How Did I Become the "Hang Out" House?

by Kori Rodley Irons | More from this Blogger

18 Oct 2007 09:22 AM

We are not the Huxtables or the Brady Bunch-that is clear to anyone. Many of you who read these blogs probably have a pretty good idea of the bustling, ordinary-yet-non-traditional, single mom led family that I've got going here. I work, a lot, and I definitely don't see myself as the sweet, caregiving-focused, maternal sort. We don't live in a mansion with an ever-over-stocked pantry either. So, I'm having a hard time figuring out why there are usually 2-3 extra mouths to feed and extra pairs of shoes by my front door?

Now, I'm not really complaining, I just always thought that the "hang out" house had its own recreation room or big, private family room and all the amenities. We don't have X-box and we don't even have cable television! How is it that 5 teenagers can be perfectly happy lounging around the living room tossing a hacky sack and watching grainy baseball games on our average-sized television?

As near as I can figure-our little townhouse is just comfy and homey. At least that is what I hope is going on. As tired as I am by 5 o'clock, I do try to be gracious and treat my kids' guests as I would my own. They don't even seem to mind that I am there (in fact, as older teens, I'm thinking they kind of like it-go figure!) as I try to come up with something for dinner or make a path through the piles of muddy shoes (big shoes, I'll have you know). I'm neither cool, nor hip and I say total mother-like things like, "Now boys" or "Please don't use that language!" But they stay, in fact, I think they might be multiplying, and I haven't yet figured out the why or the how of my house becoming a haven for hungry teenagers.

Also: How Do You Feed a House Full of Very Big People (At a Moment's Notice?)

Celebrating Little Victories and Advancements

Do Teens' Messes Ruin My Home's Feng Shui?

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l0v343v3r (56) 19 Oct 2007 08:16 PM

I have younger kids, but my house is the same way. I have 2 children that just invite themselves to stay everyweekend. From there, other neighborhood kids see them and decide they need to come over too. I think I have met the maximum capicity for a 2-bedroom apartment!