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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Am I out of order for this?

47 replies

JMSA · 18/02/2024 13:10

Was going to namechange for this, but can't actually be arsed.
I am a single mum of 3 daughters, two of whom are teens. My eldest daughter doesn't really have friends round, so this post relates to the teenagers.
My teens often have friends over, especially at the weekend. This could be for a sleepover, for example, or for a few hours to get ready before a night out (older teen). I am always welcoming and friendly; I take an interest in their friends' lives, make them food, sort them with drinks and snacks, etc. They seem to like me and feel comfortable in our home.
Here's the thing. I work full-time and am exhausted by the time the weekend comes around. Usually, there is one day in the weekend, where I'm in my pyjamas, Oodie or dressing gown of doom.
This has become my norm, especially as my teens no longer really want me to take them anywhere. They generally do their own thing.
I've just had a thought. Am I really weird for this, namely letting them see me 'undressed' (you know what I mean). What if I am massively different to their own mothers, and what if the friends themselves are like 'WTF is this woman all about?!'
And because they don't often see me through the week, when I'm fully functional with clothes and make-up on, does this make it worse?!
I am quite a relaxed parent, but maybe this is just too laidback to the point of embarrassing. The only thing my daughters find really embarrassing is my unicorn Oodie. It was the cheapest one on Vinted at the time, which is why I bought it Blush And although I love it, as it's so cosy, I do try to refrain from wearing it when friends are round.
Am I excessively lax and lazy? Would it be better if they had a fully dressed mum who was perhaps a less welcoming host. They're not mutually exclusive, so I guess both would be ideal Grin
Thanks for reading ... I don't know why I've suddenly started to worry about this.

OP posts:
LoveAHamSandwhich · 18/02/2024 13:12

I would think that was a bit too laid back. How about getting an outfit that feels like PJs, but is actually clothes? For me that is leggings and a big top.

JMSA · 18/02/2024 13:13

LoveAHamSandwhich · 18/02/2024 13:12

I would think that was a bit too laid back. How about getting an outfit that feels like PJs, but is actually clothes? For me that is leggings and a big top.

Yes, loungewear is probably a good shout.

OP posts:
LoveAHamSandwhich · 18/02/2024 13:13

Like, an oversized jumper, or a baggy top from Hush. Not an Oodie 😆

JMSA · 18/02/2024 13:13

LoveAHamSandwhich · 18/02/2024 13:13

Like, an oversized jumper, or a baggy top from Hush. Not an Oodie 😆

Gotcha Grin

OP posts:
Galeforcewindatmywindow · 18/02/2024 13:15

As long as huge nips aren't posing as unicorn horns it's all good imo.

Mazuslongtoenail · 18/02/2024 13:15

That would be too laid back for me. I think I’d be looking to get comfy clothes instead. I like soft dungarees because they’re loose and have no restrictive waistband but are still proper clothes.

Duh · 18/02/2024 13:15

I’m lazy as fuck but I think getting dressed is a requirement even if it’s loungy clothes

Alwaystired2023 · 18/02/2024 13:15

I think it's fine OP, it's your house and your weekend too. You aren't high and naked, or in pjs with no shower for a week - highly doubt you have offended anyone

But of course I do totally understand the idea that you want to feel a bit more dressed etc, so much loungewear in the shops / vinted etc you could probably get something to fit the ask above that is also a little treat for you

Merryoldgoat · 18/02/2024 13:16

I don’t get dressed on the weekend unless I have to. I don’t care what people think.

sprigatito · 18/02/2024 13:17

I wouldn't change my comfort level for my kids' friends, personally. My older teen has a near-constant stream of mates coming in and out, none of them has ever shown the slightest interest in what I am doing or wearing. If I want to slob out in PJs in my own home, I will do so. DC knows his mates are welcome, but so am I, and I was here first!

JMSA · 18/02/2024 13:17

God, I'm suddenly embarrassed and have started to give my head a wobble.
I'm an introvert who has become much too set in her ways, the older she gets.
Time for change.

OP posts:
JMSA · 18/02/2024 13:17

Thanks everyone. Nice to see a balance of views!

OP posts:
Notsuretoputit · 18/02/2024 13:18

I think it’s absolutely fine. You’re in your own house. That’s how my house always was when I was younger.

MonsteraMama · 18/02/2024 13:18

It's your house, wear what you want. I have a teen DD and if I'm having an Oodie and fluffy socks day her and her pals just have to deal 😂

Picklestop · 18/02/2024 13:19

I would make an effort to get dressed if I knew there would be guests in the house. Actually I think it is a good thing to get dressed anyway (I have loungewear and leggings and t-shirts for my lazy days).

Fionaville · 18/02/2024 13:23

This is why I've got lots of lounge wear sets. Just plain, all one colour black/grey/green etc. They feel comfortable and cozy like PJs, but don't look like them.
I don't think you're out of order dressing comfortably in your own home, but I think you'll feel better about yourself if you wear lounge wear. Your teens will probably appreciate it too.

ChessieFL · 18/02/2024 13:23

I’m on the fence with this. On one hand, it’s your house and you should be entitled to wear what you like in it. On the other hand, as a teen I would have died of embarrassment if my mum had been wandering around in a dressing gown. Maybe ask your teens what they think?

AnnieBuddyHere · 18/02/2024 13:24

I'd probably get something smarter but comfortable.

I mean if anything it'll be good for you, because you're the one worrying.

shepherdsangeldelight · 18/02/2024 13:25

I wouldn't give it a second thought.
I also doubt your children's friends have the remotest interest in you.
If your DC have requested not wearing a specific Oodie, I'd also take it to mean they don't care otherwise what you wear (although you could and possibly should run it past them - embarressing my children would be the only thing I'd worry about).

Sobbingteen · 18/02/2024 13:25

Your teens are so obviously fine with it or they'd have let you know. Their friends are obviously fine with it or they wouldn't come round so often.

I think it's crazy you would consider changing what you'd wear on the say so of some random people on the internet.

I also think if you start feeling like your kids friends are 'guests' you have to make an effort with you may not want them round so often. So your kids and their friends would lose out.

Keep doing what you're comfortable with in your own home.

SisterAgatha · 18/02/2024 13:27

some weekend days none of us get dressed.

but if I had people over, I’d put on something. I have some tracksuit bottoms and a band hoodie that I wear for when I want to feel like I’m wearing pjs, I never wear these items outside so they still feel like indoor clothes.

HaIlie · 18/02/2024 13:27

It's absolutely fine and not lazy at all. Work our arses off all week, sometimes a PJ day is perfect.

Gymmum82 · 18/02/2024 13:28

Are you me? If I’m home I’m in pjs. Or joggers and hoodie. But with an Oodie over the top. I live in my Oodie. It’s cold. The heating is expensive. I think it’s fine. No need to wear clothes when you’re at home. My kids are younger but I’m in pjs when their friends are over too

Flatpackedboxes · 18/02/2024 13:28

Well you are one step ahead of me. I'm often in an oodie but more likely full on PJ's. I also nap every day (health conditions) so my DD's friends are all used to me being in bed at any given hour of the day. The most important thing imo, is that you have a welcoming house, and make them feel comfortable.

Capmagturk · 18/02/2024 13:28

No, it's your house where what you like my kids wouldn't care if they visited likewise their friends wouldn't care if they came here and I was chilling.