6 Tips on Managing Household Before and During Super Bowl Time

Behind the scenes we have all viewed how holiday planning can be:  stressful, expensive, and crazy!  Therefore, there are no exceptions when it comes to Super Bowl stuff.  Mothers are usually the ones that have to maintain the household during this time, because husbands are more concerned about stats, interviews, beer, friends, bets, and other things related to the Super Bowl.


When it comes to managing one's household before and during the Super Bowl, you might want to consider the following:


1.  Cleaning and organizing


The simple things are often overlooked when inviting guests over.  Some moms fail to get trash taken out, they don't organize clutter, and they don't make sure that bathrooms and kitchens are well-stocked with supplies.  So before you know it, paper towels, toilet paper and other things run out and all they can say is, "Sorry, we don't have any more...I apologize we ran out..."  So be sure you have all necessary items.  Also, check that your home looks and smells clean.


2.  Where will children be?


Not a good idea to have children in a room with men who are loud, cursing, and showing their ugly side if a favorite team is losing.  So plan to remove children out of the lively environment.


3.  Food preparation


You just might want to enlist some help with meal planning and serving.  If you are busy doing things with the kids, someone is going to need to check on the food.  You just might want to get the man off the couch before the game starts to do errand running and help with set up.  If you bother him during the game, don't be surprised if there is an argument.


4.  Clean up


Are you having guests over?  Then let them know in advance that you will need their assistance.  Ask one or two people who you know won't mind.


5.  Expenses


The cost of items should be dealt with prior to the event.  Check for coupons, discounts and bargains.  If you need additional money for the get-together and your partner is hesitant about giving you more money, then get creative.  Smaller portions of main entrees or add more appetizers, more of the cheaper stuff (beverages, snacks...), and ask guests to bring a cover dish or stop by a store.  Also, you might want to let your partner know in advance there won't be enough food and beverages for everyone. 


6.  Alcohol and Drugs


What are the rules?  Some might bring their own bottle and others might show up high.  How do you and your partner deal with this?  Think about how much alcohol you have, the proof content, and be sure you have plenty of ice nearby.  Put a limit on drinks and for your own safety and freedom and those you love, draw the line when it comes to drugs.


Try to get everything done prior to game time.  Be sure everything is prepared before guests arrive.  Visitors can act a bit rude when they are hungry.  Most guests don't like to wait.


Have a Happy Super Bowl time!


Nicholl McGuire 

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The Disrespectful Attitudes of Children and Their Parents

"The apple doesn't fall to far from the tree," so the old saying goes, such is the case with disrespectful children and their foolish parents.


Everything that a child does isn't cute or funny, I said this awhile back when my children were babies.  I didn't approve of the smart mouth comments when they started talking and I still don't find them entertaining now that they are older.  Sometimes they get carried away with their joking, but the minute it happens, I warn them.  They didn't see me act like a fool with others and so I don't permit them to behave that way in or out of public and then laugh about it.  They are expected to say, "Please, Thank you, Yes, No, Mr. and Ms." and so on.   


If we train our children at home about how to behave with us and other adults, then we don't look like fools in public.  Some parents invite disrespect into their homes, because they aren't very respectful of themselves.  They want to be called by first names.  They dress like school-aged kids.  They allow children to watch nasty things on the Internet and on TV.  They dress provocatively around children at home and don't care much to censor sexual activity with partner(s).   Look at the sheer number of parents who make media headlines because they did or said something offensive and a child became a part of the mayhem.  Meanwhile, children are off to foster care programs or worse headed to juvenile detention centers after following in mom or dad's footsteps.


There are those adults who frown at those who call them out on their negative tone of voice they use when asking for something.  They get an instant attitude when questioned about the way they respond to a request.  Standing nearby is usually an observant child who takes the parent's nasty ways all in--studying what mom or dad is doing and watching for results.


When we permit people to act disrespectful toward us and dismiss it as "nothing," "no big deal" then when is it considered something worth commenting on?  When do you say, "Pardon me, but I will not be treated this way, where is your manager?  or Excuse me, but watch your tone of voice with me."


I shudder at the sheer number of mean-spirited children raised by, nonchalant, self-absorbed, evil-speaking parents.  I can only wonder what might the future look like as we remove more and more rules from language, conduct, dress, and other things that have long kept members of society in control.


Nicholl McGuire

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