Gen Alpha is no longer the youngest generation — Gen Beta has arrived

Tech Insider : Business, Climate Crisis, Technology
gen alpha girl looking at iphone
Gen Alpha members are occasionally nicknamed "iPad kids" due to their perceived reliance on tech.

Elena Popova/Getty Images

I'm a mom and a travel writer. Here's how I encourage independence with my 7-year-old when traveling.

Tech Insider : Travel, Business
Mother and son at airport looking out window, they are both wearing backpacks.
The author (not pictured) encourages her son to be independent while they travel.

Getty Images

I discovered the key to reducing my toddlers' tantrums. I had to give up some control.

Tech Insider : Business, Style
parent and toddler baking in kitchen
My mindset as a parent plays a key role in my childrens' tantrums.

Cicy/Getty Images

My son is a recruited college athlete at Stanford. Imposter syndrome almost led him to drop out.

Tech Insider : Business, Sports
a discus player at Stanford
The author's son (not pictured) is a college athlete at Stanford.

Brian Bahr/Getty Images

My family didn't look like everyone else's growing up. My fourth-grade teacher made me feel included.

Tech Insider : Business
Group of Diversity school children learning acrylic art together in art class.
The author (not pictured) felt included by her fourth grade teacher.

VeeStudio89/Getty Images

Parents, I know Elf on the Shelf is a hassle, but I promise you one day you'll miss it

Tech Insider : Business
Terri Peters and her family at Christmas, dressed in formalwear, standing outside on a sidewalk and smiling at the camera.
The author loves spending the holidays with her family, even as traditions change over the years.

Courtesy of Terri Peters

My daughter started taking public transportation to school at just 10. The independence has given her a lot of confidence.

Tech Insider : Business, Travel
A mom and her daughter pose in Morocco.
My daughter and I during a trip to Morocco. I'm glad the independence she's gained while taking public transit in Washington, DC, has made her a more confident traveler anywhere we go.

Jamie Davis Smith

My son stayed home alone at 7 and biked across town by his tweens. I don't regret giving him so much independence.

Tech Insider : Business, Style
Julie Royce sitting next to her son on a blanket in a park
Taken at Pease Park in Austin. My son is 19 in this picture and still indulges me for family pics.

Courtesy of Julie Royce

My daughter repeated kindergarten because she couldn't read. I ended up sending both my kids to private school because I don't trust the public system.

Tech Insider : Business
A sister and brother — the girl in school uniform — stand in front of some greenery.
Susie Coughlin's children go to a Catholic school.

Courtesy of Susie Coughlin

My children don't get presents — I invest for them instead. Teaching them financial literacy is more important.

Tech Insider : Business
Nicole Chan Loeb
Nicole Chan Loeb and her husband choose to invest money for their children rather than giving them physical presents on holidays and birthdays.

Daniel Ebersole

Subscribe to Parenting