Does this strategy work for anyone?

[Anonymous]

Hey people,
I spoke to a counselor yesterday re:a dreaded visit from a close family member who likes to bring the chaos.

The doctor suggested a I post an agenda for the weekend (games for the kids, etc.), what time the event is, who is coming over.
This should help other family members know when they have a window to take of themselves (to the gym, take a nap, or whatever) while giving me less work re: spinning plates.

Anyone try this, or a similar approach?

[Anonymous]

Yes! Do it.

[Anonymous]

That seems smart. I never write anything down, but we do have a general schedule, usually involving "morning activity, lunch, toddler nap during which adults get down time, dinner."

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:That seems smart. I never write anything down, but we do have a general schedule, usually involving "morning activity, lunch, toddler nap during which adults get down time, dinner."

I just did this. I emailed/texted it to my relatives who were visiting. They tend to run late so I emailed/texted them 10- playground, 11:30- lunch, 12:15- toddler nap, etc., so they'd know if they showed up at noon, they wouldn't be doing fun things with the toddler, we'd be doing lunch then nap.

I think of my days like this to get organized, so I just share that schedule.

[Anonymous]

I don't host family visits. Problem solved!

[Anonymous]

9:05 PP again. I also do it when we visit family because my mother (who is my relative who brings the chaos) can't/won't visit with certain other relatives so I break up the day into visiting slots/meals/nap. I think it helps.