Our children are our own biographers!

Paul and I often wonder what will they pen about us when we are gone?

Will they write of our open hearts and love for others? Or will they write about our small-minded ways and self-centeredness?

Are they learning to trust that our reaching out to others is not a waste of effort or time? That throwing ourselves into loving people and God is most important?

I love this quote:

“Life is an exciting business, and most exciting when lived for others. I am a pencil in the hand of God.” -Mother Teresa of Calcutta
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Here’s a recent question that a reader asked me about hosting children:

We just came home from a potluck tonight and we had such a great time. There were many families and about 20 kids. This is what I realized. I’m just not sure I could do it. Her house was destroyed….food everywhere…sticky hands and the mess! Oh my word. So I wanted to ask you if you have any rules for dinner parties in the house when there is that many kids involved?

My main concern of course is for my son, who has multiple food allergies. We don’t allow our own kids to have food anywhere other than in the dining room in order to keep the house as safe for my son as possible. But with that many people the adults would have to eat in the living room, and then of course the kids would be eating off their parents’ plates. This plus the fact I have beige carpet makes me break out in a cold sweat.

How do you think I should address this issue, or should I just stick to smaller parties?

My answer?

First of all, I’d never have 20 kids running thru my house, eating food. I save “lotsa kid” events for the spring, summer or fall when we can go outside. Or, if it’s raining, I’ll transform my garage into an area for the kids.

When guests arrive, I tell the kids and the parents at the same time that the food has to stay in the garage!

One year I used my ping-pong table in the garage as an Easter table. I’ve also set up tables and chairs in there for the kids. I put a small table with drinks, water, and cups. And if I see kids running through the kitchen with sticky fingers, I send them back out to the garage!

My friend does the same thing with her garage. She makes it very kid-friendly. She even has a TV and DVD player out there.

The garage idea works for about 3 year-old kids on up. Any younger than that, stick to a smaller party, or make it a party where everyone hangs out in the garage.

Parties can be stress-free, even with sticky-fingered kids!

Managing children well can help us keep an open, loving heart.
(Coughlin Family Nov. 2006 with family pets: Hobbes, Haggis McStitch, and Filly)