to mute my TV when my sons playing with friends outside?

[MomaP]

Firstly, I need to giggle to myself because I am almost positive I am the only parent that does this.

Secondly, my DH thinks I'm being far to protective, so it's worrying me.

I have an only. He's recently just turned 5. We live on an army estate and my son has recently started playing in our garden with a boy up the road who is 6 years old. The little friends DM doesn't mind her son garden hopping and going around the estate, however, I still refuse to let go of those strings. IMO he's far to young. Anyway, back to the "issue". Why my DS friend comes over to play, I let them play in the garden, but I can't relax. I have to mute the TV so I can hear them and I keep my backdoor open. I think it's because sometimes DS friend can be very bossy and rude to DS. For example, earlier, I heard my DS shout his friends name numberous times, his friend ignored each time, until turning around and screaming 'WHAT' in DS face. It doesn't phase DS, but I've heard quite a bit of this type of behavior from DS friend.

I think I'm just being wary, however DH think it's to over-protective.
Do YTIBU?

I used to do that when my dc's were the same age. I sometimes even potted around the garden too.

You can nip any problems in the bud.

Yes, YABU. He needs to stand up for himself, for one thing!

No, just every now and again I'd mute it for a second if I thought I could hear shouting/screaming.

Other than that, if they needed me they'd come in to find me.

And sod leaving the back door open, you'll lose all the heat in the house

Do they have trouble opening it?

starsandunicorns I agree.
He does stand up for himself. I never intervene (unless necessary) which is why I think I mute the TV, because I am worried about the "unless necessary" happening.

Yanbu to listen in. Could also have a chat to him about not putting up with bossy children. Equip him with some skills. And this will with the worry.

Thisnwill help with the worry

jamieandthemagictorch I did that earlier, which has helped with the anxiety.

I told DS to reply with "Do not speak to my like that or it's time to go" to any bossy or tempered behavior.

I've been known to put subtitles on under same circs

if I hear a lot of Untoward Stuff I poke head out of the window and say something like 'ooh, I just heard someone talking in a nasty way, but I don't know who it was. I hope it wasn't one of you girls/you're all playing nicely' etc,in a Sweet Voice

usually works

DISCLAIMER- this sounds like I'm helicoptery but I do hear some v v unpleasant stuff sometimes

Springheeled jack

I did that sort of thing when mine were younger. No accusations, just letting them know i had heard whatbwas going on.

I can't imagine sitting watching 'muted' TV
When mine were at the first stage of playing out, I'd busy myself doing things that needed doing, that meant they were within sight anyway ... eg the washing up, or preparing the evening meal of something that meant I was looking out the window every now and then anyway, or even washing the car or doing a bit of gardening. I wouldn't have the door wide open in this weather !