felt like she had to be an overachiever while parenting her first two kids but learned to ask for help the third time around.

Amanda Miller Littlejohn; Getty Images; Tyler Le/BI

When my son was arrested as a teen, I worried about his future. But it was the best thing to happen to him.

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the backs of two officers arresting a guy in handcuffs
Her son, not pictured, was arrested and couldn't go to college.

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I'm a millionaire, but I'm only leaving my kids a small inheritance. I want them to earn their money like I did.

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Payam Zamani and his family at a restaurant, sitting in a booth and smiling at the camera.
Payam Zamani arrived in the US with only $75 and is now a multimillionaire.

Courtesy Payam Zamani

I took my daughters to see Taylor Swift. It was cheaper than a typical family vacation and more fun.

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Twins at Taylor Swift concert in Wales
The author's daughters declared the Taylor Swift concert the best day of their lives.

Courtesy of Nick Sonderup

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