Many parents find themselves in the midst of an election firestorm, particularly when it comes to speaking to their kids about the election. It appears that no one can win an argument because the truth is, the contest has so drastically veered from policy, economic or social issues that each of us has a really hard time talking to our kids, or anyone, about them. We too fall into the trap of repeating what the media outlets banter about—the candidate’s personalities and behavior. And that has become, well, gutter talk.

While we have no influence over what the media discusses, we can control the talk in our homes.

This has been the most volatile, disturbing election in my lifetime, and I am determined to bring a bit of sanity to the discussions I have surrounding the election. I encourage you to do the same, especially if you have teens or young adults in your home.

Here are three tips to keep you calm and sane in political discussions with your kids:

Refuse to talk about Hillary or Donald’s personalities.

This is hard because each has a history of doing bad things, but avoid discussing those with your kids if you can….