Gifting
Gift giving in blended family not that complicated
Dear Straight Talk: My friend thinks she doesn't need to get her stepdaughter much for Christmas. She says "Emily" will get gifts from her own mom, and her kids won't get anything from their dad, so buying less for Emily only balances…
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Let’s keep up the straight talk
Dear Readers: Since 2004 Straight Talk has been bringing you the "straight talk". We are a small, independent nonprofit writing some of the straight-talkin'est youth news found anywhere. It's ironic that we live in a world overloaded…
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Holiday shopping list for teens ‘n twenties
Dear Readers: Here it is again, folks, the "teen-n-twenty" shopping list that's direct from the source. I probably sound like a broken record, but I continue my progressive advice to "think outside the box" (or in this case the flat…
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Generous Aunt gets no thanks
DEAR STRAIGHT TALK: Each year I give my niece and nephew an expensive gift of something they want or need. I often include money. If I'm there for the holidays, they say thank you but I have never once received a thank-you letter.…
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Teens ‘n Twenties shopping guide
DEAR READERS: It’s time again for Straight Talk’s shopping list — direct from the source. I’m always hoping Santa will “think outside the box” (literally) and scratch video games,…
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Holiday wish list for teens and 20-somethings
DEAR READERS: I’d be lost without this list. I shop from it exclusively. Yes, I’m talking about Straight Talk’s annual shopping list for teens — (FYI: official adolescence goes to age 25).…
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Stepparent plays Scrooge to spouse’s kid
DEAR STRAIGHT TALK: My husband and I have 2 sons ages 10 and 12. I also have a son, 15, from an earlier marriage who I will call Travis. All the boys live with us full time and Travis spends…
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From the source: Best holiday gifts for teens
DEAR STRAIGHT TALK: Will you run your “favorite gifts” column again this year? The grandparents and I have begun relying on it. — Joyce, Auburn, CA
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Irrational fear of teenage man closes doors, hearts
Dear Straight Talk: My husband just informed me that he invited “Chris” to our home for Christmas dinner. Chris is 19 and is a former juvenile runaway who lives and works in town. Last year he spent four weeks in jail for a drug-related…
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When it comes to holiday shopping, stepkids count
Dear Straight Talk: My husband and I have two children, ages 7 and 9, and we struggle financially. My husband also has a daughter from his first marriage… 0 Comments
