The Surprising Reason US Kids Don’t Write in Preschool (And Why It Works!)

Kelly Clarkson claims she’d never heard of Meghan Markle’s Netflix series, but her critics aren’t buying it. With Love, Meghan is the Duchess of Sussex’s lifestyle series, highlighting her love of cooking, hosting, and gardening.

A few years ago, my dad, 68, started sleeping 12+ hours daily. We joked about him “catching up on rest,” but his forgetfulness worsened. His doctor mentioned studies linking excessive sleep in older adults to higher dementia risks. While not a direct cause, it’s a potential red flag for brain changes.

I’m 21, a new mom, and in college full-time. My boyfriend works part-time but hours are super inconsistent. We’re currently living with my sister, but it’s not a safe or stable place for me or the baby—she’s constantly threatening to kick us out or drops rent responsibilities on us last minute.

I treated myself to a gel manicure at that new salon downtown (you know the one with the pink storefront) and I'm beyond frustrated with the results. The technician rushed through the entire service, filed my nails way too thin, and used excessive force removing my cuticles which left them bleeding!

Confession: I used to roll my eyes at “miracle” body hacks—until I tried these weird tricks during real-life struggles. 1️⃣ Stopped a throat itch in seconds by scratching my ear (it triggers a nerve reflex—no more coughing fits!).

At 342 pounds, everyday tasks have become overwhelming challenges. Yesterday, I couldn't fit in a restaurant booth during my friend's birthday dinner and had to awkwardly request a table instead.

Today, a cashier made me feel small for using my EBT card while carrying a Coach wallet. What they don't understand is that I bought this wallet on deep clearance for $30 five years ago. I've carefully maintained it, cleaning and conditioning the leather to make it last.

After five years, we're moving across town for my husband's new job. I'm most heartbroken about leaving Mrs. Wilson, our 70-year-old neighbor who's become family. I’ve picked up her groceries weekly, taken out her trash (she’d bake cookies as thanks), and brought her soup during icy days. Last Christmas, she knitted scarves for my kids.

Listen up, fellow Americans! I've learned the hard way that hospital billing is a minefield. My personal experiences have taught me one crucial lesson: NEVER pay a hospital bill without thorough scrutiny. I once received a mysterious bill during college that turned out to be for someone with my same name who had no insurance. Last year, they overcharged me $100 and even sent it to a collection agency after I spent hours on the phone challenging it.

I had no idea that SNAP could offer so many hidden perks! Here’s what I’ve discovered:. ✨ Farmers Market Match – Some states actually double what you spend at farmers markets. I spend $5 in SNAP and get $10 worth of fresh produce.

Yesterday, I discovered my 76-year-old father with early-stage dementia had sent $2,000 to scammers claiming to be from Social Security. They convinced him his number was "compromised" and needed "verification fees." When I called the number back, they hung up immediately.

I’m planning to retire early next year, and thanks to a mix of deferred comp and a small payout, my income for that year should be similar to this year’s. But now I’m considering a “retirement gap year” — taking a break in 2025 and maybe going back to work in 2026.

When my grandson was diagnosed with autism, I spent months untangling Medicare coverage. Here’s the reality:. Part B covers diagnostic assessments (if ordered by a doctor), but we paid $1,200 out-of-pocket for gaps in ABA therapy coverage.

I’m devastated—my 1-year-old Rhode Island Red hen died unexpectedly yesterday. As a new chicken owner (started 2 months ago to save on eggs), I noticed she’d been isolating herself. No injuries, but she seemed weak. After isolating her, she began head-bobbing uncontrollably, eyes watering. Panicked, I tried Googling symptoms. Within minutes, she arched her neck, twitched violently, and stopped breathing. Did I miss warning signs? Could this be infectious (like Marek’s disease) or environmental (moldy feed? toxins?)? My other 4 hens seem fine, but I’m terrified they’re at risk. Any experienced keepers know what could’ve happened? Tips to protect the flock?

So, my sister-in-law and her husband are in prison for child abuse, and their kids—my niece (1) and nephew (2)—need a home. The state doesn’t want them staying with the grandparents due to a history of domestic violence. My wife wants to adopt them, but I just don’t think it’s the right choice for us. We already have two daughters who are very attached to my wife, and I’m worried adding two more kids will overwhelm us. My wife is now saying she might do it alone, and I’m left feeling guilty. Am I being unreasonable? What should I do here?

After years in the corporate world, I'm ready for a change! I've always told my boyfriend I want to work for Costco when I retire from my current role, and he thinks I'm crazy to leave my high-paying job.

I need advice, like seriously. My elderly landlord just moved into our place without telling me or my roommates. He said he rented out his own place, so now he’s crashing in our spare room. That was two weeks ago and he’s still here! 😱

My partner and I just closed on our first home! While thrilled, we’re overwhelmed by the “what now?” Here’s what saved us (and regrets shared by others):. Change locks ASAP—don’t risk old keys floating around.

For a decade, I proudly called myself an "intermittent faster" while rushing to work on nothing but coffee. I thought I was being productive. Reality? My body was quietly deteriorating.

I grabbed avocado toast and coffee at a casual café yesterday. The total was $15, but the tablet screen prompted a tip starting at 25% ($3.75) on top of an auto-added 15% “service fee” ($2.25). No signage warned about automatic fees, and the cashier just stared at me when I asked to remove it. The kicker? I picked up my order at the counter and bused my own table!

Your new life is going to cost you your old one . It's going to cost you your comfort zone and your sense of direction. It's going to cost you relationships and friends. It's going to cost you being liked,and understood. But it doesn't matter. Because the people who are meant for you are going to meet you on the other side . And you're going to build a new comfort zone around the things that actually move you forward . And instead of liked , you're going to be loved . Instead of understood , you're going to be seen . All you're going to lose is what was built for a person you no longer are.

I’ve battled depression my whole life—therapy, meds, lifestyle changes, you name it. By 40, I was exhausted. A toxic relationship had stripped my autonomy, but leaving it sparked a shift: I refused to let depression dictate my life anymore. It wasn’t a cure—I still have rough days—but I chose to reclaim my mind. My cats grounded me; small acts of defiance (like forcing a mental reset during low bouts) became lifelines. This isn’t a solution for everyone, but prioritizing my agency over despair changed everything. To anyone struggling: healing isn’t linear, but you’re allowed to fight for yourself. #mentalhealth #depression.

My dog of six years caught a cold, and my mom gave him Tylenol. By the next morning, he was gone. A simple online search would’ve told her that dogs can’t have Tylenol, but she never bothered to check. She’s given him grapes and chicken bones before, too. I was away at school, and my family didn’t even tell me until a week later—after they had already buried him. I never got to say goodbye.

As a kid, I’d watch Grandma scowl at family gatherings and wonder, “Why are old people so grumpy?” Now, caring for a 95-year-old man in hospice, I finally get it. His frustration isn’t about age itself – it’s about losing autonomy, friends, and purpose. When you’re stuck in a hospital bed or isolated, loneliness rots your spirit.

Tried Nemat Amber Perfume Oil on a whim, and I’m obsessed. First, it hits with a soft amber, then melts into a gentle musk, and finally settles into a warm, woodsy base. It’s subtle, comforting, and never overpowering.

I'm 47, and these monthly periods are driving me CRAZY. Every single month, like clockwork, my body refuses to get the memo that it's time to move on. My doctor casually mentions I might have another decade of this - seriously? 😫

If you’re into gardening, you know that the best deals are hard to come by—especially for quality garden soil. Well, guess what? Home Depot's Spring Black Friday (April 3–16) is here, and they’ve dropped the price of Miracle-Gro Garden Soil to just $2 per bag! 😍 Normally it’s around $5, so this is an absolute steal!

Lately, I’ve been wondering—does love change with age? I don’t fall as hard as I used to. That all-consuming obsession, the impulsive choices—it’s like that version of me doesn’t exist anymore. Now, I’m more practical. I see love differently, maybe more realistically. I don’t know if I believe in soulmates anymore.

I'm watching in shock as Johns Hopkins announces over 2,000 layoffs due to federal funding cuts. As a Baltimore resident, I'm deeply concerned about the ripple effects throughout our local economy.

I share an apartment with a coworker who has chronic fatigue. Her family mentioned her health struggles upfront, asking me to “be understanding” about messiness. Initially sympathetic, I didn’t anticipate daily issues: unwashed dishes, food left rotting in shared spaces, and stained carpets from spilled meals. I’ve tried chore charts and reminder apps, but she ignores them unless I nag.