Provide Quiet areas for people to relax or take a nap. Set up some tables
in the shade or under a patio umbrella for those choosing to visit rather than
play games. If the reunion is held in someone’s home and there are rooms that
are off limits to guests, close and lock the doors. Designate one room for
napping babies or grandparents, and place a sign on the door: QUIET.
Not only does age play a role in who
needs a daily dose of quiet, but introvert-extrovert does too. Babies and older
folks may need a quiet place with a bed to take a nap, whereas those people who
are more of an introvert and need some solitude to regenerate after being in a
crowd for most of the day, will need a space as well. A garden area makes a
nice place for someone seeking solitude.
How about those who like to meditate or
practice yoga? Perhaps you have a room in the house already set up for such
activities with a meditation pillow to sit on, or a yoga mat to spread out on
the carpet. Make it known these things are available to those who need them.
If you have a reading nook or a sunroom
with a chaise lounge, this can be a welcome hideaway for someone who just needs
to regroup. Perhaps an important call back home to the house sitter or pet
sitter (hopefully not to work!) needs to be made where it is quiet. Having this
space can help that person be heard and concentrate for the brief time they
need to be on the call.
If there are activities that need to be
planned during the reunion, the planning committee will need a place to gather,
spread out materials and have some space from the hustle and bustle of all the
kids and the demands of other family members. Again, provide space for them to
meet that is off limits to the others for that period of time.
Ask who would like to be babysitters
for the younger ones. Older children would likely treasure the time spent
watching and playing with a younger cousin. Set it up so that they are aware of
the restrictions for that child, and during that time period, parents can have
their own quiet time alone to regroup or just to visit with siblings or
grandparents without the demands of small children interrupting.
If the host or hostess is in the
kitchen baking or cooking something special, they may want their own quiet
time. Frequently, cooks really don’t want anyone else to disturb him or her
when they are creating in the kitchen. Have a sign posted on the kitchen door
letting others know this area is now off limits!
Be assertive about getting your own
needs met for quiet and solitude during the event. All those people milling about
can be draining. Acknowledge it and don’t pretend the need doesn’t exist.
Everyone will be grateful for your efforts.
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