Missy, sorry to hear this is happening to you. I'm glad she stopped by without the kids this weekend-did that give the two of you a chance to talk? Though I agree with everyone's ideas about just telling her exactly how you feel, I understand the tough spot you are in-you don't want to be rude or burn any bridges because she is family, and being 22 and having 3 kids, she probably really needs you right now.
If she stops by again without the kids, (or make a phone call after the kids are in bed-or better yet drop in on HER!) have a heart to heart with her and let her know your concerns about her stopping by unannounced & with her kids' behavior, tell her that you are working on orders during the day, and let her know the ground rules for your house. Tell her that you enjoy her company and seeing her children, but that it would be much more enjoyable for everyone if the visits were planned and her children were better behaved. Then, the next time the kids come over with her, sit them down-no toys, no tv, no food to distract them, and tell them directly what your expectations are, and what the consequences for not following the rules will be. (Maybe you have a time-out chair or spot on a rug that the kids will go when they are misbehaving, and set a timer for 1 minute for each year they are old). Make sure she backs you on this, and lets them know that "when they're in Missy's house, she IS the boss." |