AdventureDad

The headline says it all, last week I survived something extraordinary.  A visit by mother in law AND my parents. To kick it up a notch or two, my MIL is staying with us for six weeks this time.  Visits by my MIL are rarely a problem but my parents as well?  But this time everything went smoothly which might be an indication of me ***GASP*** growing up?

Having family visit can be very stressful.  Especially with kids.  Cooking dinner for seven instead of four is very different and everyone is used to their own schedules.  My parents and my MIL couldn't be more different.  MIL gets up early, walks around in the woods for an hour, is very active, and can adjust to any schedule.  My parents have their own schedule and like it that way. Sleep until 11, breakfast is over at noon.  Dinner is usually around 9 pm. Which does not fit in well with kids.  But somehow we manage and everything works quite well.

Saving me from a complete mental breakdown is the  guest apartment in our building.  My parents stay there which gives us all some space and privacy.  MIL stays with us and is able to do most things we do.  She's overall a giant help for us although perhaps mostly for Foxy Wife.  

So, what's the best way of surviving a visit by family without going mental?  Some good basic plan of sleeping arrangements and possible conflicts in schedules is good to know ahead of time.  Perhaps most important is to lay out ground rules of the household.  Simple things like dinner times, kids day care schedules, planned activities, and no spoiling of kids are crucial to share.  This is where many have problems.  A MIL might come for a visit, boss people around, and change all the rules.  Don't let that happen.

Being patient and understanding is also important.  I'm used to doing things at a high pace and not wasting time.  I admit seeing my parents sleep half the day being stressful for me but I try to understand.  It's not easy and I'm not good at it but I'm slowly improving.

These simple things have helped me survive the perfect  stormmore than once.  Last but not least, how the guests behave is maybe the most important thing.  I'm lucky in this area, everyone is nice, polite, and helpful even after lots of alcohol……. 

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Categories: Family
Tags: Family, features, parents, perfect storm