As Kids Grow Up Into Adult Children, Who Should Host The Family’s Holiday Dinner?

It’s a familiar situation: the kids grow up, start lives and families of their own and their parents are left wondering how to adjust long-standing holiday traditions.

Viewers Robin and Alec found themselves having a bit of disagreement on who should cook and host Christmas dinner — mom or son?

Q: I love the holidays — the cooking, the music, having friends and family over, everything! My son, who loves to cook, now wants to take over and I have a problem with that. Admittedly, I’m not a great cook, but I still want to handle all of the entertaining and food. What’s the solution?

- Robin and Alec, viewers

A: Relationship expert Dr. Drew Pinsky believes it’s best if adult children begin to establish their own holiday traditions with their families in their homes and extend an invitation to parents.

“It’s an easy fix. You could have your own Christmas and invite her over,” Dr. Drew says. “I’m sure she’d be happy to let go of some of this stuff. It’s something to work toward.”

Rachael also came up with a simple solution, and it’s all about the art of compromise.

“He will do Christmas Eve and possibly the day after brunch for whoever is still there. She will do Christmas Day.”

Problem solved!