Last weekend, my kids were driving me nuts. I have four teenagers and it’s a LOT! My oldest two daughters, 18-year-old twins, were fighting over makeup and clothes all day as they had a party that evening. My 16-year-old son was in the basement playing on his X-box, eating everything in sight and not responding to any requests to help out around the house, clean up his mess, take the dog out – nothing. And my 13-year-old son was complaining that he couldn’t play on the console, pestering his brother, but also not helping out.

I got so exasperated that I took the X-box and all the girls’ makeup and threw them in our neighbour’s dumpster. My kids were shocked! I don’t think they thought I had it in me. But I was so frustrated and overwhelmed by the four of them that I just snapped.

Now none of them are speaking to me. They’re all holed up in their rooms, and the house is a moody gloomy place to be. How do I help us all move past this and on to a better coexistence?

Moody Mom

Whoa! That is next level. But I get it. Living with four other personalities is a lot. And teenagers are tricky. Fortunately for you the holidays are fast approaching. Now you know just what to get your kids: makeup palettes for the girls, maybe with a mascara and lip gloss for stocking stuffers. And a new gaming console for the boys with multiple controllers so they can play together. And maybe a new game in their stockings.

Those are just ideas and obviously have to fit your budget. Now to figure out how to live together in a way that doesn’t push you over the edge and cost you a fortune. Start with the girls. They’re old enough to understand how their behaviour can negatively affect the whole house. Teach them, yet again, that sharing is caring – and the only way to live harmoniously.

As for the boys, set a time restriction on when and for how long they can play. And don’t hesitate to set requirements such as, rooms need to be cleaned before they can play.

Kids need boundaries. Once those are set, they can organize themselves accordingly.

Good luck!

At the last minute, I decided to go to college in a different state from where my family live. I was already late for the start of school so didn’t have any time to look around for housing. A friend sent me to the school’s classifieds website to look for housing.

I managed to secure a shared apartment with my own room with a nice older student. When I moved in, the place was clean and spacious. As I became accustomed to my space, I detected a sharp smell whenever my roommate was around or the door to her room was open.

I realized that she had a strong body odour, and I noticed she didn’t shower or bathe as often as most people I know. I bought nice smelling candles for the living areas and air fresheners for the kitchen and bathrooms.

It’s been two months and I don’t think I can live here anymore. Do you have any helpful advice?

Ripe roommate

You’re on the right track with your helpful additions to the apartment. Since the holidays are coming up, you could purchase some nice body spray, deodorant or perfume for your roommate without being off-putting.

I don’t think you can do much else. She’s not your friend or a relative so I don’t suggest you say anything to her. If it becomes unbearable, you’ll just have to move. She was there first.

FEEDBACK Regarding the woman feeling disconnected from her husband (Nov. 16):

Reader – “It’s about getting some moments with your mate during the hectic pace of today’s life. We’ve all been through this. I’m 74 now in a blended marriage. Years ago, with my first wife, I would make a reservation at a great hotel for a night away. Sometimes I’d squander some money and get a high-end hotel, take a great bottle of Bordeaux and enjoy, just the two of us.

“I’ve now been with my second wife for 31 years and we still do this often. It’s very important; forget about the cost.”

Lisi – I love this reader’s response because it’s simple and achievable. Yes, it costs money to get away, but it doesn’t have to break the bank. The goal and end result is to find some private time for you and your partner to reconnect.