Dear Family Coach: Every Christmas my siblings and I travel back to our parent's house with our families to stay for a week's vacation. I parent very differently than some of my siblings, and this makes the trip very stressful. My sister lets her kids do and eat whatever they want, whenever they want. My brother's kids are on their electronics 24/7. One of my nephews is constantly hitting and saying potty words. How can I keep my sanity intact and minimize the impact of these cousins on my children? — Meany Aunty

Dear Meany: Returning to one's family of origin (with all the siblings, too!) can be quite wonderful, and yet, trying. Not only are you dealing with how your siblings parent, but you are also dealing with the childhood dynamics you grew up with. It is amazing how quickly brothers and sisters slip back into the roles of their youth. Your sister is still bossy. Your brother is still an overachiever and your little sister is a tattletale even at 40. Add multitudes of little people of various ages and that house becomes combustible.

In order to survive and minimize the effects to your children try to put the week into perspective. Nothing terrible will happen to your kids if they are exposed to potty mouth, Kit-Kat eating, disrespectful little rug rats for a week. A lifetime of quality parenting (in your eyes) will not be undone by this exposure.

Instead of focusing on the inadequacies of your siblings, try letting it all go. As painful as it may be to sit by and watch your children hover over their cousins' iPhones and gorge on Froot Loops, it is only for a week. On the drive home you can discuss how you all enjoyed some of the freedoms at Grandma's house, but at home it is back to the usual standards. If you firm up the rules at home for a few days the visit will soon become a distant memory.

Dear Family Coach: What do you feed a stubborn 13-year-old pescatarian who doesn't like vegetables? — Meat Eating Mom

Dear Mom: Your daughter may not be stubborn, well at least not about trying vegetables. She is young and her palate is immature. Additionally, she may not have been exposed to a wide variety of vegetables to discern that she doesn't like vegetables. Before you begin worrying about how many vegetables your daughter is eating, head to the library to learn about the components of a healthy diet for pescatarians and how one can substitute a variety of beans, grains, and other food to supplement a diet. Once informed, make a list of all fruits and vegetables that your daughter does like. Is there a range of color? Even if she only eats carrots and snap peas but she eats a wide variety of fruits, she might be getting enough nutrients in her diet.

To help her expand her repertoire, head to the farmer's market. Let her touch, taste, and buy a wide variety of produce. Let her know you don't care if she prepares something at home but doesn't like it. Just ask her to try it and then move on it she isn't a fan. Also, find vegetables that are similar but different to the ones she already eats. If she likes edamame she might like fresh peas, which are totally different from the frozen or canned varieties. If necessary, meet with a nutritionist who can help your daughter construct a diet that works for her. But give it time, as developing an expanded palate doesn't happen overnight.

Dr. Catherine Pearlman, the founder of The Family Coach, LLC, advises parents on all matters of child rearing. To write to Dr. Pearlman, send her an email at questions@thefamilycoach.com. To find out more about Dr. Catherine Pearlman and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

Photo credit: jacinta lluch valero