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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]My in-laws were super helpful when they visited.  My husband warned me that they would help and if I didn't direct them, they'd decide themselves HOW to help.

So I made lists.  A list of things I wanted changed/fixed in the house (leaking kitchen sink, balcony doors don't close right, etc) and a list of errands (return stuff in Gap bag to Gap, exchange Janie & Jack stuff for one size up). DH and I also had a mental list in our heads of easy/quick things we could ask them to do when they'd say "what can I do to help?".  Actually, if you could take the garbage and recycling out. If you wouldn't mind walking the dog - she'll lead you on her normal route around the block.

I also introduced them to some nice old people their age who live near us, so they could go to the museums with new friends.  [/quote]

So.ebof your "chores" call for handyman, not what parents should be expected to do!  If someone asked me to fix a leaking sink, I would tell you to call a plumber.  Cooking a couple of meals, cleaning kitchen a few times, okay.  Laundry, no way.   Cleaning your house.  No.[/quote]

NP here. My FIL would actually prefer to do things like fix a leaking sink or realign balcony doors than cook meals. He'd DEFINITELY prefer those things to doing laundry. He was a carpenter until he retired, and doing stuff like that is a) fun for him (according to him) and b) things that make him feel useful in ways that other people can't be. Maybe it wouldn't work for your parents/in-laws, but I think my FIL would actually be more comfortable fixing a leaking sink than feeding a baby at this point in his life.[/quote]

Same here.  My dad loves it when we have handyman-type tasks for him--assembling furniture, hanging pictures, minor repairs, etc.  It's what he's good at, and he likes to have a few things to do when he visits--he actually doesn't like just showing up and sitting around.  [/quote]

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