“My child won’t tell me anything about their day!” It’s a common concern I hear from parents in my psychotherapy office. They’re hoping to gain a glimpse into their child’s world. But asking “How was school today?” usually leads to a one-word answer.

As a therapist and the author of “13 Things Mentally Strong Parents Don’t Do,” I encourage parents to ask questions that are thoughtful and spark meaningful conversations. When kids reflect on their experiences, they practice skills like emotional awareness, problem-solving, and empathy, and develop a growth mindset.

Here are seven questions that lead to productive conversations while also helping kids grow mentally stronger:

This question encourages kids to scan their brains for positives. For children who dislike school or tend to focus on what went wrong, answering this question helps them build optimism and gratitude — which are both protective factors for mental health.

Frame the question with your own experience, saying, “The best part of my day was going for a walk during my lunch break. What about you?” Your child might share a highlight, like, “I played kickball at recess.”

This one normalizes errors and celebrates healthy risk-taking. Talking openly about mistakes reduces shame and helps kids see them as opportunities for growth.

Ask with a tone of curiosity, not judgment: “Did anything happen today that you’d do differently next time?” This might prompt them to say, “I forgot my library book so I’m going to pack it tonight so I don’t forget.”

It works because it turns their attention to others and cultivates empathy. You will also gain insight into your child’s relationships and what they value.

Make the question more specific by asking, for example, “Did you see anyone try really hard at something today?” Your child may talk about a friend who was brave or might give themselves a pat on the back and say, “My friend forgot her snack so I shared mine.”

This question helps kids identify feelings like frustration and disappointment without dwelling on those experiences. It naturally opens the door to problem-solving and planning.

You can ask in a fun way, such as, “If you had a magic wand to change one thing about today, what would it be?” This can lead to creative ideas, like, “I wish there was more time for my art project so maybe I’ll bring it home to finish it.” 

You can empower kids to engage in prosocial behavior with questions like this. When you ask regularly, kids begin to look for opportunities to be helpful and acts of kindness become second nature.  

Ask about small acts of contribution: “How were you a helper today?” They might remember something simple, like, “I helped the teacher pass out papers.”

It emphasizes curiosity over academic performance. Showing interest in the learning process itself fuels lifelong learning.

Encourage kids to talk about what they learned aside from just their subjects. They may share a fun fact, like, “I learned that my teacher knows how to play the violin.” Show interest and ask follow-up questions to keep the conversation going.

This nudges kids to look outside their comfort zone and encourages them to be courageous. They don’t have to be good at something in order to try something new — it’s a learning experience. 

If your child hesitates to try new things, encourage an experiment by asking, “Is there a club or activity you’re curious about just trying once?” They may be more likely to explore if they know they don’t have to stick with it forever.

Amy Morin is a psychotherapist, clinical social worker and instructor at Northeastern University. She is the author of several books including “13 Things Strong Kids Do: Think Big, Feel Good, Act Brave” and ”13 Things Mentally Strong Parents Don’t Do.” Her TEDx talk “The Secret of Becoming Mentally Strong” is one of the most viewed talks of all time. Follow her on Instagram and Facebook.

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Trust is the foundation of emotional intimacy and long-term connection in romantic relationships.

When you trust your partner, you believe that they will follow through on their commitments. But it’s also shaped by your past experiences and emotional patterns. For example, if you experienced betrayal in a previous relationship, you might find it harder to believe others can be counted on, even when they can.

As a Harvard-trained psychologist specializing in relationships, I’ve seen how trust influences the way couples communicate. Couples who truly trust each other never use eight phrases that quietly cause long-term damage.

Constantly asking for reassurance may be a sign of insecurity. Even if your partner answers “yes,” it might not feel genuine, especially if you had to ask.

If you trust your partner cares about you, share with them that you’re feeling vulnerable and want connection. 

Instead, they say:

• “I’m feeling a little vulnerable. Can I get a hug?”
• “It’s important to me that we express how we feel. How are you feeling about us lately?”

It can be tempting to do a “check-up” when you feel suspicious. But snooping signals a lack of trust. In healthy relationships, privacy is respected. You both have the right to your own space and communication.

Instead, they say:

• “I’m sensing something’s off. Is there something you’re not telling me?”
• “I noticed you got some late-night texts. Everything okay?”

We’re always growing and changing. It’s a part of life. In relationships rooted in trust, change is seen as an opportunity to evolve together over time.

Instead, they say:

• “I didn’t know that about you.”
• “Even after all this time, I’m still learning about you. I love that.”

Commitment is important. But if dysfunction lasts over time, your partner may leave (or vice versa!). You want to trust that your partner will stay because they choose to, not because you’ve guilt-tripped, manipulated, or begged them to do so. 

Instead, they say:

• “I trust that we can get through this tough time.”
• “If you ever feel this relationship isn’t right, it will be hard for me. But I’ll get through it.”

Couples who trust each other are willing to talk about anything, no matter how painful or uncomfortable it might be. They trust that their partner be respectful and stay connected even if they disagree. 

Instead, they say:

• “I know I can tell you anything.”
• “Thank you for loving me, even when it’s hard.”

Couples who trust one another give each other space. This means they don’t need constant check-ins to feel secure. They know that their partner is okay and even thriving when they are physically apart.

Instead, they say:

• “Have fun tonight!”
• “Shoot me a text when you’re heading home.”

Relationships go through highs and lows. Saying “I’m done” in the heat of an argument can cause long-term damage. Couples who trust each other don’t make empty threats, and they know that one tough moment doesn’t mean the relationship is over.

Instead, they say:

• “We’ll figure this out.”
• “I’m not going anywhere. I’ve got your back.” 

Expecting your partner to read your mind isn’t fair. Communication is key to any successful relationship. If you trust your partner, you stay engaged and talk to them respectfully.

Instead, they say:

• “Here’s why I’m upset.”
• “I need a moment to cool off, but I’ll come back when I’m ready to talk.”

Dr. Cortney S. Warren, PhD, is a board-certified psychologist and author of the new book “Letting Go of Your Ex.” She specializes in romantic relationships, addictive behavior, and honesty. She received her clinical training at Harvard Medical School after earning her doctorate in clinical psychology from Texas A&M University. Follow her on Instagram @DrCortneyWarren or Twitter @DrCortneyWarren.

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With no winner since June 27, the Mega Millions jackpot prize has grown to $900 million — the largest so far in 2025. 

Ahead of Tuesday evening’s drawing at 11 p.m. E.T., the prize is now ranked as the eighth largest in the game’s history, according to the Multi-State Lottery Association, which runs the lottery.

Here’s a look at the 10 biggest Mega Millions jackpots of all time and where the winning ticket was purchased:

1. $1.602 billion — Aug. 8, 2023 (Florida)
2. $1.537 billion — Oct. 23, 2018 (South Carolina)
3. $1.348 billion — Jan. 13, 2023 (Maine)
4. $1.337 billion — July 29, 2022 (Illinois)
5. $1.269 billion — Dec. 27, 2024 (California)
6. $1.128 billion — March 26, 2024 (New Jersey)
7. $1.050 billion — Jan. 22, 2021 (Michigan)
8. $900 million (estimated) — Nov. 11, 2025
9. $810 million — Sept. 10, 2024 (Texas)
10. $656 million — March 30, 2012 (Illinois, Kansas, Maryland)

If you’re lucky enough to defy the 1 in 290,472,336 odds and match all five white balls plus the gold Mega Ball, your actual take-home pay will vary based on state tax laws and which payout option you choose.

There are two payout options: a 30-year annuity that pays the full jackpot amount or a one-time cash lump sum worth about 46% of the total. While the lump sum is much smaller, many winners choose it to receive the money upfront and invest it immediately.

Then there are federal and state taxes. The Internal Revenue Service automatically withholds 24% of your winnings, but with a jackpot this size, you’ll almost certainly be pushed into the 37% federal tax bracket when you go to file.

Most states that participate in the lottery also levy taxes on winnings, typically about 4% to 6%.

Based on a top federal tax rate of 37%, here’s what the total after-tax payout would be in each state and Washington, D.C., for both the lump sum and the 30-year annuity, according to USAMega.com.

• Lump sum: $251,299,480
• Annuity: $545,789,400

• Lump sum: $245,485,280
• Annuity: $533,189,400

• Lump sum: $261,681,980
• Annuity: $568,289,400

• Lump sum: $243,408,780
• Annuity: $528,689,400

• Lump sum: $232,652,510
• Annuity: $505,379,400

• Lump sum: $234,272,180
• Annuity: $508,889,400

• Lump sum: $261,681,980
• Annuity: $568,289,400

• Lump sum: $240,127,910
• Annuity: $521,579,400

• Lump sum: $238,030,645
• Annuity: $517,034,400

• Lump sum: $241,124,630
• Annuity: $523,739,400

• Lump sum: $249,222,980
• Annuity: $541,289,400

• Lump sum: $245,900,580
• Annuity: $534,089,400

• Lump sum: $238,009,880
• Annuity: $516,989,400

• Lump sum: $245,069,980
• Annuity: $532,289,400

• Lump sum: $249,222,980
• Annuity: $541,289,400

• Lump sum: $231,988,030
• Annuity: $503,939,400

• Lump sum: $222,228,480
• Annuity: $482,789,400

• Lump sum: $224,304,980
• Annuity: $487,289,400

• Lump sum: $244,031,730
• Annuity: $530,039,400

• Lump sum: $220,774,930
• Annuity: $479,639,400

• Lump sum: $243,408,780
• Annuity: $528,689,400

• Lump sum: $242,162,880
• Annuity: $525,989,400

• Lump sum: $237,179,280
• Annuity: $515,189,400

• Lump sum: $240,086,380
• Annuity: $521,489,400

• Lump sum: $261,681,980
• Annuity: $568,289,400

• Lump sum: $217,037,230
• Annuity: $471,539,400

• Lump sum: $237,179,280
• Annuity: $515,189,400

• Lump sum: $216,414,280
• Annuity: $470,189,400

• Lump sum: $244,031,730
• Annuity: $530,039,400

• Lump sum: $249,638,280
• Annuity: $542,189,400

• Lump sum: $248,703,855
• Annuity: $540,164,400

• Lump sum: $241,955,230
• Annuity: $525,539,400

• Lump sum: $220,567,280
• Annuity: $479,189,400

• Lump sum: $248,932,270
• Annuity: $540,659,400

• Lump sum: $236,805,510
• Annuity: $514,379,400

• Lump sum: $235,933,380
• Annuity: $512,489,400

• Lump sum: $261,681,980
• Annuity: $568,289,400

• Lump sum: $261,681,980
• Annuity: $568,289,400

• Lump sum: $261,681,980
• Annuity: $568,289,400

• Lump sum: $225,343,230
• Annuity: $489,539,400

• Lump sum: $237,802,230
• Annuity: $516,539,400

• Lump sum: $261,681,980
• Annuity: $568,289,400

• Lump sum: $217,037,230
• Annuity: $471,539,400

• Lump sum: $241,664,520
• Annuity: $524,909,400

• Lump sum: $229,911,530
• Annuity: $499,439,400

• Lump sum: $261,681,980
• Annuity: $568,289,400

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Billionaire serial entrepreneur and investor Mark Cuban has some job-hunting advice for his two children — and anyone else who finds themselves looking for entry-level roles — in the age of artificial intelligence.

The advice is simple: Prioritize working for a smaller company over fighting for a job at a large corporation.

At a big business, your AI skills are probably somewhat extraneous, says Cuban: You might know how to use AI effectively, but so does everyone in the company’s large, established IT department.

“Small- to medium-size companies don’t have that depth,” Cuban tells CNBC Make It. “They are typically entrepreneurially driven and don’t have the flexibility to have people research things. Bringing a new graduate on to work on agentic AI projects is inexpensive for them and can get them immediate results.”

Cuban referenced his own company Cost Plus Drugs as an example, in a podcast episode of “The Dumbest Guy In the Room” that published on Sept. 30. “People that understand AI and agentics, [who] can go and look at our processes and automate them using AI … [can] help us become more productive, competitive and profitable,” he said.

Podcast host John Dick’s company CivicScience was similarly situated, Cuban noted.

″[Small companies] have to compete differently, and they don’t have the resources to just have a huge IT department,” said Cuban. “Just like we saw with the early days of the internet, you hired young kids who were more comfortable with it, who learned it already and could come in and implement new things.”

DON’T MISS: The ultimate guide to using AI to communicate better

Ninety-five percent of companies haven’t yet seen measurable revenue return from their AI investments, according to a July report from Massachusetts Institute of Technology researchers. The few companies in the minority are largely early-stage tech startups run by young entrepreneurs, who build their companies’ processes around AI models specifically tailored to their businesses, the MIT report said.

“I tell [my children], like I tell every young kid, there’s going to be two types of companies in this in this country: There’s going to be those who are great at AI and those who used to be in business … And if you’re looking for a job, it’s going to be easier to work for a small company than a large company,” Cuban said on the podcast.

Cuban, 67, has three children, including two daughters currently attending college at Vanderbilt University and UCLA. He’s advised them to “learn all you can about AI, but learn more on how to implement them in companies,” he told the “TBPN” podcast in an Aug. 20 episode. “Companies don’t understand how to implement all that right now to get a competitive advantage,” he added.

Some other experts also say young people seeking entry-level jobs in the age of AI should emphasize their soft skills — like communication, emotional intelligence and critical thinking — to potential employers. Being curious, adaptable and embracing new opportunities to learn “is a skill in and of itself,” Kiersten Barnet, executive director of the nonprofit New York Jobs CEO Council, said at the CNBC Workforce Executive Council Summit on Oct. 7.

Ben Goodwin, the CEO and co-founder of beverage company Olipop, attributes most of his success with his $1.85 billion-dollar company to his human skills, not his technical capabilities, he told CNBC Make It in September.

“Things that have been really important for me have been believing in myself, emotional regulation, things like storytelling, [and] getting as good as possible at leading people as quickly as possible,” he said.

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Jacob Cooper’s Saturdays don’t look like a typical 29-year-old’s.

On a recent one, Cooper was up by 4:15 a.m., out of his Brooklyn apartment by 4:30, and ready to cook at a nearby commercial kitchen by 5. He and his staff prepared hundreds of hand-rolled, bite-sized bagels they’d sell that day across two events in New York City.

Cooper spent his morning selling freshly baked pizza bagels to pop-up shoppers in Fort Greene, Brooklyn, worked at the Queens Night Market until midnight, and finally ended his day at home at 2 a.m.

Despite the 22-hour day, Cooper says he doesn’t regret leaving his former six-figure tech job to start his food business, Pizzabagel.nyc.

Cooper launched the business in January 2025 and as of October has brought in close to $92,000 for the year.

He logs up to 90 hours per week on the job but says it’s a 180 from the burnout he felt before.

“Even though I’m working as hard as I ever have, every customer that comes up to the stand and tells me how great they are, every time they come back wanting more, it helps keep me going,” Cooper says. “I have a lot of fun doing this.”

Cooper didn’t plan to become a pizza bagels pro. His first career was in tech.

He studied computer science at Cornell and in 2017 co-founded an AI company with classmates, becoming the startup’s chief technology officer. Over the next seven years, the team raised money, hired staff and weathered the Covid-19 pandemic.

But by 2023, Cooper was burning out. He and the CEO fought a lot, “and we both kind of said, ‘this is not really working,’” he says. In 2024, Cooper left the company and his $120,000 annual salary without a plan.

After a few months of feeling lost, inspiration struck: Cooper loved Bagel Bites when he was a kid, but as an adult revisited them and felt they could use an upgrade.

Cooper experimented with pizza bagel recipes with the help of Reddit forums, cookbooks and “a million” online videos. He started cooking in his apartment and even bought extra refrigerators so he and his roommate had enough space. Cooper estimates he made some 40,000 bagels before his recipe became consistent.

Cooper had sold a portion of his equity back to the AI company for $250,000, pocketing about half of that after taxes to pay his rent, insurance and other basic expenses. He also funneled that money into Pizzabagel.nyc. “That is what allowed me to take a few months off, start this business, buy the equipment, buy the minivan, test things out, [and] lose money on it,” Cooper says.

Right now, Pizzabagel.nyc makes money in three ways: pop-ups, catering and farmers markets.

It offers six pizza bagel options, including cheese, pepperoni, spicy vodka, buffalo dip, ricotta and French onion. Bagel costs vary, but at the Queens Night Market are sold two for $5.

In February, its first month in business, the company made around $3,000 in sales. Cooper bought a car in May and scaled his events way up. The business started to break even over the summer and jumped to roughly $10,000 in sales for July. By September, the business hit a milestone of bringing in $20,000.

It was enough to cover the business’s expenses for the month. Cooper’s operating costs fluctuate, but for September totaled $15,000 including payroll for one full-time employee and a small crew of part-timers, his kitchen rental, food costs, event fees and other costs.

Cooper reinvested the $5,000 profit back into the company.

Cooper currently doesn’t take a salary and plans to pour any profits back into the company. He estimates he has three years’ worth of basic living expenses saved to keep this up. He’s also invested $50,000 of his own money into the business.

“At the end of the day, I know that if this business doesn’t work out, I can go get another tech job or I can do something else,” Cooper says. “I’m probably not going to end up on my parents’ couch. Probably.”

Prior to opening his food business, Cooper says he’d never set foot in a commercial kitchen, cooked professionally or worked a restaurant service job. He worried about his lack of experience in the field.

Cooper took the mistakes he learned as a tech leader to set himself up better in the food world.

“My biggest regret is that I was just young and inexperienced and didn’t know what I was doing,” Cooper says about his CTO days. “I was too stubborn to look for help a lot of the time. Now I know to look for help. I know that I’m a newcomer to the food industry.”

Another big challenge is out of his control: the weather.

For example, on a recent rainy Saturday, the business sold $1,000 worth of food at the Queens Night Market compared to the $2,000 it moves on a good day.

“You’re basically just praying it’s nice weather so people come out and buy stuff,” Cooper says.

Cooper says he originally gave himself six months to see if Pizzabagel.nyc had momentum; by the summer, he decided to keep at it and additionally launched Littlebagel.nyc, a sister pop-up operation that specializes in mini-bagels with fun offerings like chili crisp spreads; tomato and ricotta sandwiches; and the classic bacon, egg and cheese.

Events will slow in the winter, but Cooper knows his next move: In year two of the business, he wants to get his pizza bagels into the freezer aisle of grocery stores, specifically by his 30th birthday in January. He believes cracking the consumer packaged goods space will mean long-term success for the business.

Making and selling pizza bagels might not be his forever career, Cooper says, but he’s excited to see where it goes.

“I’m not going to force this business to work for me,” he says. “I look at it really practically, and if I’m having fun and I think there’s a lot of growth, and people are really enjoying the product, I’m going to keep doing it.”

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