There’s almost nothing more trying for a parent than December college applications.

If your 12th grader has put off completing college applications until the busy Christmas season is breathing down his neck—you know what I mean.

If December college applications are currently adding to the stress at your house, here’s what to do.

1. If your daughter keeps putting off finishing December college applications, pay her to finish them if necessary.

(This article I’ve written on “Should You Pay Your Teen to Do Things” will help.)

2. If your son threatens to just sit out of college for a year after high school, living off of you and doing nothing instead of going on to college or job training, read this. (It’s an article I wrote titled, 5 Good Reasons to Take a Gap Year and 2 Bad Ones.)