Friend’s toddler etiquette

[Himpernet]

hi all,
I would be so grateful for views. I’m not a Mum and not sure if I am being unreasonable.
My closest friend has a 17 month old. He eats with no bib and no high chair. Whenever he comes round he runs around with his food, smearing food on my furniture and clothes and dropping food everywhere.
I dread him eating anything in my flat. Is it unreasonable of me to feel slightly irritated by this??

Gosh no. I pick up after mine in a cafe and often ask for a brush to sweep up. I wouldn't let them make a mess at a friends house. If I couldn't control them I'd suggest meeting elsewhere.

I'd suggest that. You can try insisting on the toddler eating in 1 place at yours ie on a rug, but it sounds like your friend wouldn't enforce it.

I would be ready with 2 cloths. One to hand to your friend to wash her child’s hands and face, the other to hand to your friend to clear up the mess. It’s basic hygiene and manners.

Absolutely. If they walk away, it’s standard to say “Oh you don’t want it anymore? Ok, let’s clean it all away then for you to go and play. Are you sure?”

I think it’s different for people that don’t have children, your standards are probably much higher than those with small children and who are just trying to make it through the day

Absolute rubbish. I knew this was shit parenting both before and after having children, as does any decent person.