How to decline a playdate request?

[Anonymous]

I'm a little impaired with the ability to make white lies. A mom is asking for a playdate with her child and mine, but I have heard (through my child and other parents) that her child screams, bites, licks, and physically attacks other children in the classroom. For obvious reasons, I don't want to arrange a playdate with her child at any point.

Can someone literally give me the words to say? I've asked a few people and they say it's better to make up an excuse, because it's rude otherwise.

[Anonymous]

tell her you to have plans that day and then schedule those plans , but tell her something that her daughter can't "tag-along" in I have had this happen one too many times.

[Anonymous]

“We’re kind of swamped right now let’s touch base…(in the spring, after the holidays, when basketball is over, when the weather warms up…etc) “

[Anonymous]

If it was via email or text, just don't respond. Via email you can always claim it went into your junk folder. For a text, you can say that you didn't see her original message(s).

If you have to answer, you can say that you prefer to use weekends for family time, or you have so many activities that you don't really have time for playdates right now, etc. And then you can just say something along the lines of "I hope you have a great winter break".

Given that you don't intend to have a playdate with them, don't say say something that is going to lead them to continue to contact you.

[Anonymous]

I would just ignore the text.

[Anonymous]

The next few weeks are a bit busy for us, but I'll let you know when we have some time.

[Anonymous]

Tell her you are still being Covid cautious and aren't scheduling playdates yet (even outside) but you will let her know when you will. And then just don't.

[Anonymous]

Or "Oh, thank you for reaching out! We are swamped for the next several weeks, but I'll try to get back to you when we have some free time. Happy Holidays!"

On another point, you may want to just be nice and meet up with her and her kid at a playground for an hour. You set the time and the place. "Hi Susan, can you meet us at XX Playground from 10am - 11am (hard stop) on Saturday?" Don't offer other options and if she offers to host, just say you are doing outside playdates b/c covid. Maybe her kid will behave this time.

If the kid does not, you can have a real excuse when she texts you again. IE - "Larla and Sharla didn't seem to get along last time. Let's give it a little time before we schedule again. Hope all is well."

[Anonymous]

You are, of course, free to decline a playdate with anyone you want.

But a child with those behaviors in the classroom is likely overwhelmed and anxious. He may not act like that during 1:1 playdates, especially with his mother there to support him.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Or "Oh, thank you for reaching out! We are swamped for the next several weeks, but I'll try to get back to you when we have some free time. Happy Holidays!"

On another point, you may want to just be nice and meet up with her and her kid at a playground for an hour. You set the time and the place. "Hi Susan, can you meet us at XX Playground from 10am - 11am (hard stop) on Saturday?" Don't offer other options and if she offers to host, just say you are doing outside playdates b/c covid. Maybe her kid will behave this time.

If the kid does not, you can have a real excuse when she texts you again. IE - "Larla and Sharla didn't seem to get along last time. Let's give it a little time before we schedule again. Hope all is well."

this. Don’t believe what everyone else says. Be cautious though, meet at a playground for an hour and see how it goes.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm a little impaired with the ability to make white lies. A mom is asking for a playdate with her child and mine, but I have heard (through my child and other parents) that her child screams, bites, licks, and physically attacks other children in the classroom. For obvious reasons, I don't want to arrange a playdate with her child at any point.

Can someone literally give me the words to say? I've asked a few people and they say it's better to make up an excuse, because it's rude otherwise.

How teliable are your scoures? And how sad for yhe mom and kid. Is there no way you can meet at a playground?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm a little impaired with the ability to make white lies. A mom is asking for a playdate with her child and mine, but I have heard (through my child and other parents) that her child screams, bites, licks, and physically attacks other children in the classroom. For obvious reasons, I don't want to arrange a playdate with her child at any point.

Can someone literally give me the words to say? I've asked a few people and they say it's better to make up an excuse, because it's rude otherwise.

How teliable are your scoures? And how sad for yhe mom and kid. Is there no way you can meet at a playground?

Reliable, and sources. Sorry for spelling misstakes! Lol😋

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would just ignore the text.

That's rude. How someone ignores you too. Karma

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I would just ignore the text.

That's rude. How someone ignores you too. Karma

Hope, not how

[Anonymous]

"I'm sorry, Suzy isn't available"
Don't white lie