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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

how to respond to this text - involves "play date" and boys in dress up

126 replies

HighwayDragon · 24/04/2015 18:45

So I had a text from a friend today (she's a school run mum so not actually friends more friendly) asking me to pick up her ds (4) as there was some sort of emergency at work. No problems, he's been here before and she's had dd over before. Playdate was fine, fed him a light tea, him and dd decided to play dress up, he put on fairy wings and tutu.

She came to pick him up, thanked me. Then he walks down the stairs dressed as a fairy. Her face instantly sours, she says 'ds you KNOW they're girls clothes, take them off and get your shoes' I wad Hmm but didn't say anything. Me and mum make stilted small talk, they leave.

I've just had a text "hey thanks for having x after school ur a lifesaver. but i wasnt happy to see him in a skirt! next time he comes over can u make sure he only wears boy dress up sure you understand xx" Shock Shock Shock

Help me reply, because I'm still scooping up my jaw!

OP posts:
MuttonCadet · 24/04/2015 18:48

Don't respond, ignore it.

ApocalypseThen · 24/04/2015 18:48

How about "I actually don't really understand. Can you explain the problem? Can't imagine what it might be."

Wait4nothing · 24/04/2015 18:48

Yanbu - what a weird thing to worry about after an emergency!

IUseAnyName · 24/04/2015 18:48

Wow! What's the big deal with him dressing up in "girl" clothes! I can't think of any witty reply but sure someone will come along and help soon :)

Timetoask · 24/04/2015 18:48

Just say "it was nice to have him".
He is not your son, if she prefers him not to wear fairy clothes then what's the problem?

Jackie0 · 24/04/2015 18:48

How odd.
I'd be tempted to reply ' no , I really don't understand'.
I wouldn't be going out of my way to do her any more favours.
Its sad for the little boy though if he and your dh are friends.
What a strange woman

Stealthpolarbear · 24/04/2015 18:49

:o
is he allowed to dress up as superman even though he's not actually a superhero and can't fly
but tbh I'd reply with "ok"

OddSockBag · 24/04/2015 18:49

I'd be tempted to say something very rude and sarcastic but probably end up saying something slightly PA so I'm probably of no use but Shock at the mum!

Jackie0 · 24/04/2015 18:49

Dh? Dd obv

MrsTerryPratchett · 24/04/2015 18:49

Shit sandwich time.

'It was lovely to have him, no problem. I don't police the kids dress up imagination. Hope to have him again soon. Take care xx'

someonestolemynick · 24/04/2015 18:50

'He won't catch gay if you hit him with garlic nailed to cross.xx'

MrsTerryPratchett · 24/04/2015 18:51

Or that ^ Grin

lordsandladies · 24/04/2015 18:51

"Sorry I don't have any penis shaped dress up only dressing up dress up"

Jackieharris · 24/04/2015 18:51

Oh, sorry did his penis fall off?

Goldmandra · 24/04/2015 18:51

I'm sorry. No. I don't understand at all but he was delightful and is welcome to come back any time xx

AuntyMag10 · 24/04/2015 18:51

As ridiculous as she sounds, it isn't your place to tell her what she should be teaching her son. You can choose not to have him over but other than that it's her choice about what he wears.

kungfupannda · 24/04/2015 18:53

'Next time?'

Floggingmolly · 24/04/2015 18:54

You took her child home in an emergency situation and she stipulates what she'd prefer "next time"?? That would piss me off as much as the sheer nuttiness regarding the fairy wings...

RunRunAsFastishAsYouCan · 24/04/2015 18:54

I would definitely say you don't understand the problem and see what she says.

MadameJosephine · 24/04/2015 18:55

I'd just be honest and reply that it never entered my head it would be an issue as i dont really go in for gender stereotyping but if that's what she prefers for her DS then i will bear it in mind next time.

SouthWestmom · 24/04/2015 18:56

Could you just text back

Oh it's Shakespeare Friday today, think he was Oberon to dd's Titania. Kids huh?

blendedfamilygrinch · 24/04/2015 18:56

Mrs TP's response looks best to me.
Mag, yes it is the parent who gets to decide what he wears in the morning, but if the dc is at OP's house, OP shouldn't have to be the one enforcing stupid gender restrictive rules.

IDontDoIroning · 24/04/2015 18:56

What kungfu panda said

If that's her being grateful you helped her out in a childcare emergency I would hate to see it when she's pissed off.

Rude and ungrateful and I would think twice about doing her any more favours

toffeeboffin · 24/04/2015 18:57

'Next time?'

Best response so far!

yellowdaisies · 24/04/2015 18:58

"I'm sure it won't do him any long term damage! Happy to have him, but i prefer to let them dress up as they choose"

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