Update Consent
< Back
Slide 1 of 4

1. Set expectations early — and don't deviate from the plan.

Making time to see both of your parents requires a few frank conversations and some serious planning, especially if they live far away from each other. While it's important to spend time with both of your parents, it's even more important to not go insane in the process.

For example, my mom is a long-term planner and likes to know what she's doing months ahead of time — she's the cook, after all — whereas my dad is more laid back. As soon as my mom began asking me what my plans were for the holidays, I also had to brooch the subject with my dad to ensure me and my two siblings were on the same page.

In order to keep your holidays as non-stressful as possible, settle on the logistics ahead of time and don't deviate from the plan. I'm going to my mom's on Christmas Eve and leaving her house the following day for my dad's in the afternoon at a specific time, no negotiations!