Gentle parenting was sucking out the joy of being a mom. Now I have a trial and error approach.

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A mom and their child play under a blanket fort with dinosaurs lighted by flashlights only.

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I'm a mom of 3 in Israel. Every time my daughter walks into the room, I turn off the news.

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A collage of a hand covering a TV with an Israeli flag in the background.
Deborah Danan is raising her three kids in a mixed city in Israel. She makes sure the news is switched off when they come into the room.

iStock; Rebecca Zisser/BI

I'm a grandmother and babysit my grandchildren often. Playing with them allows me to be a kid again.

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Grandmother and granddaughter are on the floor surrounded by toys

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My parents were always athletic when I was growing up. They set me up for success in my adult fitness journey.

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a yoga class where people are meditating
The author, not pictured, is now a yoga teacher.

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My identical twin and I only started dressing alike as adults. It's the way it should be.

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mikhaila and aimee twin sisters
The author and her twin, in 2020. The sisters once pledged never to be caught together wearing the same outfit.

Mikhaila Friel

I've camped across the US with my 5 kids. Here's how to make your kids love camping.

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Victoria Marie Lees on a camping trip with her five young children
The author has taken her five children on several camping trips.

Courtesy of William Lees

I had a baby during my senior year of college. My friends helped raise my daughter so I could graduate and continue working.

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Couple with baby posing for photo
Riho Maruyama had her daughter in her senior year of college, and her friends helped her raise her.

Courtesy of Riho Maruyama

I was laid off unexpectedly with a baby at home. As a single parent, I was devastated, but it was a blessing in disguise.

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Angelica holding her baby while standing in a field of sunflowers
Angelica Miller said she used the layoff as an opportunity to rest and spend some time with family.

Courtesy of Angelica Miller

We are a family of 6. We save $7,000 every year by doing 3 things.

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A large family's mudroom full of shoes.

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I was a single mom and learned how to grocery shop on a budget. I meal-plan on the fly based on sales and still afford occasional treats.

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Ashley Archambault and her son standing in front of a wall with frogs on it.
Ashley Archambault was a single mom for seven years and it taught her how to budget.

Courtesy Ashley Archambault

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