So, I mentioned in a previous post (April 13th), about last minute play dates. We had another one of those the other day. Same people. We saw each other after school, when picking up the kids. She mentioned to me that my daughter was probably going to call her later, to invite her child over to play. I just laughed, and didn't say a word. (My 6 yr old doesn't call up friends to invite them over, so this wouldn't have happened).

Not very long after we got back from school, the phone rang several times. I had a sneaking suspicion of who it might be, but as I was outside chatting with another parent, I certainly wasn't in a hurry to answer the phone. The phone rang 4 times, then the machine picked up.. then it rang another 4 times.. machine picked up. The phone rang some more. Shortly thereafter, the mom I was talking to pointed behind me, towards the front of my house. Standing there, was the mom from school, along with several of her children.

I took my time finishing up the conversation, then casually made my way over to the fence. I knew darn well why they were there, but didn't offer any invitation. We stood there awkwardly chatting about pretty much nothing- or I listened to her chat with her kids. Then, after looks from both of our kids (the little schemers), the girl's mom said "It's not up to me if you can stay here".

Like I've said in the previous entry.. I barely know these people. I didn't know that mom's name til a few weeks ago. The last thing I would ever do is dump my kids off on somebody else like that. Or try to manipulate other parents into watching them for me. The fact that this mom called me as many times as she did, and didn't get a clue from the fact that nobody answered the phone (.. THEN came right over..) well, it just astonishes me. Honestly, it pissed me off royally!!


I did let the girl stay for an hour, then we walked her home. Before these two occasions, I did want her over at least once before Kiddo Girl's party. From things that I'd heard, I wasn't sure how a play date with her would turn out.. and I wanted to see things up close and personal before having other children in the mix. I won't say she's a bad kid, but she certainly uses words I don't care to hear from a 6 year old, much less from my own children, who might be tempted to repeat them.

I have made it quite clear to Kiddo Girl that if she wants a play date, we are going to do things my way. She comes to me and we talk about it. We see if and when it works out for ME, before we even go to the other child and their parents. Then I will make plans with the parents, not her. As well, she knows that not only is she not allowed to invite herself over to somebody's house, but I will not have that from her friends or parents. That may sound extreme to some people - people who might be ok with a revolving door on their house. I am just not like that. If I'm going to come out of my comfort level, I need to do it in my own way, and in my own time. I sure as hell will not let myself be manipulated into it.