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PrintParent to Parent: Family holiday stress
"We spend Christmas Eve with my parents, and on Christmas day, I go over my dad's house"
With so many mixed families these days, it can be difficult to please everyone.
Parenting coaches say adults need to remember one big thing.
Maureen O'Brien, parenting coach
Parents need to remember to put the child's needs first, the holidays are for the kids.
Mom Rachel agrees.
Rachel Falino, mom
"Its not about us, it's about the children and relieving the stress from them.
The divorced mom of 8-year-old twins says her and her ex husband work together to avoid holiday hassles.
Rachel Falino, mom
"If you are not talking it puts stress on the poor kids, and then the stress is on them, --me and my ex husband get along very well because of our children, we have two kids together and they know we are going to be ok.
Experts say pre planning is key.
They recommend scheduling things in advance and always be willing to compromise.
Rachel agrees.
Rachel Falino, mom
"So if your fighting all the time your wasting it, your wasting the precious moments, and one day they're going to grow up and those moments are going to be gone.
A few good ideas to make this season a happy holiday season.
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