Keeping the peace in the house over the holidays can be difficult while the kids are on school break. This is an extremely stressful time of year so keeping our cool is especially important. Trust me when I say that I’ve had my fair share of crazy moments over the years with kids and holidays combined. I decided a long time ago that I don’t want to live that craziness. It’s not fair to me and it’s not fair to my family. Who wants memories like that? With a little advanced planning and a positive mind-set, you can have a great holiday season and enjoy your time with your kids.

Here are 5 tips to help you have peaceful holidays with your kids:

1. Communicate your expectations so there are no surprises or plans made that conflict with each other. Teens have a tendency to make their own plans so this is important. Be specific including days/times planned to spend with family or friends. You may want to designate one calendar, possibly a family calendar, where everyone must note their plans and activities. Discuss plans during a family meeting.

2. Household help and chores can keep kids busy while helping you out at the same time. Assign age-appropriate tasks to help out around the house. There’s a lot going on now so enlist their help. Getting the kids involved helps them feel connected and good about contributing to the preparations taking place. Let them be part of the excitement in the air. And for some, if you need to pay a little extra allowance as an incentive, it will be well worth it.

3. Set boundaries and keep routines in regard to curfew, bed times, days to sleep late, etc. Some kids think that when they’re on break all boundaries and rules go out the window and it’s a free for all. Sometimes that can cause them to be over tired and grouchy – you too if you’ve had to wait up for your teen to get home at night. Be clear about your boundaries so everyone knows and understands what is expected.

4. Manage conflict in a positive manner. Conflict is bound to happen so be prepared. Remember not to engage in an argument with an unhappy teen. If your teen gets argumentative with you, let your teen know that you have nothing else to say once you’ve stated your position, then walk away and don’t feed the fire. Discuss the situation after all tempers have cooled.

5. Have fun! It’s the holidays. Plan some special things to do as a family and one on one with your kids. Give them some special time and make some great memories. Whether you’re baking cookies, preparing a family meal or shopping together, find ways to make it fun. If the cookies don’t come out exactly the way you’d like, that’s okay, as long as you have fun making them and eating them!

I’d love to hear from you so let me know if you have additional suggestions!

Tammy Potosky (Teen Coach Tammy) is a teen and parenting life coach and learning professional. She works with teens and young adults empowering them to make better choices and live successful lives. Her mission is to: help teens feel more comfortable with themselves and to get along better with friends and others; assist in identifying their life goals and direction; prepare young adults to have the life skills needed to achieve their goals in life; and for parents to help maintain balance and enjoy life with their teens and all life has to offer. Tammy helps her clients achieve these results through one-on-one coaching, group coaching, retreats and workshops. For more information please visit http://www.TeenCoachTammy.com.