At any given time, there are seven kids in my home—only three of them are mine. And just like that, the doorbell rings again, making it eight, no, now nine! The sound of excited laughter bounces off the walls, and someone evidently forgot to remove their shoes, leaving a trail of muddy footprints on the floor.
I can already hear the fridge opening as one of my youngest visitors, a friend of my preschooler from just down the street, asks if I have any oranges. Of course, I do, because when your home is the go-to place, your snack supply needs to be on point. My kids rarely eat oranges, but I keep them stocked, fully aware that someone will inevitably request them. It’s just another typical afternoon in my house, where kids naturally flock.
Yes, it can be chaotic. Yes, it gets loud. And there are days when I find the noise of video games and thumping feet a bit overwhelming. Yet, this chaos is one I generally appreciate, as it signifies my children—along with their friends—are having a blast together, creating memories they’ll cherish well into adulthood.
Interestingly, I didn’t always embrace this open-door playdate approach. A few years ago, if it had been socially acceptable, I would have hung a “GO AWAY” sign on my front door. I had little tolerance for other kids and viewed having them over as babysitting. While I am still responsible for their safety when they visit, unlike babysitting, I can send them home whenever I choose.
Two years ago, we relocated to a family-friendly neighborhood, and my children quickly made friends with others in the area. Eager for them to build those connections, I began allowing everyone over, and I was pleasantly surprised by how enjoyable it was. My kids bonded with their neighbors, many of whom also attended their school. I could observe their interactions firsthand, which gave me insight into how they treated one another, including my own children. I always knew where my kids were, alleviating the anxiety of tracking whose house they’d gone to.
Knowing my kids were safe and not engaging in risky behaviors, like playing violent video games or wandering into unsafe internet territory while unsupervised, was a huge relief. My uncle died in a tragic accident involving a firearm during his childhood, making this a significant concern for me. When my kids are at home, I never have to worry about their safety or whom I can trust.
As I became more comfortable with the situation, I found having a house full of kids increasingly enjoyable. Now, I actually take pride in our home being the preferred hangout spot. Sure, I have to care a little less about my neatly arranged throw pillows and watch the snacks disappear faster than I can restock them. I often find myself shouting things like “Close the door!” and “Turn it down!” more frequently. But the joy of letting my children have their friends over far outweighs these small inconveniences.
They will carry these moments with them throughout their lives, and I get to witness the strengthening of their friendships. Moreover, the benefits extend beyond my children; our home can serve as a refuge for friends who may lack harmony in their own households, offering them a little extra love and a safe space. Perhaps one day, this experience will inspire them to adopt a similar open-door approach for their own children. I genuinely hope so, as it’s truly a beautiful thing.
Oh, there’s that doorbell again! It’s like Grand Central Station in here, but oddly enough, I wouldn’t have it any other way.
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Summary
My home has become the central hangout for neighborhood kids, transforming my perspective on hosting playdates. Initially hesitant, I learned to appreciate the laughter and chaos that comes with having friends over. This experience not only strengthens my kids’ friendships but also provides a safe haven for others. Ultimately, I cherish the memories we’re creating together.