kids
This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Delilah Rene Luke, voice of the Sonos Holiday Party Prep Talk. It has been edited for length and clarity.I grew up with parents who didn’t believe women should work. My mom never held a job outside the house. But like a…
Zooey Deschanel, 45, says she’s mindful of how she shows up around her kids.On Thursday’s episode of “Call Her Daddy,” the “Elf” actor spoke about being bullied as a child and how it shaped her identity and her approach to parenting.Though she still has moments of insecurity, Deschanel says she…
Here’s what you won’t find in my house at Christmastime: Elf on the Shelf. December goody and craft boxes for the kids. Brand new matching Christmas pajamas. Holiday photo shoots. Forced Christmas card writing. Expensive tickets to line up at a crowded shopping center to see an overrated Santa.Before you…
The number of times my 11-year-old daughter has asked to join Messenger Kids has jumped noticeably this year.I’ve always believed I had good grounds to refuse, but to her, it’s just a way to chat with friends. What’s the harm? I’ve tried explaining how one app can lead to others,…
Cookie baking, decorating, stuffing stockings, building a holiday village scene with Iron Man and Thor action figures — just like a huggable snowman discovered, everyone has traditions for that time of year.We’re a blended family with kids ranging in age from 17 to mid-30s. As our kids have moved from…
I was surprised when my daughter told me she wanted not only to attend college but also to pursue medical school. She even planned out her prerequisite classes, residency, and potential debt.In our house, we rarely talked about college because I never went. My husband also only did a few…
By our fifth wedding anniversary, my husband and I had moved twice for his job. We were in our 20s and excited for new experiences. It was easy to embrace the chaos of moving then.When a third opportunity to relocate was presented, the choice wasn’t so easy anymore. Our family…
This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Chet Kittleson, founder of Tin Can. It has been edited for length and clarity.About three years ago, I was picking my daughter up from school and started chatting with parents about how arduous it is to run the kids’ social lives.…
“Don’t come into the attic, I’m wrapping Christmas gifts,” I shouted to my youngest child last December, awaiting her response. She’d recently turned 11, and in my heart, I knew she no longer believed in Santa.”Mom! Don’t forget, I want Monopoly,” she casually called back.I scrunched my eyelids together, holding…
In September 2024, I lost my job as a software developer. After nearly two years with the company, I was let go due to “reduction of workforce.” My husband still worked full time, but losing half of our household income hit hard, especially with eight kids ranging from 4 to…
