What not to say to your parents who are older!

What should you say when your mom asks if you want the Christmas decorations you made in kindergarten? What about when your dad asks for help with his cell phone? Here's what you shouldn't say!

Hello and welcome to AT THE ISLAND WITH HELM. I'm Janet HELM, your Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES®), and rightsizing guide! What not to say? "No, mom, I don't want my kindergarten Christmas decorations." What not to say to Dad: "That's easy." Or worse, "I've shown you before, Dad."

Kudos to your mom for starting to declutter! She doesn't want to throw out items; she wants to ensure they find a good home. Kudos to your dad, who wants to stay updated and current.

Always respond with, "Yes, Mom, that's thoughtful of you to have kept them all these years.'

And to your dad? "That sounds difficult to figure out over the phone. Let's look at it together when I'm there on the weekend."

Oh, and by the way, if you're storing any items at your parents' place—yearbooks, couches, weights, camping equipment—it's time to move them from their house to yours! Lean into where they are. For more tips on how to communicate with your parents about rightsizing, Ask HELM!