Quote: Originally Posted by PenMarie Seems to me, if they were my kids, I'd rather have them home in their own beds rather than sleeping on the floor. If your brother has his kids for two weeks because the wife is on vacation or whatever, even if SHE owns the house solely, why can't he stay at HER house with them for those two weeks --- she HAS to know the bind he's in right now...sheeeeeeees, she needs to give the guy a break. This was EXACTLY what I was going to say. What kind of mother is she? My mom went through a very rough divorce when we were young and I know that there was no way in hell she would send us to stay with our dad if he didn't have a way to properly care for us.
Anyways, I agree with most of the suggestions provided. You have to set boundaries. You shouldn't feel like you don't have any control of the situation and your brother and the kids can just take over the house. Make the kids follow rules- give them productive things to do so they aren't bored. As for your brother, he's out of a job, so he should have time to be the parent. It sounds like he probably didn't do most of the parenting if the kids are out of control when they are with him. You could help him to step up and grab the reigns.
You are in a very tough situation and I think you are great person for doing this. It's not an easy road and I think your brother will know how great of a sister you are. I personally would do what you are doing because I just couldn't send a sibling packing at their worst time- especially with kids. However, I don't think you should sit idly by while people trample through your house.
Maybe take a weekend get-away with FI. That will give you guys a well needed break and some breathing room. I truly believe situations like this make your relationship stronger. You know that if you can get through the most stressful times, you are golden. Hang in there. You're a good person.