WWYD about this playdate?

[ZenNudist]

DH has agreed to have a child before and after school tomorrow to help the mum out as she is working. I was not keen to be present as the child in question is really hard work and difficult and doesn't play well with my DC. Now he has to go into work and won't be able to cover the play date. I grudgingly agreed to cover it as the friend has helped me out previously picking DS up from school when I am late.

That's the back story. Today I have come down with a cold and feel really ill I can't face doing the play date tomorrow. I know I can't really cancel on the friend because she has prearranged plans. WWYD??

Lemsip for you and a film/screens for the kids?

I'd probably just do it to be honest but pre warn the mum I was ill in case she wanted to cancel (fingers crossed she would)!

If you really are too unwell, then cancel, but do so ASAP so that the other parent can try to make alternative plans.

If you're not at death's door, grit your teeth and offer unlimited DVDs/xbox/haribo bribes for good behaviour. Or take them out to soft play if finances allow.

I'd send a text saying

"Hi, I am still able to have (insert name) after school tomorrow but just to let you know, I have come down with a rotten cold as I'm aware you may well not want (insert name) to catch it!"

@formerbabe like that text. Sadly friend is made of sterner stuff and would not worry about her dc catching a cold.

I'm not usually one to malinger if I have a cold. I feel pretty Shady today hopefully better tomorrow as I have lots of chores to do.

Think I'm just seeking inspiration from Mumsnet. Wouldn't want to let friend down.

What length of time are you actually having the child?

Is it a cold or is it one of those really awful colds that are called a cold but feel like something much worse?

If you don’t feel up to it then it is ok to prioritise yourself and cancel with as much notice as possible. What is your friend doing? If it’s a job interview or something I might push on through more than for a jolly.

Oh she’s working- sorry should have seen that.

Why can't your DH text her that he has to go into work and you've made plans. He made the commitment not you.

From 7.30 to 9 and from 3 to likely 6.30 but going to say please pick up asap.

Its just a cold but as its sunday I am lying around mumsntting and constantly sneezing. If it were the week id still have to work.

Im hoping tv and beans on toast for tea.

Get them a Happy Meal from Macdonald's so you don't have to cook- let them eat in so you have zero mess afterwards. Get in and let them have a movie or games console if possible. Bribe with little bowls of sweets/crisps if they play quietly and nicely. Job done.

Tell husband that the next time he arranges a playdate, he hosts the playdate.

I don’t think you should let her down at the last minute, she has done you favours before.

It is quite a long day of babysitting so as others have said let them watch tv, play on iPads and generally do all the stuff you would normally frown on.

Depending on their age up you could even take them to play cafe after school. LEt then run free while you have a coffee😋!!

I'd be annoyed with DH for agreeing to do someone else a (fairly big if the child is hard work) favour, then passing it on to you. Did he really not know he might not be able to do the childcare he offered to do?

I wouldn't consider cancelling due to a cold, but unless the child has SN I'm pretty strict with hard work children who are hard work just because they are spoiled or over scheduled (both those things lead to demanding kids who haven't learnt how to just play without constant adult intervention) so I wouldn't be doing anything special over and above normal before and after school with my own kids to accommodate the child. Mostly I'm happy to have extra kids here, as most kids are very little extra trouble.

Have a word with your DH about being Lord Muck offering favours and bailing out leaving you to keep his promises.

Order a pizza. Put a film on and size in the corner.

How old are they? Ps4 keeps mine quiet for hours when needed

Indoor picnic, DVD, and a hot toddy for you(minus whisky until the DC are in bed

I would call or message her says no you're feeling rotten, will still have her Dc but would appreciate earlier pick-up as you barely feel well enough to properly manage your own Dc let alone 2 over-excited ones after school. Pizza and a film sounds perfect.