As families prepare for the holiday season, many are feeling the strain of higher prices and a slowing economy. Tariffs and rising costs on everyday goods — from toys to electronics — are making it harder for parents to afford the kind of Christmas they want to give their children.

Saying “I’m sorry” might seem like a small thing, but it’s one of the most powerful tools we can teach our children. Apologies repair relationships, teach accountability, and help kids develop empathy.

The United States is once again facing the threat of a government shutdown, the first in six years, and the consequences could be devastating for families across the nation. With Congress locked in partisan gridlock and no agreement in sight before the Tuesday night deadline, families who rely on vital services may soon find themselves without critical support.