Whats the best way to manage when my neighbor's kids come to play with my toddler?

Question

I once invited the kids over to my place( 4 & 2 yrs old) to play with my 8 month old. But when they came, they only played with the toys ( licked a few , threw some around , banged some.....the 2yr old wanted to take a few with him ) but did not play with my kid at all. I encouraged them to sit in a circle and play together but in vain! I was managing my kid and had to watch them as well so that they don't break the TV or fall off the couch! I was in a mess. The mother came to check on them & was kind of embarressed and took them away.
Now next time if I invite them , how should I manage? I want to set a time limit for an hr and definitely keep just a few toys outside. But without sounding rude how do I ......
1) tell them about the time limit.
2) tell them when its time to leave.
3) what do i say when 4 yr old asks me where are the other toys !
4)encourage them to play together and not mess my living room?
5)(any other Qs I might be missing out )
Plsssssss HELP!!!!!

Answer 1

I'd just explain that like their mommy, you have rules at your house that children must abide by.
1) Tell them that the baby needs a nap at a certain time and they will have to go home to spend time with their mom.

2) When it's time for them to leave, say that you bet their mom missing them and they should play with her.

3)You could say that you are putting toys up so that next time they will have different toys to play with.

4)You say, "I'll bet _____ feels left out when you don't play with him/her, why don't you play together for a little while so no one gets their feelings hurt."

Answer 2

First tell them the time limit, just come out and say, "I'd love to have the kids over to play, but an hour is all I can do for today.

Second Tell them the time limit is going on because you get really tired after an hour of all three together.

Third tell he 4 year old the rest of the toys are put away, there are enough out. Maybe another day you will put the other toys out.

Fourth Play with them on the floor, eventually they may all come over and want to play with you. Also, at age 8 months and two years old they are side by side to play they don't really know how to play "together" yet.

I hope this helps.

Answer 3

Your going to have a hard time getting the 2 & 4 year old to play with your baby.

Until your child is old enough to talk and run, the other kids who can do that won't have much interest.

From what you describe of the 2 & 4 year old, this is normal behavior for children their age. If they get to rowdy, you explain to them that they are not allowed to play like that when they are in your home.

When the 4 year old asks about other toys, tell him or her either that there are no more or that they may only play with one toy at a time.

Make sure the older children take resposibility before they leave and clean up and mess that they have made. Explain to them that these are the natural consiquenses to making a mess.

Set a time limit with the mother of the other children. Tell her that although you don't mind watching the children, you only have so much energy since you have a little one. She'll understand if she has two children herself.

Answer 4

most kids at 2 and 4 do not enjoy playing with babies or are interested in playing with them for only a short time
As soon as they come over tell them that you have things to do and only have one hour to play
set some sort of alarm so they will know when it is tim to go when the 4 yr old asks for more toys just say that they are put away and you will bring out different toys next time they come and play
unfoutunatly there are not very many games that a 8mnth old a 2 yr old and a 4 yrold can play together

Answer 5

I would find children that were closer in age to your child. A 4 & 2 year old have nothing in common with a 8 month old. Even if you do have a child over that is closer in age, you will find the play is not what you expected. Children don't start playing "together" until about 3. Until then they play beside one another (if that). One year olds might have fun seeing someone else their own size but you will need to be really careful they don't hurt one another. Try and Mom and Baby class for a more structured play with songs, stories and such. To address some of your other questions, I would make sure not to insult the mother of the 4 & 2 year old, her kids were just being normal kids in wanting to play with the other toys and being hyper. Best wishes for happy play dates!

Answer 6

I don't really think that a 2 year old and 4 year old can play with an 8 month old. Kids make messes when they play and an 8 month old infant plays differently then 2 and 4 year old toddlers. My 3 year old tries to play with her 11 month old brother and they end up doing their own thing. They're at different stages developmentally. An infant might be more interested in sitting and playing but toddlers are much more active. The 2 year old and 4 year old are more interested in the toys then the baby and that's normal.

Answer 7

Simple...these kids are TOO OLD to play with your child. Getting a two year old to sit and stay in a circle for more than a few minutes is a challenge and does not always work out the way you think it will...it takes work!! Also a two year old is still learning social skills and how to share and does not understand that your child's toy are not his. Join a mom's group...make sure they have kids the same age as you child...kids are very different socially and emotionally in the early years and in most cases it is best they play with kids their own age.

Answer 8

I can't believe you even posted such a message never mind actually did it. What you can't play with ur baby. Why would you go and get 2 more bigger babies of course they did what they did, they don't know any better. If you want to be a babysitter post an ad. If you want an actual play date you take them to a 'mommy and me' fun time at the library or something or make your own or invite a mom AND baby/kid whatever it is ur thinking, I would never ever have more kids around than I have too. p.s. U can't stop the mess!

Answer 9

It would be best if they come when the parents are there to help watch them, otherwise you are babysitting.It's hard enough watching your own at that age, without having extra responsibility.