I almost got swept up in the excitement of throwing a birthday party for my 2-year-old. I'm so glad we skipped it.

Tech Insider : Business
The author with her husband and son, in front of a lunch spread at a dining table.
The author decided not to have a large birthday party for her son and had family over for lunch instead.

Courtesy of Autumn Gavora

I run a business with my identical twin. We flex our twin connection and individual strengths to succeed.

Tech Insider : Business, Economy
Cohen-Shohet sisters headshot
Leah Cohen-Shohet and her twin, Danielle, run a multimillion-dollar business together.

Courtesy of Cohen-Shohet sisters

As an upper-income dad, I spend most of my expendable income on my kids' activities. I fear I'm giving them an unfair advantage.

Tech Insider : Business
Christopher Wink and his kid in the pool
The author worries he's giving his kids an unfair advantage.

Courtesy of Christopher Wink

Parenting is hard for everyone, so I've decided to stop faking it when others ask how I'm doing

Tech Insider : Business
A mom holds her baby.
Even if she had only had a few hours of sleep and the house was a mess, the author (not pictured) would usually say, "I'm good," when others asked how she was. Then, one day, she gave a real answer.

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My son brought home his college girlfriend for a week. We had to set ground rules, but yes, they slept in the same room.

Tech Insider : Business, Travel
college boyfriend and girlfriend laying in bed
The author's son (not pictured) had his new girlfriend stay over.

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Instead of downsizing, we bought a bigger house. Our family uses the space, even if cleaning is endless and bills are higher.

Tech Insider : Business
A family walking into a home being shown by a real estate agent.
The author and her family (not pictured) moved into a bigger home when their friends were downsizing.

Anchiy/Getty Images

Growing up, I spent nearly every weekend with my grandmother. She made me see that I am smart and powerful.

Tech Insider : Business
The author on her wedding day with her grandmother.
TK

Courtesy of Leslie Mancillas.

I started a business at 14. Thanks to it, I was able to take my cousins on an all-expenses-paid trip to Disney World.

Tech Insider : Travel, Business
Aaliyah Arnold and cousins
Aaliyah Arnold took her three cousins to Disney World.

Courtesy of Aaliyah Arnold

I quit my dream job as an airline pilot when I surprisingly became pregnant with twins. I now rely on my retirement savings.

Tech Insider : Business, Travel
kim cooper in front of a southwest plane
The author loved her job as an airline pilot.

Courtesy of Kim Cooper

My mom told me she never wanted grandkids. When I became pregnant, she was distant and absent — until she met her grandson.

Tech Insider : Business
a grandmother watching her grandson knead dough
The author's mother (not pictured) didn't want grandchildren.

Cultura Creative/Getty Images

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