parents

Parents' Day is today, and if you've left the nest and aren't really able to catch up with Mom and Dad at home, then take advantage of technology tools and get talking. These five websites and apps are user-friendly and easy for all ages and tech backgrounds. With a few clicks (and very little explanation) you can spend some much-needed quality time with the 'rents — unfortunately, a home-cooked meal is not included.

• WhatsApp Messenger: WhatsApp Messenger offers free text messaging between app users. If your parents are text-savvy but you're divided from them between coasts or countries, then this free texting app is the perfect solution. You can even create group messaging and send photos or videos.
• Skype: One of the best tech inventions to date, Skype lets you video chat and make free Internet calls with the people you may not be able to see too often. Chances are that you (and Skype's 700 million other users) already have an account, so just sign in and sign up your parents! All you need is a front-facing camera, and you and the 'rents can enjoy a little quality time.

Keep reading for three more services that make connecting with family a breeze.

This question is from a Group Therapy post in our TrèsSugar Community. Add your advice in the comments!

I'm 22, and I still live in my parents' house. I would love to move out, but work/school/funds prevent this right now.

This may sound silly, but lately I've been getting really frustrated because my mother asks me where I'm going, who I'm going out with, etc. every time I leave. I know she just cares, but getting 3 missed calls and a text from your mother that says, "where are you?" makes me feel 13.

Also, she will stay up until I get home, just to make sure I made it in. (Uncalled for, just go to bed.) They also complain whenever I don't come home (if I stay at a friend's house or something) I'm 22, and me staying somewhere else for one night does not affect them in any way. Moving out is not an option, and I'd really like to know how to make her stop before I go crazy. Thoughts?

Have a dilemma of your own? Post it anonymously to Group Therapy for advice, and check out what else is happening in the TrèsSugar Community.

It's hard enough to make a night out of Valentine's Day when it falls on a Monday like this year, but there's a whole other layer of planning when you have kids. Since we, childless at TrèsSugar, know nothing of this parent-specific dilemma, we enlisted the help of mother, wife, and blogger extraordinaire Heather Maddan, editor of LilSugar, for advice on how to put romance first and kids second — just for one night!

Here are Heather's five tips for making sure next Monday is anything but manic.

• Rather than fretting over an original plan, pull from your past (when you could afford to be spontaneous), and relive a memorable, pre-baby date. Going to the same spot will put you in a nostalgic and carefree state of mind.
• Parents (especially mothers) tend to put everyone else first, so mix up the gift-giving. Buy for yourselves, so you and your partner can each get the item you’ve been eyeing without feeling guilty.
• Book a sitter and have her come early, so you can take time to get ready. Soak in the tub, apply false eyelashes, or try on different outfits — and drink a couple of cocktails, like you did in your single days.
• Surprise your spouse with something unexpected. Whether it’s a gesture or words, it will add a romantic, humorous, or endearing twist to the occasion.
• Watch the sunset. Or at least make a pact to not check the time!

If you have your own advice, add it below!

This question is from a Group Therapy post in our TrèsSugar Community. Add your advice in the comments!

For financial reasons, I moved back in with my parents at the age of 25. Having moved out at 18, this was a huge adjustment from the independence I was used to, but it had to be done.

When I lived on my own, I had a great life: I had a decent boyfriend, good job, and I lived a healthy lifestyle. I have since broken up with the decent boyfriend, having found out he wasn't so decent after all.  However, living at home, my parents are always sabotaging me! When I leave to go to the gym, they say mean things like "she'll never get as skinny as she wants" or "what's the point in working out anymore . . . you're fat" kind of comments.

There are always temptations like cake, ice cream, cookies, etc. in this house. When I lived alone, I recognized those as temptations and I didn't buy them so the temptation wasn't there. I have asked them to stop buying so much of it (maybe one at a time, not every dessert ever made at once) or at least stop leaving them in plain sight. However this didn't work. I know I choose what to eat, but watching them eat lasagna and ice cream and all that looks so good!

And dating?! Forget that. My parents will call, text, email, etc. until I pick up the phone. It's like they are convinced I am 12 years old again. I can't take much more of this, but unfortunately, I have to until finances are settled. How can I have a healthy relationship with my wonderful parents (who have done so much for me, and for that I am grateful) without hurting feelings here?

Have a dilemma of your own? Post it anonymously to Group Therapy for advice, and check out what else is happening in the TrèsSugar Community.

Source: Flickr User megan.barton

This question is from a Group Therapy post in our TrèsSugar Community. Add your advice in the comments!

I am in a long-distance relationship with my fiancé while I attend graduate school. We are finally in a position where he could move down here with me, but we can't get married until this summer. When my parents found out they were very upset. 

Both are very religious and are insulted by the idea of their daughter "living in sin." It would have a pretty big stigma with my entire family and hometown community. Also, when I went to graduate school, my parents bought a condo in the town that I live in and pay rent. So the idea that we would be living together in their condo . . .

Anyways, I'd appreciate some insight on how to communicate to my parents that this is something that is going to happen, and how to handle the potential fallout.

Have a dilemma of your own? Post it anonymously to Group Therapy for advice, and check out what else is happening in the TrèsSugar Community.

Earlier this week, one of our own editors shared with us the healthy habits she picked up from her mom: "Even as a toddler, I was tricked into thinking that corn flakes were potato chips, yogurt was ice cream, and wheat germ was 'special sugar.'" Now out on her own, she can't stand white bread and still loves the taste of wheat germ.

Many of you responded to the post with the healthy lessons that you picked up from your own parents —  our Twitter community even got in on the conversation! Check out the valuable lessons parents can teach to their children; it really is a testament on the valuable influence adults can have on children.

• @RoaringSilence: "Always eating a handful of raw vegetables with every meal, even if it's just a sandwich."
• @Susi May: "My Dad played sports my entire childhood . . . He taught me that being active was a fun part of life. I think he would be so proud that I have done some triathlons and love biking long distances."
• @Spectra: "If you want dessert, make it yourself — with homemade cookies and puddings and such, you know exactly what is and isn't in them."
• @michirururu: "Eating an apple a day."
• @ShareItFitness: "Breakfast equals the most important meal of the day."
• @juliie007: "My mom is an avid runner and healthy eater."

Want to add to the list? Share your the healthy lessons that you learned as a child in the comments section below.