AIBU to dread DD having friends round?

[tigercub50]

I wish I was one of those Mums that seem to operate an open door policy & there are always kids calling around, in the garden, in the bedroom etc etc. DD spends quite a bit of time at a friend's house & I do feel guilty that I don't return the favour quite so much. I love kids but I also love my own space & I find it hard to relax when DD has someone round. She can get quite silly (she's only 8 so gets a bit carried away & can tend to show off) but I know I need to be firmer with her generally. Am I alone or does any one else feel relieved when the friends have gone home?

I've got currently got 5 teens in the bell tent and three 10 year old boys in the living room another two kids upstairs and the baby on my hip.

Not for everyone but I love having loads of kids here. They all call me mum and tell me all the gossip!

Do you think it might be an 'only child' thing? DGS is so easy at home playing on his own but goes wild when he has a friend round.
Kids with siblings seem to know how to play with others on their own territory.

Um, in a word, no.

I don't mind if it's raining out or if the visit has been arranged but otherwise I've told my kids to stop coming back indoors with all the neighbour's kids in tow.

I used to love it when the kids had friends around as they left me alone

YANBU I don't hold play dates at my house, we arrange to take the children out somewhere nice.

I love it when DD has friends over as they disappear and entertain themselves so I don't have to! I find it easier and less work with a friend over than not.

I love it - sorry! Ours is the local open house and kids are always popping in for drinks or to use the toilet. I really enjoy having them over even though our house is probably the untidiest house going. Means I don't worry so much - they might even leave it tidier!

Same. I've just had one collected. It was really stressful - and we weren't at home all day!

Lots of low level whining about snacks, the dog got wound up... eugh.

Even dd told her to have some manners at the table!

Sounds a bit wanky but we used to have a 3 bed semi and hated it, now have a bigger house with three reception rooms and they are much easier because i can hide and drink coffee.

I like it! My DDs have quite a few friends who live locally to us and they do have quite a few play dates, which I like to arrange because I'm keen to help them build friendships with other girls from their school, particularly because DD2 hasn't found that easy.

I find my DDs are get on with each other better when there's a friend with them, it seems to take the pressure off so it actually takes the pressure off me to entertain them and act as referee.

There have been play dates that haven't worked so well, but when your DCs have good friends it's definitely worth persevering.

For me it depends a lot on the child and their friends.

DS and his friends absolutely fine, they chat to me just enough to be polite and then go away and leave me alone, i don't mind them. DD and her best friend seem to feel i need entertaining and involve me in every game. I've discovered it is much easier to invite them to come to the park or something with us.