We relied on my mom for childcare. She was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer, and everything changed.

Tech Insider : Business, Technology
A daughter holds her mom's hands.

MTStock Studio/Getty Images

I've been giving my 8-year-old more independence. It's been great for our family.

Tech Insider : Business, Style
The author's son poses outside, in front of greenery, while wearing a light-colored shirt.
The author has been letting her 8-year-old son experiment with more independence in recent months.

Courtesy of Sydni Ellis

I'm trying to be hands-off as my teen applies to college. It's been difficult for me, especially when they missed a deadline.

Tech Insider : Business
A pile of college mailers
The author's son is applying to college.

Courtesy of Trisha Daab

I'm choosing to be a caretaker for my family instead of having kids of my own. I'm giving back to my mom.

Tech Insider : Business
Kim Izaguirre-Merlos wearing a white tank top and glasses.
Kim Izaguirre-Merlos lives with her mom and family and has always been in a caretaking role..

Brett Patzke/Brett Patzke

Chris Hemsworth says caring for his dad with Alzheimer's has reshaped his priorities as a father

Tech Insider : Business
Chris Hemsworth
Chris Hemsworth says his dad's diagnosis prompted him to reevaluate his own priorities in life.

Samir Hussein/Samir Hussein /Wireimage

Michelle Obama says she never understood something her mom always said — until she had kids of her own

Tech Insider : Business
Michelle Obama and her mother, Marian Robinson.
Michelle Obama

ROBYN BECK/AFP via Getty Images

I'm an empty nester and spent 6 months on my own in 3 countries. It helped me figure out what I wanted next.

Tech Insider : Travel, Business
Jennifer McGuire in a scarf and winter coat, drinking a glass of wine in Rome.
After becoming an empty nester, Jennifer McGuire spent six months traveling around Europe.

Provided by Jennifer McGuire

My tween kept asking to chat with her friends online. Now, in Australia, I can just say, 'it's against the law.'

Tech Insider : Business, Technology
Australian dad on a boat.
Leon Spencer, an Australian dad, is glad that the Australian government's new ban will help him keep his kids off social media.

Provided by Leon Spencer

All my kids have grown up, so we've changed our holiday traditions. We scaled back on decorations and added a day of festivities.

Tech Insider : Business
Kids around Christmas tree
The author's blended family has changing their holiday traditions as the kids grow older.

Courtesy of the author

I picked up this gift-giving hack from an ex, and it guarantees the most thoughtful presents

Tech Insider : Business
Family posing with Christmas tree
The author learned a gift-giving hack from her ex that she uses with her family now.

Courtesy of the author

Subscribe to Parenting