Prep your children, spouse, and yourself before you arrive

• Plan an entry and exit time. If you can only stand your family for 3 hours, then make it a 3 hour visit.
• Drive or rent your own car. This way you will have your own get-away-car.
• Don’t take anything personally. Crazy talk is rally not about you. Read my book "Let Crazy Be Crazy"

3 things you should admit to yourself about your family.

1. They are who they are.
2. Only they have the power to change.
3. Lectures won’t make a difference.

Oddball Relatives

• Nosy or critical statements? Change the subject
• Rated R talk? Remind them there are kids in the room.
• Touchy feely person? Separate yourself from them.

Focus on the kids

• Have teens take photos or video interviews of family members then watch the video as a family unit.
• Help smaller children present a short skit. Use dress up clothes and props.

Ideas for the Kids Table

• Table Art. Make it messy and fun for the little ones
• Have them decorate their desert.