What do you do when you're childs friends are over?

[yetanothernamitynamechange]

I never really know whether I should be doing more or not... For context my sons only six but a girl he plays with sometimes popped round (she's 10 but lives nearby and they often play together) asking if she could come round and play with him. They are currently sat watching netflix and eating popcorn. They seem happy but I worry about them being bored or whether I should take a more active role etc This is the same when friends his own age come round on playdates - they don't just watch TV obviously they play a lot as well but is it OK just to leave them to it bar chucking snacks and drinks at them?

(I don't have a problem at all with his friends coming round. It actually makes life easier because it buys me some peace)

[yetanothernamitynamechange]

And I realise that you're is incorrect. It won't let me edit though

[mbosnz]

Absolutely, especially on a Friday! The kids are as tired at the end of the week as the adults.

[ExplodingCarrots]

Leave them to it and check on them regularly . Also count down the minutes until they go home (my DD and her friends are LOUD )

[beela]

Nothing, it's great!

I've managed the double this evening, dd and ds (6&9) both have a friend round and I am mumsnetting

[mbosnz]

As they get older, it gets even easier, right up until the point whereby they require yourself either to render yourself invisible, or completely absent. Albeit having left the fridge well stocked. I'm waiting for the liquor cabinet to become relevant. At that point we shall have a problem.

[PeaPeaEeByGum]

Hide in the playroom

[mbosnz]

I've got an overnighter, tonight. Both girls have excellent three acre paddock voices. Sigh. It's gonna be a long one!

[yetanothernamitynamechange]

I'm glad its OK to continue as I am! I think part of the reason I feel gulity is because shes a little older and they are both being well behaved its like having a free babysitter :)

[yetanothernamitynamechange]

@mbosnz from my parents example I think the thing is to hide all the expensive liquor and leave just a few bottles of cheap beer/maybe a bottle of wine for them to pilfer. 18 year olds have no palette.

[Kanaloa]

Yeah I think just leave them to play/watch telly and provide snacks. I don’t think there’s any need to actively play with them at that age.