travel

My son and I hope to take family vacations forever. We talk about treating the kids and their families as they grow older. We're on Walton's Mountain here. Who knows if it will happen, but it sounds like a great time. We figure as long as we are paying they will probably go.

Do you still vacation with your grown children and grandchildren?

Not exactly vacationing together, but I just returned from a visit to my daughter's place, and then my stepson's place with their respective families. I love seeing them and the kids are all great, but it's soooo good to be home where I can make the rules. I never imagined I'd feel this way.

DJ, so the rules i thier homes are very different than the rules in your home while they were being raised?

not exactly that. my daughter's rules are very similar. My step son's rules are a bit more relaxed. But the point is that they were making the rules. It's their turf and I'm a guest. There may exist moms who will visit their children's homes and boss them around, but I respect their autonomy and their adult status

In my sons home where he is husband and father he is boss and I keep my mouth shut even though there have been times I've wanted to shake him and say, "stop that." But unles asked for my opinion I keep it to myself and feel thats the correct way to handle things. He is a good husband and father for the most part but he is a man and he does things differently than I would in some cases. I think we mothers need to walk that thin line between visitor and mother in their home. It's one time we need to know OUR place....Vacations however to me shouldn't have a lot of rules, break some rules, everybody just relax and have fun.

DJ and Chatty, I respect both of you for knowing your limits.

My sister and I have spoken about this very topic concerning our mom and dad. We're grateful they chose to mind their own business too. I'm sure there were times they wanted to say something, but held their tongues.

You're all my role models for the future!