DDs social life !!

[mrstt]

mumsnetters, advice please - how do I politely turn down an invitation for DS to play at another child in his class's house? no particular reason really, just don't want his friend to have to come here, and I'd need to invite him for politeness sake. the invitation has come from his mother not from him directly.

You don't. Because unless you have good reason then you are being a little rude.

Does your LO like this other child? Does she want to go and play? Can't you let her go and if she has a good time then consider a return invitation.

If you turn the mum down for no reason then you will look ruse and you will hurt her feelings and make her worry about her child.

How does your ds feel about it? After all, his social life is just that- his social life.

Would your DS like to go? If yes, then I'd say to his friends Mum "thank you, DS would love to come. Thing is life is a bit busy at the moment, so I can't promise a return invite any time soon, but if you don't mind that, when can DS come over."

Do you never have any of your son friends over?

yes of course I have his friends round, its just things are busy and I'd feel bad at not returning the invitation, but I'll take your advice chopchop thanks. (haven't asked DS yet, what do I say if he DOESN'T want to go!!)

If things are busy have a whole load of them round at once! Hell for three hours or so but then you're off the hook for a good few weeks!

I wouldn't turn down the invite, he may not get another one from that child.

I've always encouraged lots of after school play - after all, if they have someone to play with they're out of your hair and you can get on with something else.

thats a good idea titchy. I was just wondering of a tactful way of turning someone down if DS doesn't want to go - do I just say something like "we're a bit busy at the moment". ?? something tactful can anyone think of something?