For Better or For Worse by Lynn Johnston for June 09, 2012

My aunt and uncle raised six children including myself and my sister. All the kids always came to our house.

Kids play where they feel welcome. For once, don’t blow it, Elly.

Some parents are cool like your parents shy … some, are not. Mine were hated not just be my siblings and I, but our friends, and the adult neighbours.

Mom needs a change – that’s who!

We have just started this with our kids. Lots of kids in and out and snacks and drinks and etc. Mostly, I love it. Crazy but fun. They do go to their other friends’ houses sometimes too. We have the best swing set, so at least we are doing our part.

One thing they do is hunt for snacks, soda and popsicles. Which is fine at 3 (although I’m not too thrilled with the soda part), but they do it at 5:30 and 6— they’ll beg popsicles at 2 houses between 5:30 and 6, and some goldfish and chips. Not the best for their dinner. They are very, very clever! It takes a lot of coordination to get together and get a step ahead of them…

I’d rather have ’em play at my house,easier to keep an eye on ’em

right on

… I just keep wondering (and I do have a son myself): why is Michael pictured as such a # …£§**..! Was it necessary then in the 80s when this strip was done to paint him as such a total … … ?

As a kid my front yard was bare in spots, kids used it to dig holes and play with my toy dump truck and bulldozer. As a teen, my dad put up a basketball goal in the back yard, more bare spots, but lots of kids playing hoops. Mom would come out with popsicles. My folks never complained about the well-used yard. They’re gone now, and sorry to say, I never thanked them for that.

They gravitate to the home that looks “lived in.” Which means the mother who doesn’t throw a fit when they do the living.

It’s great when people comment stories about themselves. ;)

I like having some kids over, but over the years I’ve gotten burnt out on it. I’m tired of bratty, rude, obnoxious kids who are disrespectful, mean to other kids, break our things and don’t care, and talk back to me. We know which kids are enjoyable to have over and only invite them.

Loved having the kids at my house. All the kids..sometimes it’s the only time they have adult attention. All are grown and I still hear from my kids friends when in town. :)

My mom was great – my two girlfriends and I could discuss things with her that we wouldn’t mention to other moms. Some people are just special.

Let them drink water. If they are really welcome, they will come anyway, and you can still remain financially solvent.

No wonder Elly wants them out of the house-look how dirty and grubby they all are. But that’s boys for you.

=)

And, if you have kids and the biggest house in the area, it is seen as a public area.

I say it’s time to send them over to Connie’s house to play “for a change”!