How to control curious and mannerless children when they visit our home?

Question

sometime relatives/family friends bring their children. The children are so curious that they would come to each room and find out who is doing what.This is a real nuisance and want to know how to show them their place.

Answer 1

how about  closing  the  doors if  something  private  is  going  on.  and  saying  to  the  gaurdian  of the  kids  that  they  need  to  "stay  with the  tour"

Answer 2

Be a better host and either politely ask the parents of the children visiting to bring toys, games to occupy their children OR have some things on hand like coloring books, small games or easy crafts the kids can use while they visit..

Keep doors to bedrooms, bathroom closed or locked to prevent little prying eyes,hands.  If need be have child gates to keep children out of certain areas... OR nicely let parents of children know what is off limits.  

Children are by nature curious and LEARN from the adults that surround them... .So, when in the presence of children you may want to have top-notch manners yourself.  Also, children are NOT pets and their "place" is around family and friends that nuture and love them!  If you don't want children in your home don't invite people over!  

Good luck-  

Answer 3

The trick to dealing with kids is to preoccupy them. When they come over, set aside a special area for them to amuse themselves with something like a puzzle or something.

If you expect them to act like adults you are just setting yourself up for frustration and disappointment.

Answer 4

ask them why they are like that and tell them that you havent been babysitting before!!  

Answer 5

My niece's' kids did that and she never did anything about it.  One day at a family gathering, she fell asleep on the couch.  I picked up the child and plopped in on her right in front of the whole fam.  My sister thanked me later for it.  I don't babysit her kids.  If they get into trouble, I take them by the hand and drag them to mommy and tell mommy to watch thier children.

I watched mine, you watch yours.

Answer 6

Ahh I feel ya on this one! During my stay with a host family in Japan, the young nephew of my boyfriend would often just wander into my room to see what I was doing. In this case I was unable to lock any doors because the doors are sliding type and cannot be locked. It was a little troublesome because I would be on the phone with my mother or trying to nap. One time he and his 3 friends all ran into my room to play!

  The only thing you can do is just remind parents not to allow the children to wander to other rooms because there may be "hazards." Tell them that each room is not "babyproofed." and that children should remain in the main area with the family.

   If not, tell them that other occupants of that room are very busy and cannot be disturbed. Then have them close the door. If parents have good discipline with thier kids, then this will not be a problem with the children. They'll know (like in my b/f's nephew's case).

  To all the defensive posters. I don't think this person meant "put them in thier place" figuratively, I think he meant it literally. Show them thier place likely means "show them the place where they can play freely without disturbance to others."

  Don't let anyone tell you that it's your fault. It's your home and it is the guests who need to be supervising thier children, not you.

Answer 7

When you know they are coming, lock all the room doors. Keep all things they might be curious about out of sight. Invest in some cheap toys to keep them busy.

Answer 8

1)  Don't invite them over.

2)  Close the doors if you do.

3)  Tell their parents that certain rooms are "off limits".

4)  Remind the parents to mind their children while in your home.

Answer 9

Some people feel that when they bring their children to a social gathering, everyone will help keep an eye on the children, so the parents almost use this as a "time off" so to speak. However, when you are hosting, it is impossible to also be helping keep children out of bedrooms, out of danger, etc...it is still the responsibility of the parents! When inviting, remind the parents that your house is not childproofed and that they should bring lots of things for their child to do. Keeping your house stocked with toys/books/games/etc is not your responsibility, especially if you haven't any children of your own. If it becomes a problem, don't be afraid to ask the parents to keep a better eye on their child.

Best Regards,

Holly