Dear Ilana and Jess: My 7-year-old daughter has difficulty when we have lots of guests, as we do during Christmas and New Year’s. She tends to get overstimulated and upset. How can I help her cope? — ... more

Dear Ilana and Jess: My kids have a problem: they’re repeat quitters. Anytime they sign up for an extracurricular, they want to stop within a week. How do I get them to stick with it? - Kyle... more

Dear Ilana and Jess: This is my final semester of college ever (kudos to me) but I’m really struggling with the final push. My classmates are also having a hard time bouncing back after Thanksgiving. ... more

Dear Ilana and Jess: Well, it’s time for Christmas shopping. My kids, both eleven, want to help shop for family members this year. The process is disorganized as it is. How can my husband and I make i... more

Dear Ilana and Jess: I have two young adult children: One is 22 and the other is 24. Both are considering having Thanksgiving with their significant others’ families. This would be the first year apar... more

Dear Ilana and Jess: Our family is going away for the first time this Thanksgiving. Normally, we have it at the house, but we thought we would try something different this year. The kids have had mixe... more

Dear Ilana and Jess: I have two daughters, Sienna and Riley, ages 8 and 12. My younger daughter always wants to play with my older daughter’s friends, but does not handle it appropriately. For example... more

Dear Ilana and Jess: My teens are getting too old to trick-or-treat, but they want to enjoy the holiday. What can they do to make it through this awkward stage? — Frank... more

Dear Ilana and Jess: My kids want to trick-or-treat alone with their friends, and I think they’re ready. I’m still a little worried about them, and I do want to create some guidelines. How can I keep ... more

Dear Ilana and Jess: I’m applying to college this fall and, in the process, I’m writing a lot of professional emails. How do I make them sound, well, professional? – Sophia... more

Dear Ilana and Jess: My wife and I are getting into a lot of spats lately. When she asks me to do something, I feel like I’m being nagged. To be fair, I’m probably not doing enough. We really get on e... more

Dear Ilana and Jess: My kids want elaborate Halloween costumes this year. The ones they’ve picked are adorable, but so expensive. We really can’t afford to buy three costumes at those prices. How can ... more

Dear Ilana and Jess: Whenever I disagree with my daughter, she launches a full-blown shouting match. How can I prevent things from blowing up so quickly? – Charles... more

Dear Ilana and Jess: My 13-year-old daughter gets overwhelmed easily and I want to help her. What can I say that will be useful in the moment? – Josephine... more

Dear Ilana and Jess: My kids want to look cool as they head back into school, but there are limits to what we can afford. How can I help them look their best without breaking the bank?... more

Dear Ilana and Jess: My kids dread the start of the year every September, even though ultimately both of them enjoy school. How can I help lower their anxiety? – Teri... more

Dear Ilana and Jess: I’m starting my sophomore year of college. If I’m being honest, I am super excited to have my space and dorm back, but, I didn’t exactly organize it well last semester. How can I ... more

Dear Ilana and Jess: I’m moving back in with my college roommate next week, and I’m dreading it. We argued a lot last semester. How can I curb this? – Lenny... more

Dear Ilana and Jess: I’m about to start my first year of college. How do I know what to bring? – Kiana... more

Dear Ilana and Jess: I’m worried about my teenagers staying out too late. I want to set a curfew, but don’t know how to make it stick. Any suggestions? - Blake... more

Dear Ilana and Jess: My kids have been glued to their phones and X-Box all summer. How do I get them off their screens and out into the fresh air? - Andrew... more

Dear Ilana and Jess: I have what’s maybe a classic problem: My 14-year-old daughter, Nicky, has an attitude. I know it’s normal teenage stuff, but it’s really getting to the family. How do I change th... more

Dear Ilana and Jess: This might seem like a silly question, but how do I make conversation with my daughter? She’s 16 and it’s getting harder and harder to connect with her. What can I say to pique he... more

Dear Ilana and Jess: I’m Mom in a family of five. Getting us packed for vacation is a nightmare. My kids span the ages of six and fifteen and all of them need different things. We’re constantly scramb... more

Dear Ilana and Jess: I messed up in a semi-major way. I’ve been so bogged down with work that I forgot to wish my father a Happy Father’s Day. He’s a sensitive man and he’s got to be pretty hurt. How ... more

Dear Ilana and Jess: My teenage daughter just started her summer internship. So far, she’s feeling a little bit bored. She’s debating whether she should stick it out or change course and wants my two ... more

Dear Ilana and Jess: During the school year, my family is a well-oiled machine. Come summer, all of our routines seem to unravel. My seventeen-year-old son, Abe, sleeps all day. I literally can’t get ... more

Dear Ilana and Jess: I want to take advantage of the summer months and get in some good, quality time with my kids. My son is 14 and my daughter is 16. Any suggestions? -Adrienne... more