this is going to be a long summer

[Spirit Deer]

For the kids who come to your house, put up a flag when you don't want to deal with them. If the flag is out, no one outside the family is allowed. If they ring the doorbell anyway, tell them they're not allowed to come over that day at all. If they persist, complain to their parents. Call and make a nuisance of yourself every time their kid is a nuisance to you. They'll all catch on soon enough.

Keep snacks put away when others are there. If they don't see it, maybe they won't ask for it. And remind them asking for food at someone's house is rude anyway, and they should wait till something is offered. Or set out things you don't mind if they eat and let everyone know it's okay to eat that but only that without permission.

[zakity]

What about a fun jar? You write ideas on pieces of paper (include random chores) and, when they are bored, they have to draw out a piece of paper and do what is on that paper.