How do you tell a parent one child only??

Question

My sons best friend`s dad insists on me taking his 4 year old brother on a playdate tonight, my son never plays with this child. There`s 4 years difference. How do I set bounderies?? how to I remain poliet. I was bullied into tonights playdate.

Answer 1

they are probably just wanting to put him off on you cause they want to go out or something and don't have anyone else to watch him.  sheesh that 's awful

Answer 2

Afraid you just have to be firm and say NO!  Better still if you were actually bullied into making the play date just cancel it.  My children have play dates all the time, when they go, i don't expect them to take their brothers & sisters with them, just like i wouldn't expect other children to bring their siblings to my home either.  Stand your ground, if you give in once he'l just do it again.

Answer 3

Say you wouldn't feel comfortable taking care of a child this young who's proper routine etc. you didn't know as it is a while since you've handled children this little. If he still keeps putting on pressure after that I think it would be time to abandon politeness and tell him you are not a free babysitter for his kids, and if you should have to find and pay a babysitter when you want to go out, why shouldn't he have to do the same. It's not on!

Answer 4

I would be very firm with these people and tell them that your son is friends with their eldest child only and that if they want you to take both their children then they must reciprocate the action and have both of yours for a play date as you feel this is the only fair solution and tell them you feel bullied by their actions they are probably used to getting their own way and a cheap baby sitter by doing this it's Friday night what time are you having these children over at your house till

Answer 5

Tell him that you don't believe in playdates and you don't believe that adults should micromanage and structure every aspect of a child's life.

Or, simply say "no" and don't offer an explanation.  You don't owe him one.

Answer 6

Tell the parent that since the boys don't play together you only want the oldest as you do not intend to be entertaining them. Or plan the date around somthing the older ones want to do that would be to hard for the younger one. Good luck

Answer 7

You should have said it right from the start, I'm afraid. When he said "and can x come too?" you just reply "sorry, no, not this time."

And if you're bullied into something you really don't want to do, the best thing is to ring up as soon after as you can and say "so sorry, have to cancel, I completely forgot that I have to do (whatever) that afternoon. Got to go, sorry about that, bye."

Doesn't matter what the (whatever) is - dentist, take granny to the doctor...just make something up.