Playing Indoors

[BoyMamma2]

Now the winter is coming my 8 year old has been asking for friends to come in. During the day I don’t mind but at night I want to relax and my younger son goes down early. By night I’m thinking after dinner. The boy he plays with most is never allowed people in the house or garden. I feel I should say no if it’s not reciprocated? Partly that maybe his parents aren’t a fan (although he always asks and they say yes but maybe feel pressured) but also it’s annoying it’s always me.

Just wondered if you allow kids into play and if so do you limit numbers?

I think it’s entirely up to you. If it’s going to disrupt your younger child then I’d say to your son that children are welcome to play during the day, when their parents are aware, but not at night time.
Do you have a back garden that they could play safely in for a very short time after dinner?

If not I’d just say to your son, night time is a wind down time so maybe only during some school holidays and that’s it.

I don't understand reciprocation. If my kids wanted a friend to play, I said yes or no depending on what suited us.
But how late are you talking? What are they doing-playing quietly or watching TV? Or rampaging up and downstairs? Does he go home when asked?

I know this is an older thread now but just wanted to say that my partner hates having people in the house so we never can reciprocate play dates (makes me feel terrible but that's another story). Only wanted to add this as it may be nothing personal to not be invited back and perhaps a play date at yours is the only way that the other DC can have a playdate (not that it's your responsibility). And you of course have the right to say if and when the play dates can happen.