Children helping themselves to food in other people's house

[Jules666]

Was I being unreasonable to ask my DS's friend (7.5) to put an ice cream back in the freezer which he was helping himself to and to ask first? I'd already given him one earlier.

This happened last time he came over to play here and since then his mother has been a bit distant with me and my DC hasn't been asked to theirs. She doesn't really do telling them off so wondering if she's not happy I that did.

Just wondered what the etiquette was for dealing with someone else's child in your home.

Both of dd's friends (6 yr olds) do this. They just fling open fridge and cupboard rifling for things. Last time one of them was here she screeched at me 'Hector, If you don't give me my tea now (this was at 3.45pm 5 mins after coming in the door) I'll just get some from your cupboard myself and whacked the cupboard open. I think parents would be mortified if they know but at the same time wouidn't like me telling their child off.

hector :O Sod that, I'd have been having very stern words over that!

Hell no!

My own children aren't allowed to help themselves to food so other children certainly wouldn't be given free reign.

Hector. Surely you don't just accept being spoken to like that in your own home by a little madam who's there as a guest?
Apart from anything else, don't you mind that your own dd is seeing this behaviour and may well wonder why she shouldn't copy it, as you seem unconcerned when her friends disrespect you?

he was rude. his parents are at fault for not teaching him how to behave in other people's homes. he might be allowed to help himself at home, but he shouldn't help himself at yours! quite right to let his mum go.

When something like that happens I tend to say something like "Every house has its own rules, one of the rules in our house is that we ask before taking food/ don't jump on furniture/ wait to start eating until we say cheers or whatever". I just say it in a casual voice but they then know my expectations and don't do it again. I don't 'tell them off' the first time as they don't necessarily know the rules in your house.

I agree though, very rude to help themselves to ice cream!

My dd once got told off from a mum for eating a bag of crisps her child had given my dd. i was a bit as how was my dd meant to know she wasnt allowed them.

The child who that was, her brother helped himself to food in my house. Hes 6 yrs old & such a baby. He goes crying to his mum everytime he doesnt get his own way.

I keep a good eye on him when he is here.