The play-date rules

[Whirliwig72]

Just hosted for want of a better term 'a play - date from hell'. Arguments, fighting over sharing, tantrums, living room and kitchen trashed,... and that was just the mums ! ...and it made me think what are the basic rules of etiquette when hosting or attending...

My list so far.. please add yours:

1. children and their carer (if accompanied) should make a reasonable effort or at least an offer to tidy up before exit
2. special diets should be provided by parent - no 'oh he doesn't eat wheat btw' upon drop off
3. give it 40 mins - if the kids are just not getting on then call it a day
4. on accompanied dates parents should not sit idly by while their first born cracks yours over the head with a piece of brio track .. or worse mutter softly and ineffectually 'no nathan we don't hit'

Agreed. All attendees have to muck in with clearing up, making tea etc.
None of this sitting and chatting whilst you (the host) try to look after kids, settle disputes, make food and drink etc etc

Depends on the age, but I expect that me and the mums shut ourselves in the kitchen for a chat while the kids get on with it - I find there's far less falling out when the mums keep well out of it.

At other's houses I offer to help clear up, but have never been accepted, at our house my DCs clear up once everyone's gone. I wouldn't expect someone else to make the tea at my house, but it's nice if they bring the biscuits!

Parents should not sit and watch while their child jumps on furniture and breaks ornaments.
Nor should they laugh while their 5 year old child poos themselves, leaving a foul stench in the lounge.