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DS 's lovely little pal and miserable DP

236 replies

Deathfingers · 02/06/2024 08:01

DS 12 has a lovely little bestie. They have been best friends for around 4 years and hang around a bit either here, in his house or the local park, hes here maybe 2-3 times a week max.

Now they're older they stay out later, so either here, at his or out til about 7pm. If they come here it's usually til around 6pmish then they go out for an hour.

DP and I both work FT. He gets in around 6pm some days.

A few times in the past I'd get a message saying he'll "pre warn" me when he's on his way so I can shoo DS friend home because he's "been working and won't come home to DS pal here" Each time I usually reply with a breezy "don't worry they are both in his bedroom hanging out" and that used to end the madness, but lately his messages are getting more demanding and argumentative. Apparently its not normal for kids to be at each others houses all the time - its 3 times a week at most for a couple of hours? He's also started hinting that I'm acting strange by wanting his friend here all the time (I dont? It's for DS!)

I get it, I like my peace, and his pal is very comfortable here 😬 he'll just wander in to the kitchen and grab an apple or drink without asking but meh, I secretly think it's pretty cool that he's so comfortable here and there's no issues re: the extra food he eats, it's not a lot and he is very polite. But DP says he doesnt want him even if they are upstairs bothering no one.

DC aren't allowed sleepovers etc because DP doesn't like it, he also doesn't like them playing in the garden, so I feel if I let him stop letting them have pals around to chill they won't have much left they can do!

Who's the odd one here? I think it's totally normal for pals to go to each others houses while parents are in, he thinks this isnt usual, I'm the weird one, and the kid should leave at 5pm before he comes home.

If its not me who's being strange how do I handle this? I'm so tempted to just reply with "no" and not engage next time I receive my pre warning message.

OP posts:
Liann811 · 02/06/2024 10:48

Your husband sounds like a right catch he should be just be happy that his son has a friend . I don't see why he is throwing his toys outta the pram my son has his best friend over most days and stays over a lot and yes I feed him and no I wouldn't bat an eyelid about him being here either would my husband. He is like a member of the family. Your husband needs to learn he can't be the boss all the time.

Ohnobackagain · 02/06/2024 10:51

@Deathfingers he can have the conversation so you’re not in the middle/getting the blame. Bet he won’t because he knows he is being unreasonable hence trying to get you to do it!

itsgettingweird · 02/06/2024 10:54

Kick DP out.

Make more room for the friend Grin

Only half joking.

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Rainydayinlondon · 02/06/2024 10:57

Friendships are SO important for children’s mental health, so I definitely wouldn’t discourage it. In the long summer holidays they can meet up earlier maybe, but personally I used to love it when my children had play dates ( especially at that age), as aside from bunging a bit of food their way, I didn’t have to interact and could sit with a cup of tea and a book or get on with other tasks!
Far better than constant moans of I’m boooorrred…

Beezknees · 02/06/2024 11:02

If you don't want other people's kids in your house, don't have kids.

My place has always been an open door for DS's friends. My auntie's house was like this growing up and it always felt so welcoming and safe. I want that for my DS and his friends too.

Your DP is weird, most kids stay in their bedrooms with their friends so they're not in the way anyway.

Ebeneser · 02/06/2024 11:06

Deathfingers · 02/06/2024 08:01

DS 12 has a lovely little bestie. They have been best friends for around 4 years and hang around a bit either here, in his house or the local park, hes here maybe 2-3 times a week max.

Now they're older they stay out later, so either here, at his or out til about 7pm. If they come here it's usually til around 6pmish then they go out for an hour.

DP and I both work FT. He gets in around 6pm some days.

A few times in the past I'd get a message saying he'll "pre warn" me when he's on his way so I can shoo DS friend home because he's "been working and won't come home to DS pal here" Each time I usually reply with a breezy "don't worry they are both in his bedroom hanging out" and that used to end the madness, but lately his messages are getting more demanding and argumentative. Apparently its not normal for kids to be at each others houses all the time - its 3 times a week at most for a couple of hours? He's also started hinting that I'm acting strange by wanting his friend here all the time (I dont? It's for DS!)

I get it, I like my peace, and his pal is very comfortable here 😬 he'll just wander in to the kitchen and grab an apple or drink without asking but meh, I secretly think it's pretty cool that he's so comfortable here and there's no issues re: the extra food he eats, it's not a lot and he is very polite. But DP says he doesnt want him even if they are upstairs bothering no one.

DC aren't allowed sleepovers etc because DP doesn't like it, he also doesn't like them playing in the garden, so I feel if I let him stop letting them have pals around to chill they won't have much left they can do!

Who's the odd one here? I think it's totally normal for pals to go to each others houses while parents are in, he thinks this isnt usual, I'm the weird one, and the kid should leave at 5pm before he comes home.

If its not me who's being strange how do I handle this? I'm so tempted to just reply with "no" and not engage next time I receive my pre warning message.

Your DP is weird. My best friend and I were exactly the same, only my friend was around practically every day. Her parents had a very messy split and my parents basically treated her like one of theirs. She even came on family holidays with us. My sister also had a friend around most days. In fact out house was quite the social hub.
Do not let your DH dictate what happens on this.

titchy · 02/06/2024 11:06

I do think a simple "no" next time I get pre-warned is the way to go

Don't wait. Have the conversation now. You've been very passive so far, which has meant your ds has missed out on some of the joys of a normal childhood.

When they get to the teen years, you need to do everything in your power to keep an open and close relationship. Alcohol, sex and drugs will be part of their teen experience soon enough, and you need them (and their friends) to be comfortable with you, and being welcoming to friends is all part of that. Otherwise you'll push them away, and before long they'll be getting up to god knows what, and they'll never confide in you.

thebillcollector · 02/06/2024 11:12

Your DP says that your sons friend being around impacts him, but he isn't seeing how his demands are impacting you, or how not being able to have a friend will impact your son.

It's all about him.

He's being very selfish.

Having the friend around makes your son happy, and seeing your son happy makes you happy. Happiness is the goal in families isn't it?

DGPP · 02/06/2024 11:13

Please keep up this lovely childhood for your son, where friends are welcome. He will remember it forever. You’re a good mum. Your DH sounds awful. I’d dump him first

Maraa · 02/06/2024 11:15

Yeh your dp is in the wrong. Our house as kids was the house where we bought our mates and as a parent, our house is going to be the same.

especially the age of your son, I’d rather him have a lovely best mate than getting into trouble (which around my area seems to be the norm for a small minority of kids that age, vandalising the park etc - as I said small minority)

FloofyKat · 02/06/2024 11:18

And he doesn’t like it when he ‘finds out’ you have taken your son to the park? Why not? This is plain wrong!

rainbowstardrops · 02/06/2024 11:26

So he doesn't want friend round but then also doesn't want them playing in the garden OR going to the park!!! What the fuck is his problem?!
What does he say when your son goes round to friend's house? Is he ok with that?
He sounds bloody awful to be honest.

TheTeaCosyofDoom · 02/06/2024 11:29

My DM's mental health wasn't the best when I was little, nevertheless she kept open house and was welcoming and generous to my friends. One of my cousins who was my best friend still waxes lyrical about the apple sponge and custard that DM used to make for pud. We had a large informal garden with loads of opportunity for den building and the like. Following DM's example I always kept open house for my DC and their friends before they left home.

Your DP is a joy-sucking arse, and the situation needs bringing to a head. In your position, I would be hard pressed not to bring the passive aggressive side of my nature to the forefront. "No, please leave those bottles of squash and the tub of biscuits where they are, they're for Josh and his friend." "Josh and friend, is it me, or can you smell cigarette smoke around here?" "Yes, of course you can, it would be a sin not to play in the garden on a day like this. Not too old for the paddling pool, are you?"

Can you tell that I divorced my late exh for his attempts at being a miserable controlling sod?

Bestyearever2024 · 02/06/2024 11:29

@Deathfingers hugs 🥰Flowers

Pudmyboy · 02/06/2024 11:40

My Dad was like your partner, didn't want anyone outside of family members in the house. Made my childhood miserable. Would have been different if he had been a 'fun dad' but he was very much I-am-head-of-the-house-everything-must-be-organised-around-me. This was the 60s-70s so more normal then. I am so glad your son has you on his side @Deathfingers , he and his pal will have happy memories of his childhood with your support.

Pudmyboy · 02/06/2024 11:47

What annoys me is he's all "Hey X <big smile>" when he does see the kid.
My Dad did this so I came across as the odd one who wouldn't have friends round. Iin those days people didn't say what was going on behind closed doors so he could get away with being two-faced. So glad your son has you @Deathfingers

dapsnotplimsolls · 02/06/2024 11:50

Does he have friends? Has he ever had close friends? I suspect he simply can't/won't understand how important this friendship is to your son. The garden thing is ridiculous.

Bluetrews25 · 02/06/2024 11:54

This sounds like a tough situation for you.
If he doesn't want him in the house, I'd be tempted to put up a tent or pergola in the back garden and run an extension lead out to it for power, if they need it for their gaming.
And if he kicks off at that, then that would lead to the discussions that are probably coming anyway.
Sending a hug.

anothernamitynamenamechange · 02/06/2024 11:55

Bestyearever2024 · 02/06/2024 08:35

*I usually Potter about upstairs so I can 'catch' when one of them says they are getting a drink and ill get it instead so they don't go downstairs.

Writing that down makes me realise how pathetic I am for pandering to it*

Yikes! That's a massive red flag. 😳

Your child as well? So you are even getting drinks for your child so they don't go down when the dads about or did I misunderstand?

anothernamitynamenamechange · 02/06/2024 11:59

Do you ever have friends round by the way? What would his reaction be if he came home from work and you and some friends were having a natter on the sofa?

Deathfingers · 02/06/2024 12:10

I'm still reading, am a bit overwhelmed with the support I had genuinely started to believe a bit that it wasn't typical for pals to be in each others houses. Like many of you it was totally normal for me growing up, my parents house was also a hub and my friends would just walk in, and as we got older and started going out we'd start the night off with a few drinks at mine, my dad would drop us off at the pub.... Really happy memories and i want that relationship for my boys too (other DS is a bit older and tends to go out into town with his friends tbf)

Dp has a few friends who often suggest meeting up but he doesn't like going out. I'd love for him to go and have fun but he prefers staying in. I know he hates his job and that gets him down but he won't do anything about it, and has never really grabbed any opportunities to move up so he can move on to a better job, so I have little sympathy there tbh.

Re: getting the drinks (and snacks sometimes) i do it with both of them so his friend doesn't feel singled out, I usually say I'm popping downstairs anyway so I'll grab it for them.

There's a little mischevious part of me looking forward to the possibility of his pal coming round today 😬

OP posts:
Secondwifenotsecondbest · 02/06/2024 12:16

I have 3 DS and when they were little their friends were ‘adopted’ into our everyday lives- just as their friends’ parents ‘adopted’ my kids- in and out of each other’s homes all the time! I absolutely loved that they had these friendships (I had the same when I was younger) and now they’re all in their 30s those friendships endure, even though a lot of the group are now in different countries. The support and validation of good friends is absolutely essential to human beings and if I were you OP I’d be telling DP that you won’t be curtailing your child’s happiness to please him at any point now or in the future. Whilst acknowledging that DP wants peace and quiet after work, this shouldn’t be prioritised over your child’s joy. If DP wants quiet he perhaps shouldn’t have chosen to be a parent!

AmazingBouncingFerret · 02/06/2024 12:31

I love it when my two have friends round! I’m the mum that’s throwing cheapo pizzas in the oven and bulk buying Doritos to feed the five thousand. It’s a bit jarring now though when I sometimes come home and I have a group of what is essentially grown ass rugby men in my living room!
My husband is the step father that had no plans to have children of his own but even he accepts that our home is also our children’s home and that includes welcoming their guests.

thefamous5 · 02/06/2024 12:34

This is sad.

In one respect I understand the need for a bit of peace and quiet especially after work, but when you have kids, you have to compromise.

I've got four kids. We've almost always got a spare child in the house. We've just had one sleepover and he's staying for a few night next week because he doesn't want to stay at his sisters when his parents go away.

I love that he feels so comfortable here. I love my kids friends feeling like they have a safe space to come and chill. Also means that as my children get older they're less likely to be hanging around the streets.

bloomtoperish · 02/06/2024 12:57

I used to be uptight about this but I had to get over myself and realise it's not all about me, my son has up to 4 friends over several times a week now and I've got used to it and it's pretty cool actually. I don't want to ruin his friendships because I'm a grumpy arse.