This is an opinion column

Have you seen or heard about the new trend where adult grandchildren show up for a sleepover at their grandparents’ house?

I think the word used in the report was descend. The grandchildren descended upon their grandparent’s house, unannounced.

Let’s talk about this before it gets out of control, or somebody gets offended or permanently embarrassed.

The video I saw was nice. Grandma opened the door and all her grandkids filed through the door wearing pajamas. Grandma was a blend of surprised, and amused, and confused. She is aware there is a camera on her though, so she kept herself balanced.

Grandad was staggering around in the background like grandads do. He may still not know what happened. Grandads can have the ability to tune out and flat not give a damn. I don’t know if it is a learned skill or a gift. It involves acting like they can’t hear.

On the surface, the sleepover at grandma’s seems nice. It’s sweet. I don’t know if I would plan this escapade less than two weeks after Christmas…but the spirit behind it is thoughtful.

While it may be thoughtful, as a grandparent may I offer some points to consider. We just welcomed our ninth grandchild in December. When we add those nine, to the four bonus grandchildren we include through our sons-in-law, we have 13 total. I feel prepared to discuss this.

First, in the video, they come in bringing food. Do not show up at your grandmother’s house with all your cousins unannounced expecting her to recreate Thanksgiving.

Another notable detail about the video, the grandchildren were all grown. Nobody needed a ride.

I don’t know how they managed it, but it seemed to be just the grandchildren. I take it they were all single or had understanding spouses, but they came alone. They didn’t have partners, friends, mistresses, children, or pets.

Also…it was one night. It wasn’t for the weekend. Nobody stayed the week. Nobody stayed for a couple months until they could find a job and get on their feet.

If you like the idea and think this is something your grandparents might enjoy, stop. Think it over again. They may…but be honest with yourself about how well you and your cousins get along before sending a group text and a date. Grandma doesn’t want to have to invite a deputy to the sleepover.

Another thing to consider would be to ask yourself and all of your siblings and cousins if they are capable of staying sober long enough to spend the night with Grandma? Ask yourself if you can stay at Grandma’s all night without drinking? Will you or any of your cousins need to get high to stay? Just be honest before descending.

Finally, I suggest calling, texting, send in a homing pigeon…whatever method of communication your grandparents prefer. But let them know y’all are on the way. They deserve the opportunity to get dressed, or leave.

Amanda Walker is a columnist and contributor with AL.com, Selma Times Journal, Thomasville Times, West Alabama Watchman, and Alabama Gazette. Contact her at [email protected] or at https://www.facebook.com/AmandaWalker.Columnist.