Lessons from Weekends

Weekend, at last!! Who doesn't like weekends?
It is a break from school, a break from work, simply a break.
In our family, it meant many other things. 

It could be the much anticipated eat outs, or the church service, maybe.
But for the kids, it is the sleep overs that they dread for the week to end. 

The grandchildren of my mother are of varying ages, interests and personalities. Now, try to picture them under one roof, it is chaos indeed. But it is that chaos that each of them look forward to. 

Friday night is the start; the check-in, as I call it. I am Maria, the newly appointed host. 
No preparations are to be exerted for my guests are what you may call "strike anywhere". 

this is the definition of strike anywhere

Each family contributes goodies to last for the weekend "getaway." That for the host is a treat in itself. Once all the guests are gathered and settled, Maria thinks of activities to indulge her guests. What could possibly make them sit still and quiet for at least 5 minutes, none but the internet, or maybe a BOREDgame. Maria doesn't want to make her guests to love her abode merely for the internet. No, that is too lame. Sleepovers are not meant for that. 




Maria has to derive ideas or her guests will do an early check out; not good for business.
Not too long, drama and petty fights were heard from the guest rooms,
Now Maria has to put on a different mask and be the mother-aunt-Mommy Cutie.

I set up an assembly. What is to be done to make sleep overs extra memorable? Surely, my plan would make me the unpopular aunt. 

My newly reviewed policy is this, MAXIMIZE talking time- storytelling, exchange of thoughts on a movie or a book, anything that involves 2 integral part of communication, LISTENING and TALKING. But, the rule is, NO INTERRUPTING. Let one talk, while the others listen. 
This would definitely be their least favorite policy-LESSER GADGET TIME. They came here to bond with their cousins and not to check their news feeds or watch Youtube channels. Otherwise, they could have just stayed at their own homes and surf the internet. Consequently though, they miss on one thing they will treasure their whole life-FAMILY BONDING TIME.

playing UNO after breakfast

preparing birthday card for Mamamy
(The Grandmother)

Valuable lessons to be imparted in activities like this is simple. The importance of time. 
Time is moving forward, not the other way around. Why wait for when time is running out when you can have all the time now?

The oldest in this group is 15, 1 being the youngest. They are 9.

Not too distant from now, one or two of them will be headed to college. Meaning, less time spent with family. Soon, two or more will follow through. Sooner, time spent away from each and one another will make them distant and unfamiliar. 
That is a very scary thought; an unwanted prediction. 
I do not want to pursue with soonest.

Now, is my new policy worth giving a try?