My daughter decided not to go to college right after high school. I'm proud of her for exploring her interests first.

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a high school graduate hugging a friend
The author, not pictured, was surprised to learn her daughter didn't want to go to college yet.

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My wife and I knew from our first date that we didn't want kids. We've been together for 17 years and lost friends because of our choice.

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Headshot Matthew Walters
Walters and his wife have been together for 17 years

Courtesy of Matthew Walters

My husband and I take turns going on solo international trips without our kids. The arrangement works for us both.

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Author Melissa Noble smiling at Tiger's Nest Monastery, Bhutan, a series of mountains with a building on the side
Traveling without my family has helped me be a better parent.

Melissa Noble

I went back to work 4 weeks after giving birth. I had dizzy spells from how exhausted I was.

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Stressed businesswoman drinking coffee front of the office building
The author (not pictured) had to return quickly to work after giving birth.

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My family moved to Florida in 2016 and have been through 6 major hurricanes. We're staying here anyway.

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Family posing by the ocean in Florida
The author says she and her family are not leaving Florida any time soon.

Courtesy of the author

I quit my job to look after my grandchildren. My son initially paid me $10 an hour, but now I gladly do it for free.

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A grandmother embraces her granddaughter outdoors. They're both smiling.
A grandmother (not pictured) said being paid to look after her grandchild made her feel like an "employee."

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'Modern Family' star Julie Bowen has a tip for starting conversations with her teenage sons that works like 'magic'

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Julie Bowen dressed in a blue suit.
"Modern Family" star Julie Bowen has a trick up her sleeve when it comes to communicating with her teenage sons.

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My wife is the breadwinner, and I'm a stay-at-home dad. I hate when people say I'm less manly because of it.

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a father sitting down with his baby strapped to his chest
The author, not pictured, is a stay-at-home dad.

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I had to downsize before a move. I found a box of my kids' baby clothes and relived so many memories.

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Old photo of mom and kids
Karen Siwak kept many of the clothes her kids wore when they were little.

Courtesy of Karen Siwak

I moved across the world to live with my son and daughter-in-law. It was a sacrifice, but I wanted to help with childcare.

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A grandmother helps her granddaughter dress for school.
Nan Ray, not pictured, moved from India to the US because she felt it was her grandmotherly "duty" to care for her grandchildren.

Mayur Kakade/ Getty Images

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