We have this ongoing problem lately, and it can be said in one word: TEENAGERS! Don't get me wrong. They're great kids and all (especially my own) but sometimes the patience wears thin with the friends. Our kids have (pretty much) grown accustomed to the house rules and (usually) abide by them consistently. There are a few of the friends whom I adore. They are very considerate, polite, caring and they listen! It may take a few mistakes, but when they get it, they get it! Why can't those friends be the ones who are here ALL THE TIME??? Then there are... the others. The GRACE GROWERS!!! They don't understand boundaries. They don't seem to know what it means to respect authority (mainly ours). Their shoes are always dirty!! And it seems that their house is haunted because they NEVER go home!!! Is it a case of Pippy Longstocking?? No she was much more resourceful!! I don't want to get nasty or name names (although the picture may give a bit of a hint) so I will simply make a list of rules--CLEARLY SPELLED OUT!
HOCHSTEDLER HOUSE RULES FOR TEENAGE GUESTS
#1 GO HOME DAMMIT!!!
#2 Take your garbage with you--at least to the garbage can.
#3 Before leaving, empty all your pockets of the school snacks you snagged from our cupboards!
#4 Is that dirt coming from your shoes? HERE'S THE VACUUM!
#5 Do not come back in two minutes saying you forgot something
#6 No, you cannot borrow Jennah's CD player after she's gone to bed
#7 DON'T LET THE DOOR HIT YOU ON THE WAY OUT! try latching it closed for once, so that the wind doesn't blow it off its hinges.
#8 NO YOU MAY NOT come around the house to sneak back into the boys' room through window after we sent you home to bed.
#9 DO NOT spray that cologne ONE MORE TIME. It's burning my eyes. If you're using it as air freshener because of someone's skanky farts--then send that someone TO THE BATHROOM and make them stay there until they finish their business!!!! You boys are gross!
#10 PLEASE FLUSH the toilet paper down the toilet rather than throwing it in the garbage can. We live in the USA. The pipes can handle it. But if you happen to be an excessive paper user, try flushing at the half-way mark of your "duty," and then, by all means, flush at the end!
I guess it's what I always wanted--my house to be the "hang out" house. There are usually about 5 or 6 teenagers trapsing in and out every day after school and all day on weekends. It's not even a tag-out thing. It's just a mob ALL of the time!! I'm even MEAN...
...and yet they come!
6 comments:
That was a good try—the being mean thing. :)
Maybe you should try giving them all chores. That's what I do when things get out of control here—maybe that's easier when they're younger.
For what it's worth, I think the fact they all want to hang out at your house is a huge compliment—you must be doing something right!
You are HLARIOUS! I was practically rolling on the floor. I had to read your list to Rod too. He thought it was too funny.
Ben is my 14 year old and very mellow. But I can totally see this happening with my middle son's friends. Oh boy, thanks for the warning.
I especially like rule #1. But what is this about people throwing toilet paper in the TRASH CAN!?! I would never stand for that...they might as well just USE THEIR HANDS THEN!!! I bet they don't even wash their hands when they come out do they... *shiver* ughh
so, i guess these rules do not apply to adults?
#1 would be a good t-shirt.
I have spent time at the Hochstedler home. I have walked on the dirt tracked into the house by inconsiderate boys. I went into the downstairs bathroom, closed the door, turned around and peered into the toilet bowl; use your imagination. I have been broadsided by the aroma and fragrance that wafts out from that locker room with beds and it knocks me to the floor. Yes, I have spent time at the Hochstedler home. It is Gymboree for Teenagers. Terry & Karen have the patience of Mother Theresa and her twin. Yes, she had a twin. At least that's what someone told me once, then again that person was a teenager.
I can't write anything because I'm still alughing! See?????
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