Not everyone is a fan of kids, and not every adult who enjoys their company feels the same way about all children. For the sake of our relationships with their parents and the friendships our kids have with these little rascals, we often tolerate a bit more than we’d like. But where do you draw the line? When does a kid become too much to handle at your home?
In my case, our house is the neighborhood hangout, and I absolutely love it. However, it’s not always sunshine and smiles. Here are ten reasons to consider rolling up the welcome mat at our place:
- Loud Tantrums: If your child is throwing a fit that rivals an Oscar-winning performance, it’s time to go home. My kids know better than to act out, and I won’t be babysitting your little drama queen while they scream like a banshee. We have enough chaos to manage!
- Aggressive Behavior: If your child is hitting, kicking, or damaging things, I’ll give them one warning—just one. After that, it’s time to call it a day. My house should be a safe space for all kids, not a battleground.
- Mistreatment of Pets: If your little one is old enough to know better, there’s no excuse for being unkind to our pets. Trying to drown the kittens or torment the puppy is a hard pass. Those behaviors are unacceptable, and I will not tolerate them.
- Stealing and Destruction: Accidents happen, but if things mysteriously break every time you visit, we have a problem. If your child takes something without asking and denies it, that’s stealing—not sharing. I refuse to subsidize your child’s “shopping” habits.
- Fire Hazards: Let’s be clear: setting things on fire is a no-go in my house. Period.
- Separation Anxiety Without Notice: It’s normal for kids to feel homesick, but if you’re constantly asking to sleep over and then calling for mom at 2 a.m., it might be best to wait a few years before trying again. And parents, if you know this is an ongoing issue, please communicate!
- Infestations: If your child has lice or bedbugs, please let me know beforehand. We’ve dealt with those pests before, and they aren’t fun. If you bring them knowingly, you’re on your own for the cleanup and any future playdates.
- Religious Extremism: Kids should feel free to discuss their beliefs, but pushing aggressive views in my home—whether religious or anti-religious—is not welcome. Respect is key, and children should learn to embrace it.
- Risky Behavior: If your child gets into trouble at school for drinking and then shows up at my house, I’ll give them a chance. But if I catch them engaging in risky behavior again, they won’t be coming back. I can’t afford to bail anyone out!
- Overstaying Their Welcome: Every visit should have an expected end time. If your child is still here hours after they were supposed to leave, that’s a problem. We all have lives to lead, and I need my space back!
In summary, while I enjoy having kids around, there are boundaries that need to be respected for the sake of everyone involved. If you’re looking for more tips on parenting and relationships, check out our other blog posts at Intracervical Insemination. Remember, healthy relationships and clear communication are vital in any situation—especially when it comes to parenting. For those navigating the complexities of fertility, resources like ACOG are invaluable, and for more insights on boosting fertility, check out Make a Mom.