My friend is lovely by the way, + has dc's the same ages as my two, who are all friends. I work part time, (she does too), + life tends to be pretty busy!
Myself + my dc's enjoy seeing them, however, if we arrange to go to soft play together or a trip out anywhere, I find that half a day there all together is enough, + I like to keep the rest of the day free. However, nothing seems to be enough for her dd,(aged 8), + she'll always pester to come back to my place afterwards, or for us to go there for tea. Her mum often doesn't say anything, leaving me to make the decision. To be honest this half term we're really booked up + the other day I really needed the afternoon free, to catch up on things + chill out at home. Her dd kept on and on, even though I'd said no to going back there for tea. We'd spent a half day with them already! I said no several times but she wouldn't take that for an answer, then went almost hysterical, close to tears.
I would think surely if I don't seem keen her mum could offer some support + tell her daughter no herself. Instead she just shrugs when I ask what's ok with her, saying nothing at all, then starts wondering aloud what she's got in if we did stay for tea, after I'd said no. I then said we'd come back just for an hour, as we were going out + had an early start the next day, she shrugged but once we got back there kept checking the clock, as if I was holding her up in some way, poss tea time + bed!
Anyway, we didn't stay long yesterday + left under some protest from her daughter! This frequently happens after school as well, + several times I've had the children back to mine when I've been working all day, have got homework etc to fit in + could have done without it! Again my friend stays silent, making no attempt to stop her dc's badgering me. I want to bring it up with her but feel awkward about it. I suppose I just wish she'd back me up sometimes if I say something's not convenient, or say a definite yes or no herself to her child, rather than just shrug!