Do people, with children, ever show up on time?

Question

My GF and I have almost no friends to go out with. Why? Well, everyone has children. They can’t seem to resolve their baby sitter issues, no matter what. We don’t know anyone that is child free. Every time we go out with anyone, one of the following has to happen:

Nobody can get away before 5:00, because of their kids. So we have to go out when restaurants are at their busiest.
The other party will take 3 or 4 calls from their dysfunctional children.
The other party will be a hour, or more late.
The other party will surprise us, by showing up with one or more screaming children. This can cut the evening short becuase many places do not allow children after a certain hour of the evening.

We have somewhat resolved the tardiness issue by telling other parties to call us when they get to the destination. We will then make sure we arrive within 10 min. That way they can get a small taste of what it is like to wait.

I forgot to mentiontwo things.

First, at my age all my friends have teenage, and adult children. The teens should not need babysitters. But somehow their teens are so dysfunctional they can't be left alone, even with thier adult siblings.

Second, my GF and I will not be having children. The idea sickens us.

Answer 1

my mum has 3 children and we have always arrived at least 15 minutes early for anywhere we go!
it is often quite annoying having to wake up so early just so that we can be early. we are never just on time somewhere! lol

Answer 2

Not all people with children are late, and especially not by an hour or more! I have two young children, and I'm rarely late. I make a point of getting ready to leave earlier than normal when I'm going somewhere that involves taking my kids with me (out to dinner, to their grandparents' house, etc.) The only time I'm late with them is when I get to the car and realize I've forgotten something and have to run back in the house to get it. Even then, I've usually allotted myself enough time that it still doesn't make me late for where I'm going.

Granted, there are times when we're late...overslept, had to take an important, last minute phone call as we're heading out the door, etc.

When my husband and I go out with friends, we don't generally stick with a strict schedule. "We'll be there between 9 and 9:30" is usually how it goes. Usually, we're the ones who arrive first.

I sense some anger in your post. I'm sorry to hear that the thought of having children sickens you. It's a shame you and your partner are infertile. Some people do get like that after years of trying...they just become bitter and jealous of others who were blessed and fortunate enough to have children. Maybe you should get a dog. This is what most barren couples do...get a dog and refer to it as their "kid". Sad to see it, but it works with most people I know.

Answer 3

I am raising 2 grandchildren under the age of 3. I am always on time to any appointments. Whether it be a doctors appointment or dinner. As far as sitters go, finding one is not always easy. I have 1 girl I rely on and she is very good with the kids. But if she is not available, then I usually can not go out. It's not just about finding a sitter you can trust, it's also about finding some one the kids will stay with.
Also, sitters cost money too. So while going out to dinner only costs you the price of the meal, it costs me the cost of the meal plus $5.00 an hour.
And lastly, if you think that I am going to be out contact with my baby sitter the entire time I am out, then you are wrong. I usually call her at least twice while I am gone to make sure that everything is alright. If she has any questions she can call me too.

Answer 4

The reason isn't that they have children,, the reason is that they aren't organized,, sure some of the times it may the problem. ( You wouldn't want them showing up w/ spit up on them, or poopy diaper on their child would you? so these things come up once in a while)

They should be able to arrive on time if they would get their clothes out , pressed, and diaper bag packed the evening before, or that morning of the event.

We have older children but have friends w younger ones, and the whole conversation is built around the, or having to wait on them to answer their children's questions.

At some point it gets embarrasing because they are allowing the kids to run around.

We have lost one both sets of friends to each other because we introduced the couples to each other ,and since they both have children,,they started haning out together and taking trips... it hurt like heck for a while,,but I had to weigh it out,.... was it really that much fun any way w/ the kids?

So, my advice,, like we did... was to find friends that had more in common w/ our life styles. We are not yet in our 40's and love to go out..and have a quiet dinner w/ friends.

Answer 5

As a mother of two, I try to be on time. If I'm running late, then I'll call and let that person know. You have folks without kids who are, ahem, "fashionably late". At least with kids, it's a legit reason. Why not try to meet at a place that can accommodate kids, such as a buffet or family style restaurant? That'll cut down on some of the confusion. Try to be understanding, dear. You'd want someone to be empathetic if you were a mommy.

Answer 6

Sometimes I wonder the opposite.
All my childless friends seem to find cool to waste other people's time in waiting for them... and it drives me insane.
It is true that I don't like to go at restaurants before 7 or 8pm - otherwise it feels like having afternoon tea - but this is cultural and not because of kids.

I sometimes resort to give friends a different timing to meet: something like 30 min to 1h before I plan to get there... so we actually arrive at the same time.

If you solve your problem, let me know how.

Answer 7

First n Foremost Remeber that U too were a Child at some time... U didnt grow up automatically...
The most important thing for being Parents is Love, Responsibilty and Sacrifice for their children.

Answer 8

Spongebob (a ineffective horse) Icarly effective are all obnoxious team Omizoomi is definitely demanding Dora the Explorer is worse Barney gave me nightmares i like charlie and Lola (an outdated prevalent)

Answer 9

so make some more friends without children or get your g/f pregnant. lol. sadly though poeple with children are usually late because the kids take forever getting ready and kids are a big responsibility. don't be so bitter towards couples with children until you know what they go through.

Answer 10

I always leave at least 20 minutes everytime i have to get somewhere for myself or to get to my kids, so I guess I don't have that problem