My brother’s family has arrived – complete with children – five energetic, happy individuals. When we are given an opportunity to live inside another family’s space, it is a gift.
Now, bringing your family to your sibling’s house for a week long stay may sound like an absolute treat or an absolute horror depending on your relationships. Imagine bringing your family to a relative who happens to be a parent coach. It could be a visit that is a “bit” intimidating – or supportive. The way the situation tips is based, in part, on one’s perception. How we “read” a situation will influence whether we are able to experience support or not.
Sometimes others do judge us as parents. However, sometimes the larger judgment comes from our own heads. And the problem with that is, it can lead to our judgment. We may end up judging our children because we’re afraid they will do something to upset others, so we hold them to a higher level of behavior than normally would be expected.
My brother knows that his sister’s home is a safe place for his family. He can let them be children. They can be messy, sometimes loud, and disruptive – because they are children. My brother could be watching over his shoulder, wondering if he will be judged in his parental decisions. He chooses to believe that he is supported. As his sister, it is an honor to be in the midst of his family. It is an honor to be invited into another family’s space. So if you have the chance to live alongside another family this summer, whether it be visiting relatives or engaging with neighbors, handle it with great care. We’re in this together and grace goes a long way.