AIBU to not want other kids to smash up my sons toys when they come over?

[diminishedresponsibility]

Am just a bit fed up with all the broken bits when other kids mistreat his toys. Should their mummy be stopping this behaviour or really am I being unreasonable. Should I just accept that things get broken. It's my son's 3rd birthday this weekend, should I hide all the toys in case all the bits get distributed across the house/garden?

I would try not to demonise the children or the parents, we're talking 3yr olds here not older children who should know better.

I agree its not acceptable, so yes, leaving out only the hardcore toys is a good idea. Close supervision is also key.

Young children can be heavy handed, some are curious (my 4 yr old used to love taking things apart to see how they worked) but with supervision you can limit the damage and gently show them how to play nice. Play is a learned skill too especially when you don't understand value.

If things are getting damaged when you've got a house full, limit the number of small people that are around.

YANBU. Especially if the child's parent is present!

"Anyone who allows their kids to mistreat your home and stuff is not a friend."

Absolutley. In fact one set of 'friends' are no longer friends because of it. They don't control their kids and they acted like wild animals when they visited us. The last time they were at our house our DSs just sat there shocked in silence watching these children trash their playroom.

Never again.

Yes children can be heavy handed, and if their child does break a toy they should pay for it, but of course I would never ask the parents. If my dd broke somebodies toy I most certainly would give the parent money for a new one.

I'd try and meet out at the park or a soft play area, then on neutral ground without anyone's toys being broken.

An I the only one who hates the 'boys will be boys' shit?!

Like girls just sit there compliant and silent- pah!

Boys will be boys is a comment that a shit lazy parent makes who can't be arsed to discipline there child. Not a friend.

Rant over

Their not there

I hate it too need. A friend always says it when her ds is naughty. If it's a girl the behaviour is unacceptable I guess

I know moog!

A few years ago dh yelled at a child to get off our dining table - his parents were sat there watching him and did nothing other than a cats bum face

Well here's some more info if you're interested. I've come across quite a few friend's kids who've grown to become "boisterous" as they might say.
I have just moved to an area where I don't know anybody and am building some new friendships. I'm inclined to avoid confrontation in the early days.
However I do accept all the comments and criticism that I should not allow it and stop it. Previously I have said no more playing in the play room and we've gone to soft play.
Our new house has quite a difficult layout for family life and until we start knocking down a few walls his playroom is what is supposed to be the dining room.
It's just hard for someone to avoid confrontation in these situations.
Everyone is right when they say the parent themselves should be more respectful in/with others' property. But I don't think there's a general rule here. I am glad that I'm not the only one with this dilemma.

Need: "cat's bum face" love it! In fact I think that would be a great new name :o
I sooooo agree with the boys will be boys shit comment.
Rant welcomed and understood.