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Behaviour/development

Talk to others about child development and behaviour stages here. You can find more information on our development calendar.

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Original poster

That's it, Playdates are now banned in my house, never again, and if I'm feeling weak I will resurrect this thread!

75 replies

sandyballs · 20/09/2006 13:11

My DD's (5.5) had two school friends round for tea yesterday. They were only here for two hours and during that time the four of them managed to get every single toy, game, bead, piece of lego, etc etc out and smother their bedroom floor and the lounge floor with it all. I've no problem with normal mess but this was ridiculous. They didn't even seem to play with anything, just go from one thing to another. Then when I was on the 'phone I discovered that they had emptied their wardrobes of ALL their clothes, put them into suitcases and were having a pretend "holiday" in the garden with it all.

It took me over 2 hours to get the house straight again. Surely this isn't normal. My two blamed the friends, the friends blamed my two

OP posts:

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

Set a reminder

cod · 20/09/2006 13:11

Message withdrawn

Original poster

sandyballs · 20/09/2006 13:12

There were 4 of them Cod, my girls are twins.

OP posts:

TenaLady · 20/09/2006 13:14

lol had similar a few weeks back. This is a reoccurring nightmare with one particular child.

I can only advise that you do all activities with them.

Certain types of toys go in boxes and they can only have one box out at a time.

That way if that box gets up turned its only one to deal with rather than six.

moondog · 20/09/2006 13:16

I do a lot of barking when kids call and hover at all times.
Also put babygate on.
No way do I want the little sods upstairs rooting

cod · 20/09/2006 13:16

Message withdrawn

moondog · 20/09/2006 13:17

One doesn't play with them !

What a curious suggestion.

Original poster

sandyballs · 20/09/2006 13:18

But I thought that was the whole point of playdates, the kids all go off and play, and I get to put my feet up with a cuppa and mumsnet . I don't really want to have to supervise every minute. My two never wreck the place on their own, but add another child or two and all hell breaks loose. DH couldn't believe it when he came home, he could barely get in the front door, had to really shove it and squeeze through the gap .

OP posts:

Blu · 20/09/2006 13:18

I had to laugh at the clothes in suitcases for a holiday...

cod · 20/09/2006 13:18

Message withdrawn

USAUKMum · 20/09/2006 13:19

I'm afraid I go the mean mommy route. I make all children pick up before they leave the house. I have been known to escort children back to the scene of the mess to pick up. So far, all have been compliant (even the roudy boys !).

When we go to others house, I also ask my daughter to help tidy there as well. Before leaving.

cod · 20/09/2006 13:20

Message withdrawn

cupcakes · 20/09/2006 13:20

5 is too old to not know what they are doing. Have a stern word with all of them at the start of the playdate about what your house rules are.

Mellowma · 20/09/2006 13:21

Message withdrawn

Twiglett · 20/09/2006 13:22

your house your rules

lay them out when kids come in

set aside 10 mins for kids to clean up at end of day

if you let them take advantage they will

I love playdates .. other children look after mine and I mumsnet

(only have 3 this week though)

cupcakes · 20/09/2006 13:22

and definitely make them clear up (or at least look like they are clearing up - you probably will have to do the bulk of it in very bad cases).

NumbskullNinja · 20/09/2006 13:24

lol- they sound funny sandyballs. Always chaotic at ours when the boys' friends are over too and no garden to throw them into which sucks. I just go for a mixture of letting them get on with it and then making them clear up later, taking them all to the park as an unruly horde and occasionally hovering a la moondog but i usually get bored of that.

moondog · 20/09/2006 13:25

Twig,you're having kids around three times this week???

Blimey.

cod · 20/09/2006 13:26

Message withdrawn

katierocket · 20/09/2006 13:26

Twig is the queen of playdates aren't you twig?

Original poster

sandyballs · 20/09/2006 13:41

Do you actually do "activities" with them, or just hover, trying not to let them wreck.

OP posts:

Twiglett · 20/09/2006 13:51

I love playdates

what's not to love

kids enjoy themselves .. spats easily sorted .. everyone's happy

mums tend to come over around 5 (or straight after school) .. wine gets opened

do get reciprocal dates .. but easier here cos DD is 2.5 and it entertains her

I had a 'playdate' from 8am this morning too ... 2 kids (brothers) dropped off cos parents doing something else .. they ran upstairs and only came down to put shoes on when time for school run

Twiglett · 20/09/2006 13:51

although to be fair DH was 'dealing' (ignoring) that one as I had to go out

Original poster

sandyballs · 20/09/2006 13:55

"What's not to love"

Errr, the fact that my house resembles a skip when they've left.

They all got naked as well, why do they do that every time they have friends round, it's not normal . God only knows what their mother will think when she hears.

OP posts:

bubblepop · 20/09/2006 13:55

first rule of playdates. one kid at a time.
second rule. get em outside in garden if you can.
third rule. don't invite them back if they're troublesome little sh#ts.

trinityshiftingherleatheryarse · 20/09/2006 13:57

I just had my first playdate (god I hate that word) and it was fine, no trashing but it was only one extra girl and they put make-up and and rearranged her roomI was terrified about it cause i didn't know the mum but it was really nice

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