Would you let your child hang out at a friend’s house if…

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Foreigner here. The lack of English isn't as much of a problem as the fact that we've never met. I would first want to meet the parents for kids that age.

But how would that work if you can’t communicate directly?

[Anonymous]

Omg I thought this was going to be something like they are crazy Trumpers or they have guns or a pit bull or pedophile uncle living in the basement.

The not speaking English thing is fine. Just meet them at drop off to get the vibe. The kid can help translate anything you want to say to them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The kid speaks English and presumably can translate. How long were you planning to let your kid stay there? A few hours isn’t bad especially if you will be there. Bring a laptop I guess

Usually I would stay, but I think that might be a little awkward.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The kid speaks English and presumably can translate. How long were you planning to let your kid stay there? A few hours isn’t bad especially if you will be there. Bring a laptop I guess

Do not stay if the kids are 8. That’s insane.

[Anonymous]

Why would you stay for a 7 year old's playdate? That's weird.

[Anonymous]

I wouldn’t. If she was 10, ok. But at 8 and not knowing the parents at all and no English? No. It’s not ok to make another 8 yr old responsible for translating. And what about if you need to communicate with the parent?

[Anonymous]

I think it would be fine. She will be playing with the friend who does speak english.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Why do the parents need to speak English? The child can translate if necessary.

And kids who grow up translating and helping their parents navigate the culture tend to be more mature and thoughtful kids.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I wouldn’t. If she was 10, ok. But at 8 and not knowing the parents at all and no English? No. It’s not ok to make another 8 yr old responsible for translating. And [/b]what about if you need to communicate with the parent? [b]

This! I would rather talk to an adult than have to go through a young child.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Why would you stay for a 7 year old's playdate? That's weird.

You would leave your 7 year old at a house with people you don’t know? That’s weird…

[Anonymous]

Remember you don’t learn if someone is a danger to your kid by just meeting them. Or by knowing them.

[Anonymous]

What is there is an emergency or if your kid gets sick or whatever. Is the 8 yr old supposed to call you, communicate to EMS, go get help? No. If I’m leaving my child somewhere it needs to be under supervision of an adult that can communicate with other adults should something come up that needs attention. Not leave it to the 8 yr old friend to handle

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My 8 year old DD and her friend have been planning to hang out during the break since early November. The friend wants DD to go to her house. DD asked me if it was okay and I told her, I just need to talk to her mom first since I’ve never met the mom. I find out the girl’s parents don’t speak English at all so now I’m a little hesitant to let DD go over there. Am I in the wrong for this?

No one goes to anyone’s house unless and until I’ve met the family.

Compromise. Take the girls somewhere where they can hang out but you can be nearby - movie theater or supervise an outdoor play date/meetup. Take them to a planned activity.

[Anonymous]

My mom growing up did not speak the environment language and I always remember the friend’s mom who visited and had coffee with her (and attempted to roughly chat with gestures and signs). It was a kindness that she tried and I became very good friends with her daughter (with whom I also had to learn to converse).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What is there is an emergency or if your kid gets sick or whatever. Is the 8 yr old supposed to call you, communicate to EMS, go get help? No. If I’m leaving my child somewhere it needs to be under supervision of an adult that can communicate with other adults should something come up that needs attention. Not leave it to the 8 yr old friend to handle

I’m really surprised that so many people here are so lax about this given the age.