Neighborhood kids destroying our house

[Anonymous]

With all the snow days, neighborhood kids want to do play dates. One set of siblings tries to play with my kids everyday. One parent works from home. Kids come knocking on our door. They ask to play everyday. We are available but I hate having those kids in our house because they are really disrespectful. Today they smashed a bunch of DS's lego sets. DS is upset. DH is furious.

I know they will come knocking on our door again tomorrow.

How do I turn them away?

I have no real excuse except I don't want them in my house. I don't mind them playing outside.

[Anonymous]

Tell them no.

What did you tell them today when they smashed the sets?

[Anonymous]

Grow up and just say no. Buck up already.

[Anonymous]

Tell them your kids can play outside but no inside guests today. I say this ALL OF THE TIME.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Tell them no.

What did you tell them today when they smashed the sets?

We didn't know until they left. We've hosted many kids throughout the years including birthday parties with 20 kids. These kids are out of control. Both parents are always texting me to do things since we live so close. Even when I am out, they will tell me to text them when I get back. I feel like they see me pull up because they will follow up text and ask if I am home yet. They obviously know we are home! I don't mind at all meeting them at public places occasionally. It was nice to have the kids play outside in the snow together. I just don't want them in my house EVER.

[Anonymous]

How old are these kids? When they broke your son's Legis, what did you do? Maybe you should have talked to them about it and then sent them home because things were getting too rough.

I like PPs suggestion about playing outside. Barring that, just tell them "We're not having a playdate today. Bye!"

[Anonymous]

You have a reason, not an excuse.
"Sorry kids, you smashed DS's lego sets yesterday, didn't apologize, clean up or build it back up again, so you can't come in."

You shouldn't be afraid of disciplining someone else's kids in your own house. Unless you're a pushover with your own kid as well?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Tell them your kids can play outside but no inside guests today. I say this ALL OF THE TIME.

This. OP, why is so hard? You can also say "today is not good for us, see you later", you're an adult, you drive this train.

[Anonymous]

I lay down the law to ALL of the kids (including mine) BEFORE they start playing in my strong, I am NOT messing with you voice:

No one is to touch anyone else.
No one is to break anything.
No one is to go into my room or ___________.
There are no snacks or drinks outside of the kitchen.
This is the ONLY thing that you may have for a snack. If you don't like it I DON"T want to hear it.
There is no _____________ in this house.
You will help picking up BEFORE you leave.

If anyone breaks these rules the fun stops and everyone goes home.

I find this works even with the most out of hand kids.

Also, tell your kid to put toys they don't want to share or break in your room.

[Anonymous]

Yeah this is pretty simple. Either say sorry little johnny can play today or say sorry but you can't play inside today but you can play outside if you like. You're a parent and you can't even establish boundaries for your own home?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:How old are these kids? When they broke your son's Legis, what did you do? Maybe you should have talked to them about it and then sent them home because things were getting too rough.

I like PPs suggestion about playing outside. Barring that, just tell them "We're not having a playdate today. Bye!"

PP poster here with the list of rules. I did not read this response before I wrote my list.

I agree with PP tell them NO a bunch of DS legos got broken and you did not help to fix them. I does show you're in charge and you will support your DS not getting walked over.

About the parents I would want to know that my kid was acting like a crazy person in someone elses house. I would give him a chance to apologize in the least. (I am the odd one though)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Yeah this is pretty simple. Either say sorry little johnny can play today or say sorry but you can't play inside today but you can play outside if you like. You're a parent and you can't even establish boundaries for your own home?

I think it is the parents that are worse. I say no ALL THE TIME. I always say, "next time". then the time comes and I make another excuse. problem is they see us, come to us, ask, ask and then ask again.

I also keep a very clean home. we take care of our stuff. we also happen to have multiple play rooms in our house so they love coming over.

[Anonymous]

It's your fault, OP. Stop telling them "next time."

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Tell them your kids can play outside but no inside guests today. I say this ALL OF THE TIME.

This. OP, why is so hard? You can also say "today is not good for us, see you later", you're an adult, you drive this train.

+1

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It's your fault, OP. Stop telling them "next time."

Problem is my child likes to go to their house. Our house doesn't have video games. I limit screen time. When DS goes to their house, he gets to play unlimited video games. I almost want to get my kids video games just so they don't want to keep going over to the neighbor's house.