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Sex is a sensitive topic most parents dread to discuss with their children. Dispel your fears and communicate with your kids in five easy ways.

Explain things early on.
No, we’re not asking you to describe the details of the act. Instead, address the questions your kids might have about their reproductive organs and their sexuality as early as possible. Questions could range from “How come I have a penis and my sister doesn’t?” to “Mom, what are breasts for?” to “Where do babies come from?”

For your child, Christmas means receiving an endless stream of gifts and money. Here’s your chance to see how he’ll take care of the cash and his new possessions, and gives you the opportunity to help him learn how to handle his money and belongings. Teach him how to save up and spend wisely without zapping his holiday high!

Encourage, don’t force.
When kids feel like they’re being bullied into doing something, you’ll encounter a lot of resistance from their end. Instead of forcing your child to set aside the entire amount he received over the holidays, why don’t you urge him to save at least half of it to spend for the next special occasion (like his birthday) or even donate a portion of it to your church? Sharing what they have with the less fortunate teaches your kids not to be selfish or too attached to material things.

Family is always the best thing about the holidays—except when it’s the worst. Let’s face it: you love the people in your family, and that’s why they make you crazy. The holidays just mean you’re spending more time around each other than usual, which can be a recipe for either fun or fury.

We’ve identified five scenarios most people complain of and compiled some suggestions for tackling them:


Scenario 1: “My parents still treat me like a child.”

The truth is that part of the reason why they still treat you like a child is because come what may, you’ll always be their child. Still, it is extremely annoying when they treat you like you’re three and not thirty.

To make them see that while you’ll always be their little girl, you’re also a mature, responsible adult, make sure you act that way. Take them out to lunch or dinner—on you, of course, because from here on out, there should be no more mooching off your parents. Offer to cook for them (or at least volunteer to help in the kitchen, perhaps while preparing Media Noche this time). Plan some of the activities and help run herd on your younger relations: it lets them appreciate how thoughtful you are, and you get to show off your massive organization and people skills. And helping out with the next generation will show your folks how much more mature (than them!) you already are.

Remember: if you continue to act like a grown-up, eventually they’ll start treating you like one. For more suggestions, check out the relevant articles on AssociatedContent.com and eHow.com.