Playdates- is it reasonable to stop kids going everywhere (sorry long)

[Gigondas]

Dd is 3 so is into playdates now but of an age 1. To get into mischief 2 . To know that there are areas she shouldn't go/ things not to touch.

I ask as I haven't had an issue with playdates as they play in kitchen or sitting room (or garden if warm). So relatively easy to know where they are and put delicate or dangerous things (eg glasses ) out of reach.

Issue is nanny says that kids are in a phase of wanting to go into dds room to play where they make a lot of mess. This doesn't concern me as much as fact it's in same level as our bathroom (which has a wet room type shower so can be very slippery when wet ) and our bedroom (where I am not that keen on being a play area ).

Dd having some bigger playdates this week for end of term term (ie 3 or 4 kids over at a time rather than just 1). I am generally concerned now as nanny has said

Dh thinks nanny should just keep kids in usual areas (there is space) and stop them going elsewhere. Is this reasonable (I will be there too at playdates as will other mums so it Isnt like she is doing this alone.

Just wanted to check that not being unreasonable to ask kids to stay In certain areas (there is another loo downstairs) and not go into upstairs area or study (where Xmas tree will be).?

Sorry for mammoth post (oh and nanny keen on these bigger playdates so it's not
Something I have put on her).

Sorry vital line is nanny said worried about kids going upstairs.

Stair gate, possibly with a reusable cable tie or similar. Many 3 yearolds can open them.
We have bolts on
The outside top corner of upstairs doors. This is because DD1 simply could not be trusted not to sneak quietly off and fiddle with things.
She 13 and she's only a bit better now. Just curious about everything.

Good idea re bolts - glad to see they don't grow out of it

I look after three under sixes and they and their friends are not allowed upstairs when they come to play.The mess downstairs in the living room and playroom is enough.We do have a gate at the bottem of the stairs.

It's quite reasonable to put the upstairs out of bounds especially as you have a downstairs loo. you could try a stair gate but if there are more than one adult present you should be able to keep track of 3 year olds.

Thanks everyone- just wanted to check want being ott

I am a nanny and I allow my DC 4.1 and friends to play upstairs in his room on playdates however all children must tidy up before they go home and DC will tell me if anyone is doing anything naughty.

YANBU to put the upstairs out of bounds though.