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[quote=Anonymous][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]

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]

+1  I also make lists of stuff that should eventually get done but isn't urgent and take it out when grandparents visit.   If I didn't do so, all grandparents would invent chores to do and it wasn't always things I wanted or needed done.    My FIL is great at handyman stuff and anything that involves fixing up our (old) house.  My MIL loves to organize and review my kids' closets and move out things they're outgrown.   My mother cooks and does laundry.  My dad gardens and does yardwork.   They're all super-helpful in their own way, but FIL wouldn't like to do laundry and my parents are lost at handyman stuff--so it's a matter of matching the chore with the interest/talent of the person.[/quote]

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