A Visit to Grandma and Grandpa

There used to be a time when visiting my parents’ house was a warm, welcoming, familiar sanctuary where I could unwind, kick back and be fed copious amounts of food. It was a retreat from life’s drama where the Old Git and I would be treated like royalty. The oldies LOVED hosting us but since having the kids this scenario has changed somewhat. Now, a visit to grandma and grandpa is nothing short of stressful, with frequent bouts of drama and hysteria. Oh, how times have changed.

Firstly let’s talk about rules. Basically, there are none. The kids act like they own the joint and ignore everything you tell them, safe in the knowledge that grandma and grandpa will undermine you and accommodate their every whim. Anything goes here… if they want to watch TV all day and night, they can. If they want a meal consisting of cheerios and chocolate buttons, no problem! If mummy says “no more!” you may as well be talking to a brick wall.

Then there’s the hysteria (sugar-induced, no doubt). No more peace, no more retreat. When all the grandkids get together (there are six in total from my siblings and I), the noise levels are brutal. There’s screaming, screeching, fighting and laughter all mixed in with a bit of wailing and sobbing (from Ludoo). And let’s not forget the mess. Crumbs everywhere. Food splattered across the floor and table. Ice lollies dripping over the carpet. Toys and puzzles scattered across the house. Shudder. My poor parents just watch on in a dual state of horror and devotion, as my siblings and I tidy up behind our offspring and/or yell at them to tidy up themselves.

And then there is the drama and misfortune that unfolds all too frequently at my parents’ house. Like when Ludoo locked himself in one of the bedrooms. For a good twenty minutes there was chaos in the Khan residence. Grandma was running around frantically looking for a master key whilst shouting instructions, a panic-stricken grandpa was running up and down the street in his slippers looking for someone to help, the other kids were downstairs fighting and screaming over the iPad (completely oblivious to what was going on) and I was irate at being placed in this predicament, whilst comforting a stressed out Ludoo through the keyhole. It was complete and utter mayhem. Needless to say, Ludoo made it out of the room but I needed a strong cup of tea to recover.

athome
Relaxing in my own home these days..
20170306_213600
What better way to unwind?

Pre-kids my parental home was a peaceful haven where I could escape and recharge. Now, it’s party central where the kids run riot. They’ve well and truly pissed all over that parade and claimed it as their own. Whilst Khan Headquarters will always occupy a special place in my heart, I have to say, I’m rather fond of my own home now and its creature comforts. I believe a person’s sense of calm, wellbeing and security is intrinsically linked to the home they create. Occasionally though, I will secretly visit my parents’ home, without the children, and experience a little bit of  bliss again.

 

Follow by Email
Facebook
Facebook
INSTAGRAM
Twitter
Visit Us

12 thoughts on “A Visit to Grandma and Grandpa”

  1. Aww how times change when you have family. The best think is to send the kids for quality time with gran parents and spend that time with your partner. Everyone will be hapoy then.

    1. Good plan! Although now and then it would be nice to visit the oldies with the kids too but without all the drama! 🙂

    1. Thank you Shobha. I’m glad you enjoyed reading the post. Hope you have a fab time with the grandkids and it’s not quite as chaotic as it is for my parents! 🙂

  2. Love your style of writing. It is so true that kids of today are just too noisy and demanding. I don’t think my parents, aunts or granny ever had to be on their toes all the time when my cousins would come down to our home during the school holidays. We would be 15-18 of us all living under the same roof for nearly a month. The adults had one rule… if you fight go and sort it out among yourselves. No doubt there was a lot of cooking going on. As an adult of 3 grown up adults, I find peace and comfort in my own home… enjoying it till it lasts cos as soon as grandchildren will start appearing I know we are going to be exactly like your mum and dad…on panic buttons.

    1. Lol Mayuri! Enjoy the peace whilst it lasts! A whirlwind awaits you! Thank you for your kind words and sharing your thoughts 🙂

Comments are closed.