Why I Love Having Kids Over at My Place

The little boy in the back of my minivan pleaded with his mom to let him come over to our house, saying, “They have an XBox!” We both chuckled, and although she declined this time, I couldn’t help but feel satisfied. My plan is coming together!

When kids come to my house, they can dive into games like Minecraft or Lego Star Wars in the playroom, often for hours. On sunny days, I send them outside for adventures, like trying out parkour moves off the deck or sledding down the slide. When they ask for snacks or juice, my answer is always yes. I let them giggle about potty jokes and name-calling, especially when “booger” makes the rounds.

Establishing Rules

Of course, there are some rules. My son needs to remove his glasses if they’re having a pillow fight with the cushions, and everyone is expected to treat my 2-year-old daughter gently. Nerf guns are only for targeting inanimate objects, not people or pets. And kindness? That’s a must.

Future Plans

As my daughter grows, I’ll expand our offerings. Her castle-shaped play tent will host a variety of dolls and superheroes, and the kinetic sand will never run dry. I’ll let her and her friends play with makeup or sing their hearts out on the karaoke machine, as long as they’re respectful.

Creating a Safe Space

Why do I embrace this seemingly permissive approach? It’s not about being lenient; it’s about creating a safe and welcoming space. I have thoughtful boundaries in place. For instance, video games like Minecraft are allowed, but not games like Call of Duty. Multiplayer games are great as long as I can hear the kids collaborating, but solo movie sessions are off-limits. I steer them toward healthier snacks, with a few treats like Hershey kisses or popcorn mixed in.

The Bigger Picture

So, why do I want a house full of kids? I see the bigger picture. One day, these kids will be teenagers with cars, eager to explore their independence. They’ll want the freedom to express themselves, listen to their music, and have fun. I want them to feel comfortable doing that at my place. I’m laying the groundwork now, ensuring they have a safe haven as they grow.

In the future, I’ll have the latest gaming systems, a big screen TV, and even space for band equipment. I’ll introduce them to computers—under parental controls, of course. While there will still be rules, they won’t be overly restrictive. Kindness will always be the cornerstone.

They’ll be able to play games like Madden football, while certain titles, like Grand Theft Auto, will be off-limits. They can enjoy their music, and I’ll make sure to discuss the lyrics and messages behind it. Snacks will be accessible, but they’ll be responsible for cleaning up after themselves. They’ll have the freedom to express themselves, but not at the expense of respect for others. If I hear any inappropriate language, it’ll be a teachable moment.

Open Communication

I’ll also have contraception available, so they know where to find it, without judgment. I want to promote safe choices without prying too much into their lives. Open communication is key, and if a kid needs to tell their parent something, I won’t keep secrets that shouldn’t be kept.

Conclusion

Ultimately, I want my kids—and yours—close by. My home will be a safe space where they can feel free to be themselves. Not every parent will be comfortable with the pizza and four-letter words, but those are the offerings I provide in exchange for their trust.

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In summary, my goal is to create an inviting and safe environment for kids to explore, play, and grow. By establishing a foundation of trust and kindness, I hope to foster lasting relationships with them as they transition into their teenage years.