7 TIPS FOR HOLIDAY HARMONY

dr kilbey suggests having these conversations before you go:

discuss money before you go away. do you have similar budgets? shared expectation is key to success.

if there’s a system, know how it works. for example, families sharing a ski chalet who take it in turns to cook. so then you know you’re night 3, and 7. clear, easy.

you don’t need to spend every minute together. family time away from the group is important.

other parents’ rules can put peer pressure on your child. talk to your child: “i know so-and-so does this, but these are my rules and on holiday i am not likely to flex them.”

as parents we can also fall

into a rut, or be overprotective. another mother told her children, “go to the shops and get milk”. i thought, “on their own?” but

they were fine. it can be an opportunity to grow.

sometimes you need to stand your ground. for instance, if you don’t believe in teens getting plastered, you might say, “i’m not really comfortable with this.” if they’re your friends, the group dynamic should be, “i’ll rein

my kids in a bit, because i understand, and it’s not fair.”

you may have to concede some of your views. preserving your friendship is usually more important than what you vehemently believe should happen on holiday. w&h