I'm not a parent, so clue me in

[PamNY]

I loved having my aunts and uncles visit when I was a child (and I loved visiting them). Granted, the 1950s were a different time -- most mothers didn't work outside the home, and children had fewer obligations after school. Also, although no one had a great deal of money, in my family everyone had enough room for guests.

I've often stayed with friends who had small children -- and I don't recall being bothered by (or even aware of) chaos. If there is abuse or similar, of course, that's a different matter. But normal children and parents are often fun and interesting -- at least most of the time!

Would it help for you to focus on the positives? Getting to know the children, for example?