WWYD: Tween Drama: Playdate/sleepover rules?
Hi,
I have a Tween girl who is really friendly and social, and loves to do play dates and sleepovers.
Lately I am noticing that one kid always wants to have playdates or sleepovers at her house and never alternate (our preference is to take turns hosting those). On occasions, the moment kids start going out of control and we try to contain the situation, the child demands that she wants to go back home (no matter what time of the day or night). This is painful and hurtful to my child who is expecting to have fun time. Moreover, my child feels that it is because of some inherent issue with her. She has confided in me that she is not fun enough or she feels that it's because there is something wrong in her.
I have explained to her that the issue is with the other kid who has trouble following rules. Our rules are not excessively rigid, we are laying simple rules such as quiet time during sleepovers and asking the kids to not make noise while other members of the family are sleeping, etc. (by setting quiet time and lights-out time etc.)
I also suspect that the other child has more lax rules around her house and that partly contributes to this issue (although, I find it hard to believe that any kid will be "allowed" to make noise and disturb others' sleep, no matter how lax the family may be). Also, the child in general is a home-body who likes to just be in her own comfort zone. But all this does affect my kid negatively because she ends up getting the raw end of the stick.
I am wondering if the community members have any experiences/insights? Have you experienced this type of drama and how would you tackle it?
I should add too that I know the other kid's family well and they are great, responsible and committed adults.
daisyinga
homey_birdOriginal Author
stir_fryi SE Mich
homey_birdOriginal Author
daisyinga
And
colleenoz