I'm ashamed about how much holiday junk I've acquired over the years. I'm changing my habits.

Tech Insider : Business
A woman putting Christmas decorations in an attic
The author (not pictured) keeps holiday decorations in the garage and attic.

Sturti/Getty Images

Zooey Deschanel says there's one side of herself she never lets her kids see

Tech Insider : Business, Style
Zooey Deschanel.
Zooey Deschanel says she's careful her kids never see her doubt herself.

Monica Schipper/Getty Images

My kids already lead privileged lives, so I refuse to go all out at Christmas

Tech Insider : Business, Sports, Style
Bare christmas tree

Antonio Gravante/Getty Images

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

Subscribe to Parenting