To not want ds friends over?

[MamaBear8686]

Ds is 7. Lots of his friends from school have play dates and ds is occasionally invited to one boys in particular. I know the polite thing would be to return the favour but I honestly can't stand having other kids round. I get really stressed about the responsibility of looking after other people's children which is ridiculous and unfounded but I can't help it.

Also feel like our house is pretty boring compared to his friends who all have trampolines and PlayStations and stuff. Ds is quite happy to read, play Lego, kick a ball around or draw but his friends complain that they're bored when they come round and there's not a lot to do.

I know it would be nice for ds to see more of his friends and I'm going to try and make more of an effort but Aibu to hate play dates with a passion? 🙈

when younger i kept play dates to the park for as long as possible, home. quick tea then pick up about 6pm.
Now they're older I don't mind as they amuse themselves.
Kids who say they're bored really annoy me, throw it back at them and ask what they'd like to do.

It does get easier as they get older and it’s about finding the right kid to invite! Some are an absolute pain in the arse for being bored/wanting the Xbox on then suddenly you find one that your child clicks with and they’ll play for hours with minimal input.

Start small, park after school and take drinks and a snack then drop them back home for tea.

You’ll reap the rewards eventually when DS starts getting more invites and you’ve got a small pool of friends to call on because whilst he’s happy to play on his own at 7, that might not be the case at 10/11/12 and bored pre teens are hard work.

DD 9 is an only so really values visits from her friends. They generally disappear up to her bedroom and only come down for food!
Its easier having a friend over than having DD lolling about telling me how bored she is!

I don't think you are being unreasonable to hate it, and honestly it does depend on the kid.
I personally love having kids over. It makes DS2 so happy. They are also at an age where they don't require any input from me, other than the occasional making of juice. (They are Y4 so 8 and 9)

my flat doesn't have a trampoline or a playstation and I still do playdates. You do not need to reciprocate every time but it is a nice way for kids to socialise. Also I find playdates so much easier that have to try and entertain my son on my own.

Yanbu to hate them.
We have trampoline Xbox lots of toys and always have pals here.
DDs best friend is here all winter, It bothers me lately as her DM hates play days, she should at least organise a day out.
Familiarity breeds contempt.

I flipping hate playdates. There's always an argument and you end up refereeing. Mess. Whining.

I just refused to do them. I don't think DS missed out.

I don't mind my kids (8&9) inviting friends over if the friend's parents also host my child. It's only fair.
My son had one friend who would invite himself over and his mum was happy and almost pushed him into coming to our house but she never had my DS at her house so I put a stop to it after a few months. They can play at school break times. My son was always wondering why he never was allowed at his friends house and I think he resented him.