Having friends to play......................

[notlob]

Do you tackle things as, or if, they arise. Or do you tell them the rules before play starts?

Dd and ds have a friend each arriving in half an hour. Dd's friend has been before and isn't a problem. Ds's friend hasn't been before and I am expecting it (hopefully I am going to be proven wrong)to be hard work.

So ought I to set the rules asap?

YES!!!!

Personally I think it's a bit too formal laying down rules before they start playing. I would just observe from a distance and make clear it if you are not happy with things. I normally say something like come on calm down, or that's a bit rough etc. Hope it went well!

Hmmmm, it was OK. They're still here, so it can't be that bad. I didn't get a chance to say anyhting before ds's friend said "my dad wees in a milk bottle". I didn't know quite hot to react to that one so I didn't say anyhting. Did feel a bit of a nag.
"Please don't bring the Plymobil out of the house and put it in the sandpit"
"Come out of my bedroom"
The 2 boys emptied the shed of outdoor toys then wanted to go inside.

Anyway must go and walk them home. In conclusion ... it could have been a lot worse and I would do it again, well, maybe.