My kid asked to have a friend spend the night. I am just too burned from work out to deal with it? Am I a bad parent? By the way, kids are 11 yrs. old.
2006-08-18 08:57:25 · 6 answers · asked by Buddy 2 in Family & Relationships ➔ Family
Nope. Don't feel guilty. And it's best not to explain. Just say "No, it's not a good night for it." And then maybe help plan a future date ahead of time, and he can look forward to it.
If you try explaining every little decision, you'll find yourself defending yourself and negotiating. Don't do it. A firm "It's just not a good night." should be enough, and if you get attitude, deal with that. Not having a fit when your parents don't let you have something is part of learning manners. It's okay for them to be disappointed - but not to give you grief.
Parents are permitted to lay ground rules. It would not be safe or prudent to allow a sleepover for 11 year old boys, accepting responsibility for another family's child, when you know you may not be alert enough to supervise the shenanigans and high-spiritedness that comes with that situation.
Better to plan the event later, so all parties can either look forward to it, or prepare for it.
- P.S. - I couldn't help but notice that the only person answering who did not agree that you absolutely should not feel guilty - is a child (teenager) herself, and not a parent!
2006-08-18 09:04:45 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
NO...not at all....You work hard all day...you don't want to have to watch someone elses child, it is hard enough to watch your own sometimes...Don't feel guilty...You are not a bad parent...You can make it up to them at another time or a weekend get together...Or how about spending the night at the friends house instead?.....
2006-08-18 16:07:28 · answer #2 · answered by Donna 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes - you are a bad parent.
As a parent, you should do what's best for your kids, not what's best for yourself. Now you say that you don't allow friends over because YOU are too tired to deal with them. As a parent, no matter how tired you are, you should have time to watch your kids and supervise what they are doing at all times.
2006-08-18 16:04:41 · answer #3 · answered by youngwoman 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
you are not a bad parent, i have done that many of times. most of the time they don't understand but they will get over it. tell them how about just for a few hours and then take the child home.
2006-08-18 16:07:29 · answer #4 · answered by red 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
ABSOLUTELY NOT. I don't feel guilty. It does NOT make you a bad parent if you say no. YOU as the parent have to take care of yourself. Your NEEDS definitely trump your child's WANTS.
2006-08-18 16:09:20 · answer #5 · answered by tooyoung2bagrannybabe 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No you're not a bad parent. A bad parent is one who never says no.
2006-08-18 16:57:06 · answer #6 · answered by L J 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋