asher

I have my mother and stepfather coming for a few months visit and I want to keep my husband sane and relatively happy.

anyone got any advice or ideas on how to achieve this during their stay?

Hebe

Personally I love having visitors but I am also honest from the beginning. I put it out there that it is perfectly natural to feel frustrated or moody at times. This is nothing to do with them per se just that when people are staying for a long time they see you warts and all.

Tell them it's ok if they want to disappear into their own world for a time - it's perfectly natural

I also advise those that are staying for a while that I do expect them to clean their own room amd bathroom - I show them were the linen is and washing machine.

I dont expect them to pay for food shopping but only towards the alcohol they drink amd to pay their own way when we go out to eat.

carolinephillips

Be very "nice" to your OH, and see that you get some private time together without the parents.

brissybee

Agree... make sure you have time alone. In particular he may want to just enjoy his own home without them around sometimes.

If you can, maybe you can book a couple of weekends away for your mother and step-father... and/or some days/nights out.

paulry

A pep talk on the first day is always sensible

mika24me

I try and make the room for the visitor(s) as comfortable as possible, with things like a chair (or sofa) as well as a bed and access to a computer, TV, DVD's, books so that they can retreat to their own space when they need to. Also little touches like fresh flowers, toiletries, so they feel very welcome and it makes their room a bit nicer. I also make sure they know that we will not take offense if they need some space.

DeadVim

Scotch and earplugs?

asher

thanks I think they are all great ideas we have had guests for a few weeks but no long term guests before.
Much as I love my parents I know they can be a bit maddening after a long period so probably whisky and ear plugs will be a good idea after a few weeks

eddie007

If whisky and earplugs don't do it for you.... A shovel if good for both batting over the head AND burying the body...

Unfortuantely HE has hidden ours

Bernieboy

Play russian roulette,it's a win win situation.

RedDragon2008

Being its for her husband

Short skirts, high heels, Do Not Disturb sign

Pot of manukau honey and a toothbrush

DeadVim

All these things could work in isolation or be VERY effective in combo.

Tr1boy

Hookers and blow

BadgeIsBack

Nice one. My tip is: they are only human. Don't demonize them.
They gave birth to you: you may end up like them..!

paulry

Yeah that and what goes around comes around...