Changing your schedule to accommodate guests

[va32h]

My dad is coming to visit me next week. I have a few things scheduled (a club meeting, visiting a friend with a new baby) as well as the kids' afterschool activities.

My sister was surprised that I wasn't planning on canceling/rescheduling these things, because my dad was visiting.

He's going to be here for 9 days. I can't imagine us just sitting around the house together all that time. The house is not that big! And I see him regularly, so it's not as if this is our only visit for the next decade or anything.

I pointed out that the last time I visited her, she went to work each day, because she didn't have any spare days off at the time, but she said that was "different".

To what extent would you re-arrange your schedule for a visitor?

 

[princesspumpkin]

I just spent 10 days with my niece and her family. She continued to do things while we stayed at the house or went off on our own. I wouldn't have it any other way. I would say it would be best to do the things that you already had planned, and not to schedule any additional things -but you probably already knew that!

 

[nwdisgal]

If your dad were going to be there two days, then maybe you'd rearrange a schedule or two. He has many days there and you'll have plenty of time to see him and spend time with him. I'd keep to your regular schedule.

 

[disykat]

For a nine day visit, I'd keep to my schedule as well - making sure I kept plenty of time for visiting. I can't imagine just sitting around visiting for all that time. I'm sure he wants to see how you live, not have you pause everything for him.

 

[Mercy]

I think I would keep your schedule as planned. Your dad might want some "down" time also, to do or go somewhere he wants by himself. I think you are fine.

 

[EthansMom]

Like others have said, I would keep to my planned schedule as long as there's plenty of time for visiting with my guests.

It would be nice if you told your Dad about your other plans early so that he can consider things he might like to do without you during those times -- maybe visit local friends, see a movie, ?????.

 

[Stacerita]

Definately keep your schedule for the most part. If there are things that can wait or dont need to be done, let those things wait. But dont reschedule anything just for his visit. He will be there longer than a few days so its not necessary to clear the days for him. Im sure you will have plenty of time to visit him. Invite him to tag along on things he is able to like the kids activities. Also, he might enjoy the down time and quiet off all of you being out of the house if hes not use to being so active. But dont change your schedule. I doubt he would want you to.

 

[debbiedoo]

I agree--keep your schedule -- If he was only coming for 2/3 days--then I would consider changing

 

[Marseeya]

This is such a peeve of mine!

In your situation, I think it's fine to stick to your schedule. As you said, it's 9 days and you see him regularly.

When DH and I visit his family, they refuse to change one iota of their schedules to accomodate us. We only see them once a year or less, and it's usually for a long weekend that has to be split between MIL and FIL, because they're divorced. Out of those few days, we might get a whole hour to spend with MIL because she goes to bingo several times a week, or they go bowling. (they aren't old either -- early 50s, raising a teenage daughter) FIL works and owns his own theater, so that's different. We usually go to the theater to spend time with him there and it doesn't bother us. But with MIL, when we drive all that way to visit, and end up sitting alone in her house or in our hotel room, it ends up with DH feeling very unloved and hurt. And then she'll wonder one of these days why she has two grandkids who want nothing to do with her. We went there for Thanksgiving for an entire week once, and had a whole day planned with her, where the kids would spend the night with her and the next day we'd go to some science center in Philly. Well, she decided she had to clean house the next day, so we couldn't go, and DD couldn't spend the night. She sees her granddaughter once a year and makes her cry??? That was IT for me.

Sorry, didn't mean to go on and on.

What were you saying?

 

[The Mystery Machine]

To what extent would you re-arrange your schedule for a visitor?

A 2 day visit, I would reschedule things that would be no biggie. I would still keep appts. or meetings.

A 9 day visit I would probably go about my business and work around that. However I might rearrange if plans want to be made to go somewhere special.