I let my kids choose trips for their 13th birthdays instead of traditional gifts. They get independence and I enjoy time with them.

The author (not pictured) lets her kids pick a trip to celebrate their birthdays.

Pekic/Getty Images

• During the pandemic, when we couldn't travel, I told my sons they could pick a trip for their birthdays.
• My oldest picked Seattle, and my youngest picked Disney.
• It's a gift to me being able to spend time with them and letting them call the shots.

In a few days, I'll leave my husband and 15-year-old son at home while I board a plane bound for Orlando with my 13-year-old son.