Family conflict is part of life. It can be worse at Christmas time due to things like fatigue and busyness, financial strain and pressure to keep up with the Joneses (buy the best gifts, Christmas tree, festive lights etc.). Trying to spread yourself around when your parents are separated or divorced can be stressful. Dealing with extended family can also create more drama at Christmas. Here are some things to remember when dealing with family conflict:

1. It's not your responsibility to fix it.
2. Choose your time wisely when you bring up things with your parents. For example, the middle of your Mum and Dad's argument about finances is not usually the best time to ask for an increase in your pocket money.
3. Your tone is just as important as what you say. If you say something in a calm, non-aggressive way, you are more likely to be heard than if you use an aggressive, angry or whining tone.
4. Spend some time journalling or reflecting on what's going on before you talk to your parents - it will help you to collect your thoughts and calm down a bit.
5. Acknowledge other factors that are contributing to how you and other family members feel - you may have had an argument with a friend or have received a bad test result. Your Mum may have had a bad day at work.
6. Use I statements when discussing difficult topics, rather than "you" statements. For example, instead of staying "you're always tougher on me," say "I feel like you are tougher on me." This small change can make a big difference.
7. Be humble - it doesn't go down well if you tell your parents your parents what they should do. They have a lot more life experience than you and you might not know the full story.
8. Be patient - these kind of conversations are difficult and don't always go well.
9. Don't feel like you have to have the last word. Know when to stop. You don't have to win.
10. If things get violent, get help. If it's urgent call 000. Australia wide you can call 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732). Each state also has it's own domestic violence helpline - check this link for more information.

I love these cute macrame and cinnamon stick Christmas decorations.  You could always use small sticks if you don't have cinnamon sticks.

Christmas is a month away so I thought I would share some gift ideas that are under $10. These would be great for your friends. I did a manicure/pedicure jar, a stationary jar and the classic lolly/chocolate jars. I'm sure you could think of a lot more. I bought the jars at Big W - they were six for $6. 

Stationery jar - Total cost $9
Jar - $1 from Big W
Sticky notes - $2 from K-Mart
Highlighters - $2 from K-Mart
​Coloured pens - $2 from K-Mart

Chocolate or lolly jar
The price varies depending on your candy or chocolate of choice.
This would look great with:

• an assortment of jelly lollies (jellybeans, snakes etc.)
• Smarties or M&Ms
• candy canes
• Roses or Favourites
• any fun size bars (Mars, Kit Kats etc.)
• Maltezers

Some other suggestions for gifts in a jar:

• home made treats
• sugar free cacao balls (see recipe on 12/11/2020)
• hair accessories (scrunchies, hair clips, hair elastics)
• jewellery
• painting kit (mini paint tubes, brushes)
• DIY friendship bracelet kit - cotton thread, charms, instructions
• inspirational quotes (handwrite some of your favourite quotes or type them up on the computer)
• 100 things I love about you (handwritten or typed on the computer)
• pamper pack (mini face mask, cleanser, toner, moisturiser, cotton pads)
• sustainable jar (reusable straw, reusable product bags, wax wrap)

This video is a couple of years old but there are some good ideas. Forget the wintery ones if you're in Australia - it's like 40 degrees outside.