We're lucky to live on an estate where our children have friends very close by, all in walking distance. Normally the children all congregate at ours weekends and after school, sometimes at other people's houses.
My two are getting to the stage where an afternoon at home, just us, is unthinkable! Their friends are the same and they're constantly asking if they can come over after school and the odd time I say no, my two are normally invited to their houses.
It's got to the point though where homework is being rushed, mealtimes seem chaotic and rushed as we tend to tie in with when the family next door are eating, so the children can resume playing!
One day last week the children came home from school tired and wound up, homework needed doing and I really wanted them to have an early night (and have a quiet afternoon myself)! I told them they needed an afternoon/evening in, but I also wouldn't be having anybody in here that day. Well, my dd's friend knocked on the door wanting to come in, followed by my ds's friend inviting him over there. I said no to both, said the next day was fine but not today. Well, my dd was in tears, so was her friend, my ds's friend wouldn't take no for an answer but eventually did, and I felt awful! It did my two good though, early tea, early night and they were far more refreshed the next morning.
Anyone else in this position? I'd like to spend time with my dc's sometimes when they're not tired, ratty or hyped up from too long spent on computer games with their friends, "family time" doesn't seem to be an option though!