Protect the floor. Get some extra brushes/rollers and start the room the next weekend you have your sons. Yes the job will be slower, messier and will need to be finished without them. But most boys would love the feeling of participating. Of course their attention span may only last half an hour but that is enough for them to feel involved in the new house and a great moment to be shared together.

Just an idea. Feel free to not go with it. It is not feasible for everyone.

I think you handled the requests well. However if it does suit you to have them and it is what you want, don't feel obliged not to come operate. I think this early in the S, it is best to stick as much as possible to the schedule.IIt creates stability for kids as they know where they will be and when. Plus W needs to see you are not automatically available.

Best wishes


R 25 years
M 14 years
S11 & S13
Working on it alone since Oct 2014
M in trouble a lot earlier (~2 years)
Feb 2016. 1st R chat in a yr.
Next R chat Aug'17
Still together