My husband and I are hosting Thanksgiving this year for both of our families. The challenge is my sister, “Erica,” and her husband, who have 5-year-old twins that are complete whirlwinds.
Erica and her husband refuse to supervise or discipline their kids when visiting others’ homes, and there have been multiple incidents of broken items, stains, and drawings on furniture. She seems to expect that every home they visit be childproofed or that all breakable items are put away in advance.
My husband doesn’t want them here if the kids can’t behave, and I agree. I don’t think it’s unreasonable to expect my nephews to act like civilized guests. However, the rest of my family will be upset if I don’t invite them.
Do you have a suggestion for how to handle this without having my husband and me take turns watching the twins while Erica and her husband relax and ignore them?
—Double Trouble