How do you live in your hometown and balance everyone??

Tracey - posted on 11/04/2011

That's what Sunday dinners can be good for! That, and perhaps having the grands take your kids off your hands once in awhile--especially at "the witching hour", which in my house happens right as I'm trying to fix the evening meal. That's when I'm tired and hungry, the kids are tired and hungry, and if a grandparent or aunt really wanted to take the kids for a walk or to the park, it would be perfect timing!

I don't run into this a whole lot now, though. We moved. :-) And while it's usually more peaceful, there are times I would love someone to drop in and take the kids out of the house!

Kelina - posted on 11/04/2011

lol, Sherri that's exactly what I am doing this year. Last year I had a 3 week old baby and we did christmas at our house in the morning, then on to aunties, then to grandmas for presents at 3 in the afternoon and dinner. Boxing day we did dinner at the other set of grandparents and after that I looked at my husband and said NEVER AGAIN! Telling people no shouldn't make you feel bad but it often does, and it's frustrating because you're the one who changed becoming a mom but they still expect you to do everything you did before. Have you thought about doing a family get together every week at one of your family members houses? like a sunday dinner or something. I would talk over with your husband what you want to do for christmas and thanksgiving and then inform your fmaily what your plans are. If they don't like it, that's nice they aren't the ones who will have to deal with a screaming stressed out toddler. You're making the decision that is right for you and your family. I made thanksgiving dinner this year, and we're doing christmas at our house and informing my in laws that if they would like to come for breakfast that would be wonderful. Not sure about dinner yet because my dad was supposed to do dinner but canceled.

Sherri - posted on 11/03/2011

For the holidays we go to Thanksgiving at my mom's, Christmas we get together a day before Christmas and have all the family together for a night exchange gifts etc. Actual Christmas Day I informed my entire family I will be celebrating it at home with my children. They should not have to go anywhere on Christmas they get to stay in their P.J.'s all day and play with their new toys. If anyone wants to stop by they know where we are at home.

Stifler's - posted on 11/03/2011

Tell them to drop by more often if they feel they aren't seeing you enough. You have kids you can't be traipsing around pleasing everyone.

Hollie - posted on 11/03/2011

I, too, grew up in a VERY small town and I couldn't wait to get out of there! All of my family moved away, too, but I'm the only one out of 3 that didn't follow my parents. It's 3.5 hours to my parents and almost 5 hours in the opposite direction to his. We came up with a schedule that worked for us and just told them that's what was going on. We are going to my parents for Thanksgiving this year so we'll head out to see his over Christmas. Then the next year we will switch. My sisters worked it out so that we are all home at the same time which helps, too. My advice is that you just tell them what you need to do and do it.

Jennifer - posted on 11/03/2011

You just have to stop worrying about others and what they want. It's your life and your family. I hear constantly from my mom that she doesn't see us enough. I just let it go in one ear and out the other. I know it's important for them to have time together, but more importantly it's important for you to have your own family time.

Michele - posted on 11/02/2011

Hi jade, My husband and I live close to our home town and some of our family even moved to our new town to be close by. I understand completely........my family especially are the type that like to spend alot of time together. My twin boys are the first babies in a long time, so people are always ringing the phone and stopping by. Try having people over in groups for lunch or tea. Host one of the holidays and then go to one relatives house for the next and another relatives house for the next and so on. You also need to put your foot down and let everyone know that you need time for you and your family. Sometimes I just vent that to my mom and she has a knack for letting the rest of the family know that I'm so busy and tired and need time to get things done in my house or rest. Hey you can also use the sick card every once in a while LOL!

Katherine - posted on 11/02/2011

Have Thanksgiving at one place, Christmas at another, New Years at another. Put your foot down. There is only one of you and if they don't understand that, it's on them.
People get pissed and it's not your fault. They have to understand you have other family and friends.