Category: Family & Parenting

When my first son went away to college, one of the things I looked forward to the most was going to campus to visit him. We frequent the campus anyway because we’re huge fans of their athletic programs, but I thought, “How great is it going to be now because we’re going to be able to see him several times during college football season!” 

But before we headed up for the first football game (and our first unofficial visit to see our boy), a very wise friend who already had kids go through college said to me, “Now, don’t be surprised if you don’t even end up seeing him this weekend.” I was a bit taken aback and a little confused, so I asked her what she meant. Surely my son missed me as much as I missed him, and I was certain he was eagerly awaiting our arrival and would want to hang out with his parents for the weekend, right?

WRONG.

When your teen is too busy to call you back

It turns out that my friend was absolutely, 100% correct (as most “been there done that moms” usually are), and my son barely had five minutes in his “schedule” that weekend to meet up with his old mom and dad. We visited several more times that semester, and even during the college’s official “Parent’s Weekend,” we barely caught more than 15 minutes with him. He was just “too busy” or had already made plans.

I was dumbfounded and proceeded to do all the new college mom things, which included panicking over nothing and questioning this new and unfamiliar behavior he was exhibiting. Did something happen? Is he in a cult? Who were these new friends taking up all of his time? Why doesn’t he want to hang with us? Should I be worried?

All of those thoughts and questions were, of course, unwarranted worries because the only “new thing” going on in his life was COLLEGE. And what I had yet to comprehend and accept was that college (and the social environment around it) would now be the number one thing supporting his village.

Sadly for me, where I once stood at the end of his every school day now stood roommates, classmates, dorm neighbors, and thousands of other people, places, and experiences that were his to both embrace and gain support from.

What I had to learn was that when our kids go to college and slowly begin to socially separate from our daily lives (or quickly separate, depending on the kid) that kind of separation is actually a GOOD thing because the opposite of that is kids who don’t find their people on campus and are willingly (and in many cases unwillingly-perhaps to the detriment of their mental well-being), hanging on to emotional ties with parents that should have been cut already. 

We worry about the kids who struggle with things like homesickness, loneliness, and bouts of sadness, depression, or anxiety because they feel disconnected from campus culture. But the kids who have vibrant and blossoming social lives?

The kids putting themselves out there and joining clubs and organizations, playing intramural sports, participating in resident hall events, and joining study groups become “too busy” to hang out with mom and dad and too busy to return texts. And guess what? That is a very good thing and exactly what you want. 

In reality, we should want our kids not to be able to return our texts immediately because their social calendars are full. Most large universities’ primary goal is to get freshmen involved with campus activities (and hence, very social) as much as possible. It’s why resident hall advisors host dorm get-togethers and physically escort freshmen to student organization fairs. It’s also why colleges have “new student programs departments” that regularly sponsor, fund, and host a variety of social interaction opportunities during the entire year, not just for freshmen.

Loneliness is a a problem everywhere and not just college campuses.  

Students who maintain active social lives on campus, and are involved in clubs or organizations, can receive the kind of social peer support that can help ward off feelings of loneliness or isolation and, ultimately, foster better and more positive mental health.

So, the next time you text your college kid and hours, days, and maybe even a week goes by without a decent reply because “I’m too busy with college stuff, Mom!” don’t sweat it. Be grateful that their days are filled with friends, fun, and maybe even an actual study group or two.

Let go of your need for instant communication. And don’t worry, they’ll call you soon enough, as soon as their pizza fund runs dry.

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My firstborn wanted to go far away for college. She didn’t come home often during her four years on the opposite side of the country. Once she left, I quickly became one of “those moms” who listened with envy as friends with teens much closer to home talked about surprise visits for the weekend or how’d they’d hop in the car on a whim to drive an hour to meet their child for a meal.

My daughter went away to college far from home

When my daughter arrived home for Thanksgiving, it was her first trip back and the first time seeing her younger brother after four months away — the longest time they had ever been apart.

The scene that unfolded when she walked in the door from is forever seared into my visual memory. And it is one that will probably bring a tear for the rest of my life.

My two children embraced and hugged each other for what seemed like an eternity. My son’s smile was the biggest and most genuine I had ever seen. My normally stoic daughter shed a few tears of joy as she hugged her younger, yet taller, brother and to me, it was the most heartwarming and validating expression of sibling love I’d ever witnessed between my children. That poignant greeting was just the tip of the iceberg when it came to the gratitude I repeatedly felt over that long, holiday weekend together.

And no matter if your child has gone far away to school and hasn’t returned once before Thanksgiving, or if they were able to come home several times during the fall of their freshman year of college, they’ll return home for that extended visit a changed person.

Five ways teens change their first semester at college

1. New maturity levels

Students realize they can survive on their own. They feel some mastery at having adapted to taking control of their daily challenges. They’ve gotten lost and found their way. They’ve gotten sick and recovered. They’ve felt uncomfortable and have worked through that. They’ve expanded their circle of friends. Feelings of increased competence have resulted in greater self-confidence.

2. A better attitude

Lots of kids leave for college having spent their last weeks at home “soiling the nest.” It’s a normal part of the separation experience, yet it still can be difficult for parents and siblings to deal with. When these kids arrive back home, they have a new appreciation for their family’s love and care. It’s a wonderful thing.

3. New-found gratitude for family

When my daughter arrived back home, not only was she thrilled to see her brother, she also was ecstatic to see and spend time with her cousin, aunt, uncle, and grandparents. Once kids are away from extended family members for a while at school, they seem to develop increased tolerance for those little family annoyances and quirks that may have driven them a bit crazy when they were living at home.

4. Even more love for the pets

The Snapchats and FaceTimes with their pets have been great, but there’s nothing like that physical reunion with their beloved dog, cat, or other furry/feathered friends. Watching your student just lying on the ground snuggling once again with the family pet is such a sweet sight.

5. Appreciation for the little things

Nothing makes a student happier than their own bed, kitchen, and bathroom once they’ve spent a few months in a communal living arrangement. You’ll probably hear declarations like these: “My pillows at home are the best!” or “Thank you so much for baking this pie/cookies/casserole. It’s never tasted so good,” and “It’s awesome not to be sharing a sink with five other people this week!”

So, if this Thanksgiving is the first with a child coming home from college, don’t be surprised if it’s extra special. And if it doesn’t turn out that way, remind yourself that they’ll be gone again before you know it, and you’ll be missing them all over again.

Wishing you all an attitude of gratitude this holiday!

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Three Ways to Make Your Student’s Thanksgiving Break a Success

When my oldest daughter was a year old, we started a tradition of taking a Christmas card photo. Every year on a Sunday around Thanksgiving, my husband and I would stage our own photoshoot to get the best possible picture of our three daughters and the dog.

We’d pose them holding sleigh bells against an evergreen backdrop or pile them into a little red wagon with the dog wearing reindeer antlers. When they were too young to have their own fashion sense, I dressed them in matching outfits.

My daughters grew less enthusiastic about the Christmas photo as they grew older

The girls became less enthusiastic about playing along as the years went on. The year my oldest turned 20, I had to pile on more motherly guilt than usual to make the photo happen. But I always got my picture.

The following year, the prospect of getting the girls to oblige didn’t seem any more promising. My oldest daughter was close to a total rebellion and ready to stoke the resistance among the other two. For weeks I pondered whether I should insist that taking that photo was my motherly prerogative.

After all, composing a photo that we could tuck into our cards was my chance to show how much having a family meant to me. The rest of the year, my take on family life tends to be more Shoebox than Hallmark because when the normal circumstances of life are about to get the best of me, finding the funny is a way to cut something annoying down to its proper size.

But that Christmas card photo was one of the few times I went more Hallmark each year, shining a spotlight on what brought my life its true brilliance. Taking that photo was my way of sharing: These are my children with whom I am well pleased.

I thought of saying farewell to our Christmas card tradition

I was still vexed about the standoff when I went to an Advent by Candlelight gathering. The discussion at my table turned to evolve Christmas traditions. I was seated with two ladies who had recently lost their husbands and faced a season chockful of bittersweet memories. Whether they liked it or not, they’d have to replace a lot of traditions that they had no hope of being able to repeat that year. This made me feel a little bit like a loser. If the widows could cope with losing their traditions, couldn’t I figure out how to bid farewell to our Christmas card photo? 

After all, the Christmas card photo couldn’t go on forever. What was my endgame? Would we graduate out of the tradition once people were out of college? Would we stop once somebody married because our family circle had been altered? 

As I willed myself to accept that now was as good a time as any to be done with the photo, I considered whether there was anything that would make my surrender more bearable. I couldn’t have a photo worthy of a Hallmark card, but maybe one suitable for a Shoebox card might help.

So on a day when none of the girls were home, I made good on a threat I had made the previous year when we were wrestling over their cooperation. My husband helped set up the same red sleigh the girls had posed the year before. And then I crawled into the sleigh with an understudy — Henry, the family dog. 

When I looked at the shots in which Henry and I were looking straight at the camera, I could see in my eyes some of the sadness I felt about not having my children in the photo. But the picture my husband snapped when the dog and I were goofing around at the end seemed to strike a happier tone. We had a winner.

I explained why our daughters weren’t in the family picture

I realized that I had better provide some explanation along with the photo so that our family and friends didn’t think my photo signified a family schism, so I penned a note:

Dear Friends and Family,

Usually, every year you get a photo of our three beautiful daughters. This year, you get me and the dog. As the girls got older, they got more resistant to posing for our Christmas card photo. Last year, I employed motherly guilt to compel their cooperation. This year, I decided to let it go. After all, sooner or later, every tradition has to evolve. I thought this one would last at least until somebody married, but my projections were wrong. At least the dog was still in — I guess he recognizes who fills his food bowl.

In the future, I’ll miss the challenge of staging a decent family photo on a late fall afternoon. Initially, getting a picture with everyone looking at the camera was hard. The tricky part has recently been getting all three girls to agree on the winning print. 

Why did we struggle every year to corral three kids and a dog? I guess the photo was our way of sharing our most significant work all year. And since we don’t see each other often enough, it was a way of marking time by showing how much the girls had grown over a year. Now, they’ve reached ages where most of the growth happens on the inside. Hopefully, our paths will cross soon, and you’ll experience these almost-fully-grown women.

So, we are officially signing off with this holiday tradition. Here’s hoping that you — and we— come up with equally satisfying ways to stay connected and some new Christmas traditions. We look forward to seeing your Christmas card photos for as long as you can coerce your offspring. Before we know it, these people will be wrangling their own babies for Christmas card photos. Merry Christmas!

I hoped our Christmas card would make people smile

When I sent out our cards, I felt satisfied with the closing ceremony I’d created for our tradition. My silly picture had taken some of the sting out of this being the end, and I knew it would give people a good laugh. I felt like I’d marked two decades of meaningful work raising three young women who hadn’t yet turned into hoochie mamas. It was like throwing myself a virtual retirement party after my swan song. 

My younger two daughters didn’t love the letter because they felt like the note ought to finger their sister as the culprit behind the end of the tradition. But as I pointed out, she was doing what oldest children tend to do — first reaching the next developmental stage. They would have felt the same way about the Christmas card photo sooner or later. 

I was surprised by how much the end of our tradition resonated

The biggest surprise was how much my mailing struck a chord with people at the same stage of the parenting game. Two friends said it made them feel less guilty about not sending their Christmas card photos that year. Another friend said she had wondered how long she could get her two college-aged sons to comply with her photo request.

One friend waited until she saw me in person to tell me how much she appreciated my photo. She wanted to understand more about what motivated me to handle the whole thing as I did because she also struggled with figuring out how to let go.

Though I am now at peace with the end of our family’s Christmas card photo tradition, there’s no getting around the fact that my planned, yet still unwelcome, obsolescence as a parent will still take some getting used to.

Anyone up for forming a Parents Facing Redundancy support group in the new year?

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Kids, I Promise I Won’t Be a Pain About the Holidays

Your empty nest is about to be re-feathered. As you’re preparing for Thanksgiving —shopping for dinner, re-stocking the fridge with the foods you haven’t bought since your freshman left for college — you might be picturing a return to the routines and expectations you had three months ago.

What has your first-year college student been doing since they left home?

You are about to greet someone whose experiences, perceptions, and expectations have changed and who has been working to build a home at college. For you, this is a homecoming. For your offspring (note we didn’t say “child.” There’s a reason for that), this is about leaving one home (or almost home) for another.

This is bound to cause a disconnect — but it doesn’t have to be a surprise. And with thought, care, empathy, and communication, you can make this visit — and future reunions under your roof — a success.

Since August, your offspring have been living with greater self-reliance: waking up for classes (one hopes) without your encouragement; going to sleep — or not — whenever they want; eating when and what they choose, and managing a schedule that varies day to day. Most likely, they have been living in a demographically different community from yours in some way — for example, in diversity, size, location, or even common ideology.

High school and college are very different

The college student about to return to your home for Thanksgiving has also been living a very different life of mind. They are reading more sophisticated texts (as professors, we tell ourselves they’re doing the reading). While in high school, they might have been asked to explain what a text means. In college, they’re being asked to draw their conclusions from them and even challenge and criticize authors and authorities.

They’re attending classes with professors who are experts in their field of study. They likely engage in debates on coursework, politics, and culture in class and late at night.

They are doing all this while among new friends, forming new support systems, and hopefully learning to draw on university resources for academic and other assistance in circumstances where they, until very recently, would have looked to you. They’ve been doing what they can to make this new place “home” — beyond buying a desk lamp and putting extra-long twin sheets on their new bed. They’ve been building a community and finding their place in it.

And if they’re doing well, chances are they have you to thank. You helped make college possible. You showed them that they could get there if they worked hard enough. So give yourself some credit — but then listen to the rest of our news.

The student who returns home for Thanksgiving is not the person who left your home months ago.

When your student walks through your door for Thanksgiving break, their self-perceptions will likely differ from your perceptions of them. A college freshman has been in a living-learning community and is expected to function as an adult. Many college students also say, “I am a different person at school.”

Maybe your teen was known as absent-minded, the nerd, or the jock at home. Your daughter might have reinvented herself at college; your son may be exploring a new identity. They might feel anxiety at being perceived as someone they no longer are.

After a few months away they are different and their perceptions of you are different

After a few months away, living and studying in a new environment, their perceptions of you might have changed too. Maybe they’ll tell you their professors are far wiser than you. We hope you won’t take it personally and will jot down some of their more priceless insights; they will make for great stories when they bring home their future spouse or for you to share when they are parents.

Your son or daughter may challenge some of the ideas and values you used to share. Perhaps she’s discovered the works of Ayn Rand. Perhaps he’s decided on a different political affiliation while away. Maybe they don’t want to go to church with you, prefer to go to a different one, or are uncertain about what they believe.

College is challenging, mind expanding and new

You’d be amazed at how quickly a student discovers and embraces new views and ideas. It can be jarring, but it’s also a sign that the college experience is everything it’s supposed to be: challenging, mind-expanding, and new. This doesn’t give anyone a free pass out of respectful dialogue, but it’s worth remembering that when we send our loved ones out into the world to study, we have no control over what ideas will resonate with them.

Your offspring might also be certain that their new lifestyle — up all night, living on cold pizza, driven by “FOMO” (fear of missing out), is brilliant. You might disagree. It is also likely to be inconsistent with the rules and norms of your household —and it is still your household, after all. The question of rules, boundaries, and expectations is perhaps the starkest example of the push and pull between your freshman’s two homes, lifestyles, roles, and worlds.

Three ways to make your college student’s Thanksgiving break a success

1. Before they come home, consider what rules and expectations you plan to set.

Ask yourself whether the expectations you had for them before are needed now. Consider the changes in your offspring’s self-perception and experience with independence and act accordingly. Perhaps some things are non-negotiable to you — for example, going to church with you, playing in the family Thanksgiving touch football game, or texting if they’re going to be late.

Identify those non-negotiables in advance, but take a very hard look at the standards you set that have no relationship to the way your freshman has been living for three months (and if they come home apparently unscathed, that means they’re handling their new independence and responsibilities well — another success for which you laid the groundwork).

2. Be honest about the expectations you plan to set, but make sure you listen to theirs.

Maybe they’re concerned that you don’t see how much they’ve grown as a person. They could be anxious about being on your turf (especially if the last time you saw them was on family weekend when you were on their turf). Recognize that they may vacillate between excitement and anxiety about seeing their family and revisiting their high school friends and their hometown.

3. Have a frank conversation in which you acknowledge the challenge your freshman faces.

They’re pulled between two worlds, two homes, two sets of expectations, and even between two competing selves. Let them know you get it. “This must be weird for you to be home. It’s weird for me too.”

Our message is not that you need to suck it up and accept whatever comes. It’s that the college freshman coming through your door will experience this Thanksgiving visit not only as a homecoming but also as a home-leaving. When you recognize, acknowledge, and work through this together, you’re laying the groundwork for a better Thanksgiving and for a new phase in your parent-adult-child relationship.

But they still have to clean up the Thanksgiving table. You can tell them Professors Brenner and Schwartz said so.

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What I Loved about Thanksgiving in the 80s 

As moms, we routinely juggle countless tasks with finesse and flair. However, those chaotic school-run mornings are a special challenge of their own. That’s when you’re simultaneously planning, organizing, rushing, packing, feeding, and getting everyone ready—and on colder days, you have the added task of ensuring your kids are dressed warm enough.

Cold mornings should never cause your little ones to feel uncomfortable, so let’s perfect the art of layering. Here are a few top tips that will make your school-run mornings a lot easier while ensuring your kids stay snug and cozy.

Start with Lightweight Layers

The foundation of a good outfit starts with light, comfortable base layers that trap warmth without overheating. Think soft cotton tees or breathable thermals paired with cozy mid-layers like SKIMS hoodies, which strike the perfect balance between warmth and flexibility. From there, add thicker socks, joggers, or fleece-lined leggings to keep the chill at bay without restricting movement.

Add a Vest for Extra Warmth

Vests are another effective layer that can add warmth without creating a bulky look. They are lightweight, come in all sizes, and can match any outfit. Vests are perfect for those not-so-cold days or just as an extra layer underneath their jackets.

Go for Long Johns

Long johns aren’t just for adults. There are plenty of kid-friendly versions on the market that make a fantastic first layer on super chilly days. They come in various materials, like wool or thermal, and are often tight-fitting to retain heat.

Don’t Forget the Headgear and Mittens

Almost half of our body heat is lost from the head and extremities, so don’t forget about gloves, scarves, and hats. Go for a hat that covers your child’s ears, and gloves or mittens with a warm lining. Additionally, if your kids wear glasses, a hat with a brim can help keep the snow and rain away from their lenses.

Layer Up on Socks

Regular socks may not be enough for an icy winter morning. Layer up your child’s feet with socks designed for cold weather, or double up their regular ones. Also, selecting boots that are one size bigger to accommodate these extra pairs of socks is a smart idea.

Get the Gear Ready the Night Before

A crucial tip to save yourself from morning stress is to prepare the outfits the night before. Stack all the layers in order, hats, socks, and shoes, ready for the next morning, next to their beds or by the front door. Your mornings will immediately become smoother.

Let Your Children Participate

Make layering fun and involve your kids in the process, so they know why it’s necessary to dress appropriately for the weather conditions. Let them help choose their layers, and you’ll be teaching them life skills, while also saving time in the mornings.

Layering is all about staying warm while maintaining mobility and comfort. Each layer should add warmth and work seamlessly with the others. Take a cue from celebrity style and make comfort look polished — because every mom deserves to feel confident, even on the chilliest school-run mornings.

Use these tips and see chaotic school-run mornings transform into smooth sailing. Layer up, stay warm, keep the chaos at bay, and remember, you’ve got this, mom!

The brain processes romantic rejection similarly to physical pain. This neurological response means recovery from a breakup follows no standard timeline. Recent psychological research from 2024 shows that emotional readiness depends on specific markers of personal healing rather than counting months on a calendar.

The Biology of Moving On

Your nervous system needs time to recalibrate after a relationship ends. Men often report greater emotional dependence on their partners than women do, according to a 2024 study from Humboldt University in Berlin. This dependence can extend their recovery period by several months compared to women in similar situations.

The average person reports feeling ready to date again after 8 to 11 months, based on ThePsycCollective’s 2024 survey of adults aged 28 to 50. Younger people tend to move faster, often starting to date within four to six months. Those ending marriages longer than ten years typically need 13 to 18 months before they feel prepared for new relationships.

Emotional Neutrality as a Benchmark

You know you’ve processed a breakup when discussing your former partner feels like describing someone from your distant past. The anger fades. The longing disappears. You can mention their name without your voice catching or your stomach tightening.

Dr. John Gottman’s research demonstrates that people who date before achieving this emotional neutrality tend to repeat problematic relationship patterns. They choose similar partners, recreate familiar conflicts, and often find themselves back where they started within two years.

When Your Social Circle Changes Shape

After ending a marriage or long-term relationship, your social connections often require reconfiguration. Friends who knew you as part of a couple may drift away, while new social opportunities emerge that better align with who you’ve become. This period of social reorganization serves as a practical gauge for emotional readiness.

People who successfully rebuild their social networks tend to approach new romantic connections with greater confidence. Some join hobby groups or professional networks, others reconnect with old friends, and many find themselves exploring different social scenes than before. Those dating after a divorce often report that establishing independent friendships first helped them feel grounded enough to consider romantic partnerships. Once you’ve created a social life that feels authentic and fulfilling on its own, adding someone new becomes an enhancement rather than a necessity.

Testing Your Motivations

Ask yourself why you want to date. If the answer involves proving something to your ex, filling empty evenings, or escaping loneliness, you need more time. People ready for healthy relationships seek partners to complement their already satisfying lives, not to repair them.

Mental health professionals suggest a simple test: write down three reasons you want to date. If any reason focuses on what you’re trying to avoid or escape rather than what you hope to gain, postpone creating that dating profile.

Physical and Practical Readiness Markers

Your daily routines should feel stable before you add dating to the mix. Can you sleep through the night without replaying old arguments? Do you have energy for activities beyond work and basic responsibilities? Have you reclaimed hobbies you abandoned during your previous relationship?

Parents face additional considerations. Your children need to see you functioning independently before you introduce romantic complications. Co-parenting arrangements should run smoothly for several months before you allocate time and emotional energy to dating.

The Technology Factor in 2025

Dating apps have changed how people re-enter the romantic market. AI-powered platforms now offer more targeted matching, but they also create new pressures. Many therapists report clients developing “comparison burnout” from endless swiping and profile browsing.

Some people use social media to test their readiness through what researchers call “soft launches.” They hint at dating activity without full disclosure, gauging their own comfort levels and friends’ reactions. This gradual approach can help those who feel uncertain about their emotional preparedness.

Recognizing False Starts

Sometimes you think you’re ready but discover otherwise on a first date. You spend the evening comparing this new person to your ex. You feel panic when they text the next day. You realize you talked about your breakup for most of dinner. These reactions indicate you need additional healing time.

Licensed therapists recommend treating these false starts as data rather than failures. Each attempt teaches you something about your recovery progress. Some people need several practice dates before they feel genuinely comfortable pursuing new connections.

Demographics and Recovery Patterns

Age affects recovery timelines in unexpected ways. People over 45 who divorce report focusing more on compatibility than physical attraction when they return to dating. They also tend to wait longer before dating but form more stable relationships when they do.

LGBTQ+ community members face unique considerations during breakup recovery. Community support structures and legal contexts shape their healing timelines. Many rely on online groups and community events to ease back into dating rather than immediately turning to apps or traditional venues.

Professional Support and Self-Assessment

Therapy accelerates readiness for many people. Working with a counselor helps identify and address relationship patterns that contributed to the breakup. Several therapy apps introduced in late 2024 offer structured self-assessment tools covering attachment styles, communication patterns, and emotional triggers.

Before scheduling dates, complete an honest inventory of your growth since the breakup. Have you identified your contribution to past relationship problems? Can you articulate what you want differently this time? Do you understand your attachment style and how it affects your romantic choices?

Setting Boundaries for New Beginnings

Ready daters establish clear limits before meeting anyone new. They decide how quickly they’ll share personal history, how often they’ll communicate between dates, and what physical intimacy timeline feels comfortable. These boundaries protect both parties from moving too fast or recreating unhealthy dynamics.

The most successful returners to dating communicate these boundaries early and maintain them consistently. They recognize that someone who pushes against reasonable limits probably won’t respect other important boundaries later.

Holiday budgets are tight, and one stumble at the airport can upset a month of planning. Sensible travel insurance helps a family contain bills when a bag goes missing, a child needs a quick clinic visit, or a flight is cancelled at short notice. The trick is buying only what genuinely matters and skipping paid extras that add cost without adding protection.This guide explains what to prioritise, where to trim, and how to compare options so a typical Indian family pays less while still guarding against the big headaches.

Start With the Real Risks, Not the Gloss

Think about the itinerary first. Short flights between metro cities usually call for modest medical limits and practical help for delays and baggage issues. Longer journeys with grandparents or infants need stronger travel health insurance and clearer terms on cancellations.

Now match those risks to cover. A weekend reunion has very different needs from a multi-city wedding trip. Travel insurance works best when chosen for the trip you are actually taking, not for every theoretical mishap.

What a Lean Domestic Policy Should Cover

Begin with a simple core. Look for:

• Emergency treatment limits that make sense for private care in your destination city.
• Trip cancellation or curtailment protection that at least matches prepaid tickets and hotel amounts.
• Baggage delay benefits that kick in within a reasonable waiting period.
• Clear assistance numbers that work across circles.
• Families comparing policies for domestic travel insurance India will notice that avoiding unnecessary add-ons often brings the biggest savings.

Where Families Can Trim the Premium

Trim spend, not safeguards: prioritise essentials and drop extras that add little value:

• Use a family floater if offered, rather than separate individual policies.
• Pick a modest voluntary deductible to reduce the price while keeping useful limits.
• Skip duplicate perks already provided by a bank card or loyalty programme.
• Book early and avoid last-minute surges.
• If buying through an aggregator, compare that quote with the insurer’s own page before paying to buy travel insurance online.

How to Compare Without Paying for Frills

Gather three to five quotes for the same dates and traveller ages. Read the policy wording, not just the brochure. There is no universal best travel insurance because families, routes and budgets differ. When checking travel insurance online, keep the comparison like-for-like by using identical details across sites. A focused shortlist with clear wording usually reveals which plan actually suits the journey.

India-Focused Checks that Save Headaches

Healthcare and claims vary across regions, so local fit matters. In the context of travel insurance India, verify the TPA and hospital network city by city, check how to file a claim if you are travelling to smaller airports, and confirm accepted proofs for delay or loss. Keep soft copies of boarding passes, baggage tags and e-tickets in one folder so documents are ready if needed later.

Budget Smart Domestic Travel Insurance Tips for Common Family Trips

For a quick city hop, choose travel insurance with a modest medical sum insured, a short baggage delay trigger, and an all-hours helpline. Keep the e-policy and ID proofs together at check-in, and opt for a small voluntary excess to keep the premium down.

For hill trips with children, raise medical and cancellation limits, check altitude and weather clauses, and confirm cashless clinics in the exact towns. Choose domestic travel insurance India with ambulance cover, and keep national or international travel insurance online at the centre of the decision.

For wedding itineraries with multiple legs, prioritise missed connection, delay and curtailment benefits, and match the cancellation sum to total prepaid spend. Keep tickets and hotel confirmations as evidence, and buy travel insurance online in one session so traveller details remain consistent.

Exclusions that Commonly Catch Families Out

Read the “not covered” list carefully. Most policies exclude:

• Pre-existing conditions not declared at purchase.
• Routine check-ups and elective procedures.
• Loss from unattended bags or unlocked rooms.
• Costs related to intoxication or illegal acts.
• Travel against medical advice.
• Claims without original invoices or airline delay letters.

Understanding this section avoids frustration later and helps choose a plan that genuinely fits.

Frugal Family Pre-Purchase Checks for Domestic Travel Insurance

Choose protection that cuts waste, caps big bills, and fits your itinerary.

• Medical sum insured sized to likely private-care costs at your destination.
• Cancellation and interruption limits matched to your prepaid tickets and stays.
• Baggage delay waiting period and per-item caps were reviewed and understood.
• Age limits and any sub-limits for children or seniors are clearly noted.
• Network hospitals and TPA access confirmed for the cities on your route in India.
• Disclosures for ages and pre-existing conditions are correct under your travel health insurance.

Sensible Ways to Keep it Affordable Next Time

If the family travels often, price out an annual multi-trip plan and compare it with two or three single-trip totals. Book earlier where possible, keep add-ons minimal, and stick to the limits you will realistically need. A clear buying habit saves more than hunting coupons.

Conclusion

A careful checklist, steady attention to exclusions and a like-for-like comparison help families secure travel insurance that fits the journey and the budget. The aim is not to chase the best travel insurance badge, but to select cover that handles the big costs if plans go wrong. Within the wider travel insurance market in India, a measured approach protects both peace of mind and the household finances.

Lately I’ve been pretty good at getting posts up very regularly, multiple times a week at least…

But in the last little bit I’ve gone quiet.

Its because I took my kids on vacation, and decided to be quiet about it until I came back.

Little things happened on my last trip like my car accident on the way to the airport, that I was being superstitious and didn’t want “bad juju” or whatever if people saw and were jealous that I took two trips right in a row, so I waited until I got back to let people know.

And I just spent a beautiful week with my kids and my sons’ girlfriend in Italy, mostly in Rome, but also in Venice. Mostly on a budget, and I’ll write how I kept the costs down.

On the last day there, one that was anyhow just travel back from Venice to Rome to the flight home, I came down with something, and by the time I got home I could barely breathe, even with my inhaler. I went to the doctor and got diagnosed with walking pneumonia, and put on steroids, antibiotics, medicine for a nebulizer, and a medicine to help with the cough.

I’m two days on the medication by now and already feeling loads better, if not totally out of the woods. I still have a bad cough, but my head doesn’t feel like it’s splitting open every time I cough, and I can take deep breaths without feeling a pain in my chest. 

I’m now beginning to play catch up, responding to emails from my week+ away from my “office” (not that I have an official one in my small apartment where I work from home, but, you know), and finally getting posts live that have been waiting in my inbox.

So I still have 4 more posts about my cheap trip to bulgaria. Then I have another 3 or 4 posts about my trip to Italy.

And 2 college classes to catch up on from my week away. At least they’re online so they were recorded.

And a to do list a whole mile long. While still recovering. 

I can do this.

Just wanted to update you.

Published: November 1, 2025 | Last Updated on: November 1, 2025
| by Hema

If you’re searching for a healthy dessert that’s both delicious and nutritious, these Guilt-Free Sweet Potato Brownies for Kids are a must-try! Made with mashed sweet potatoes, cocoa, and other wholesome ingredients, this recipe gives your little ones all the chocolatey goodness without refined sugar or maida. These brownies are soft, fudgy, and naturally sweet, perfect for after-school snacks or weekend treats. Packed with fiber, vitamins, and energy, Sweet Potato Brownies for Kids make indulgence completely guilt-free for parents and fun for kids!

Health Benefits of Sweet Potato for Kids

• Rich in Vitamins:
  Sweet potatoes are packed with Vitamin A (from beta-carotene), which supports healthy vision, glowing skin, and boosts immunity.
• Boosts Energy:
  They provide slow-releasing complex carbohydrates, giving kids steady energy for play and learning.
• Supports Brain Development:
  The presence of B vitamins and manganese helps improve brain function and focus.
• Good Source of Fiber:
  Sweet potatoes aid digestion and prevent constipation, keeping your child’s tummy happy.
• Strengthens Immunity:
  With antioxidants and Vitamin C, sweet potatoes help kids fight common colds and infections.
• Promotes Heart Health:
  Their potassium content helps maintain a healthy heart and blood pressure.
• Gentle on Tiny Tummies:
  Naturally sweet, soft, and easy to digest — ideal even for toddlers starting solids.

Sweet Potato Brownies Recipe

Ingredients

• Mashed purple sweet potato – 1 cup
• Whole wheat flour – ½ cup
• Cocoa powder – 2 tbsp
• Jaggery powder – ¼ cup
• Butter – 2 tbsp
• Milk– ¼ cup
• Chopped nuts- 1 tbsp

Method

• Steam or boil the purple sweet potato until soft. Peel and mash it smoothly.
• In a bowl, mix mashed sweet potato, jaggery, and butter.
• Add whole wheat flour, cocoa powder, and mix gently.
• Pour in milk little by little to make a thick batter.
• Grease a square tray and spread the batter evenly. Add the chopped nuts.
• Steam for 20–25 minutes or bake at 180°C for 20 minutes.
• Cool completely before cutting into squares.

These Guilt-Free Purple Sweet Potato Brownies for Kids prove that desserts can be both delicious and nutritious! With the natural sweetness and goodness of purple sweet potatoes, these brownies make a perfect healthy treat for your little ones, free from refined sugar, maida, and additives. Whether packed in a snack box or served as an after-meal delight, this colorful brownie is sure to bring smiles all around. So go ahead and try this wholesome recipe, your kids will love every bite, and you’ll love the nutrition it brings!

Guilt-Free Purple Sweet Potato Brownies for Kids

If you’re searching for a healthy dessert that’s both delicious and nutritious, these Guilt-Free Sweet Potato Brownies for Kids are a must-try!

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Course: Cake, Snacks

Keyword: Sweet Potato Brownies for Kids

Ingredients

• 1 cup Mashed purple sweet potato
• ½ cup Whole wheat flour
• 2 tbsp Cocoa powder
• ¼ cup Jaggery powder
• 2 tbsp butter
• ¼ cup Milk
• 1 tbsp Chopped nuts

Instructions

• Steam or boil the purple sweet potato until soft. Peel and mash it smoothly.

• In a bowl, mix mashed sweet potato, jaggery powder, and butter.

• Add whole wheat flour, cocoa powder, and mix gently.

• Pour in milk little by little to make a thick batter.

• Grease a square tray and spread the batter evenly. Add the chopped nuts.

• Steam for 20–25 minutes or bake at 180°C for 20 minutes.

• Cool completely before cutting into squares.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use regular sweet potato instead of purple sweet potato?

Yes, you can! Regular sweet potatoes work just as well and give a lovely natural sweetness.

2. Are these brownies suitable for toddlers?

Yes, these brownies are perfect for toddlers above 1 year.

3. Can I make this recipe without an oven?

Absolutely! You can steam the batter for 20–25 minutes instead of baking. The texture will be just as soft and fudgy.

4. How do I store these sweet potato brownies?

Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Warm slightly before serving for a soft, melt-in-mouth texture.

I’ll be honest right up front: I was never the Mom who martyred herself for her children. I never neglected myself or my needs when my kids were growing up — I’m definitely a “put the oxygen mask on yourself first” kind of gal. However, somewhere along the way as I was raising my family, I lost sight of my dreams.

Sure, I still had goals — I work in sales so it’s practically in my DNA but I’m not talking about goals (things I want to accomplish or achieve), I’m talking about dreams — my dreams for myself. As parents, when we’re raising our kids we have tons of dreams — for them and for our family and that was so fulfilling I didn’t even realize I’d quit dreaming my own dreams. I wanted them to be happy, content, sure of themselves, to do all the things they wanted to do, to be good people, to go far in life (whatever that means to them).

I wanted my marriage to thrive, for my husband to love me more than the day we met — I wanted big things for my children, my marriage, my family, my life but what did I really want for myself? What was my passion — outside of my family?

I tried to imagine what was my “passion”

It’s not like I ignored this, it had been in the back of my mind for a long time but I’d never really found my true passion so I never dwelled on it. I figured it would come to me when the time was right.

I’d seen my husband’s passion in action. He loves coaching lacrosse — he loves working with young men teaching them the values of teamwork, sportsmanship, and life in general. His passion for it goes way beyond winning or losing a lacrosse game. He gets to share his love of the game and his love of coaching and mentoring.

His enthusiasm for working with his players is evident to all who have had a son on his team or seen him when he’s talking with them. He does all this in addition to his Day Job — he does it because he loves it. And it’s a beautiful thing to see someone living their dream!

Me, I’ve never discovered “my thing.” I remember someone asking me what I thought about being when I was a little girl — what did I want to be when I grew up — that’s what I should pursue. Well, I wanted to be a vet because I loved animals. I have pets now but I don’t think that’s guiding me to my passion.

We’ve all heard sayings like — “Do what you love; love what you do,” “Your true passion is the thing you would do for free because you love it that much,” “Find your purpose”, etc. I bought into this — hook, line, and sinker! I also bought the books, attended the seminars, listened to the podcasts but still, it hit me one day that somewhere along the way — I don’t know when — all my dreams included other people.

I know when I was a girl I had dreams, then as a young woman just starting my career, as a new wife, a new Mom, etc but when did my dreams morph from what I wanted to what I wanted with those I love? Maybe this is part of being a Mom — you are no longer at the center. There are people you love more than yourself. People you would die for.

When my teens left home my perspective changed

Becoming an empty nester has changed my perspective — it’s been a time of reflection — what do I want to do with the rest of my life? Truthfully — it’s very exciting! One particular day I was missing my kids like crazy so I decided to write to them — about our lives and all the things we did. I know they have their own memories but I loved the book Lift by Kelly Corrigan which is a letter to her kids with her memories. I thought it was a great idea so I embarked on writing one of my own.

I wrote for hours — lost track of time — was so engrossed that I had pages and pages of topics that I still wanted to write about. I hadn’t even begun to scratch the surface of what I wanted to say and what I wanted them to know and remember. Writing about them brought up so many wonderful memories and it made them feel close to me — I think I’m onto something here!

As I was working on this new endeavor, I wrote a part about how their Dad and I had made a conscious choice early on to be friends with them. That part of the letter turned into this post that I submitted to Grown and Flown and that they published. That published post sparked something in me — something deep inside that had been dormant. I’ve always loved writing and even had a few pieces published (Well, only if you call the blog of the company I once worked for “published”) but this was different — this writing made me feel alive!

When I write about my family, our experiences, our lives, I feel so happy, it’s like I have adrenaline running through my veins. And because I’m writing for them and no one else, I feel free — free to say exactly what I want to say in the way I want to say it — honest and real! And when I write something that becomes a post, I’m writing it like I’m talking to my husband, my boys, or a favorite girlfriend.

And voila — I found my passion! I don’t think about “Where will this piece be published?” or “Will I make money at this?” or “Will this become my next career?” Although I usually plan and strategize for the next thing, the next goal, I don’t care where this goes — I’m just enjoying doing it — that sure sounds like passion to me.

And when I’m writing, I’m hoping that if it does get published it helps someone — someone who feels like they are alone or the only one who feels this way. I’m hoping to put things into the world that have inspiration and meaning — that certainly sounds like purpose. I literally dream about the next thing I’ll write — yes, I have dreams for myself again…

Empty nesting is a time for reflection and a wonderful opportunity to explore what you want for yourself and your life. It’s inside us all even if it’s been dormant for years and it’s worth the wait even if it takes time to find. Here’s to dreaming and here’s to finding your passion if you’re still searching — something we all deserve to discover!

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Entering college as an introvert can be scary. You may be asking yourself the following questions:

How will I make friends?

Will I ever find alone time living in the dorms?

Will I dislike college because I am constantly surrounded by other students and have to socialize all the time?

As a fellow introvert, I am here to tell you that everything will be okay, and college will be one of the most fun times in your life and below are some ways to ease your transition.

10 tips for thriving as an introvert in college

1. Schedule alone time

Although socializing is an integral part of creating healthy friendships, being surrounded by other students all the time can be exhausting for an introvert. Try to plan some down time each day when you can be alone — whether it’s chilling in the dorm while your roommate is in class or relaxing in a corner of the library, try to find at least an hour a day to spend time by yourself. 

2. Join a club or get a part-time job

Making friends as an introvert can be difficult, so join an activity to get yourself out there. This will help get you out of your comfort zone, make friends, and keep you busy. Try to find a club or activity that matches your interests, and you will likely make friends similar to you. 

3. Spend time at the library

The library is quiet, and no one will talk to you, so you can spend time alone studying or doing homework. The library was always my go-to place if I needed to get work done alone. 

4. Consider taking hybrid-style classes

Hybrid classes are typically half online, and half in person. Taking hybrid courses will give you a healthy balance of alone time and allow you to interact with and meet other students. 

5. Set boundaries

Don’t feel like you have to hang out with people all the time. If you need alone time or feel worn out from spending too much time with other people, don’t be afraid to say “no” to hanging out with people. It’s important to be comfortable setting boundaries and knowing your limits when you feel too tired to hang out with others. 

6. Bring headphones everywhere

If you are beginning to feel drained and are not in the mood to socialize, just put on your headphones. This can be especially useful when walking to/from class, eating alone, or getting work done at the student union. 

7. Find other introverted friends

Seek out friends who prefer one-on-one versus big group settings or like more low-key plans rather than large parties. Although it may not always feel like it, there are tons of introverts in college, and you will find your people.

Some ways to find other introverted friends are through classes, study sessions, or even during office hours. However, try to find a few extroverted friends because they can introduce you to new people and activities. 

8. Find places on campus where you feel comfortable

During the first few weeks of the semester, try studying or doing homework in different spots on campus and figure out where you feel most at peace. This could be an outdoor bench, a quiet area of the student union, a study room, or the library. 

9. Don’t worry about what others are doing

As an introvert, it can be easy to get FOMO when you see others in college out partying or always hanging out with large groups of friends. Focus on yourself and your happiness rather than on what others are doing. Remember that having a movie night with a few close friends can often be much more fun and fulfilling than a giant frat party. 

10. Attend campus events or sporting events, but know your limit

Attending campus events can be a little overwhelming as an introvert, but this is one of the best ways to make friends! Maybe only plan to go for a couple of hours and make sure you know your limit and if you begin feeling drained, feel free to head home and get some alone time! Keep in mind that there is nothing wrong with being an introvert.

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