How early is too early to let your kids go visiting?
By AnjaP
@Rollo1 (16679)
Boston, Massachusetts
June 7, 2009 6:10pm CST
I have just suffered through a long weekend where both kids and adults did not get enough sleep. Later bedtimes are a treat but they didn't get to sleep in at all, due to my son's new friend being an early riser who appeared at the door a bit before the civilized morning visiting time that is usual for a weekend (meaning, we are all still in our jammies or still dozing).
I never let the kids go and knock on neighbor's doors before 10am on a Saturday or Sunday morning. I know that the parents are probably catching some extra Z's or still padding about in night clothes and robes. I also figure they won't be too happy to have company before breakfast.
I know that his mother has a toddler too, so she's probably happy to have the boy out of her hair for a while, but still, I probably would hold him back a little if he were my son. Definitely no one should knock on your door before 8am on a Saturday morning.
What do you think? Would you let your kids go to a neighbor's house at 7am on a Saturday or Sunday morning? Do you make them wait until a certain time?
2 people like this
4 responses
@neutral (12)
• United States
8 Jun 09
Rollo1,
I have raised two sons and assisted with at least 13 nieces and nephews. It is up to you what time your house receives visitors. All you have to do is tell the child or the parent or they will never know. Don't be shy, tell them. If they are rational people they will understand and they may need that as an excuse to keep from having to prepare their own child so early in the morning.
@Rollo1 (16679)
• Boston, Massachusetts
8 Jun 09
I know how many arguments I have had with kids, trying to keep them from going off to the neighbors too early. I haven't seen the mother, except through the window, she appears to have her hands full. But you're right, the only way for there to be limits is to set some.
@neutral (12)
• United States
9 Jun 09
Rollo1,
Maybe you should talk to the mother. There may be some days you too can get together to let the children play together while you two supervise. It may take a load off the two of you. If after a while you find her trustworthy, then maybe she can give you a break on some Saturday mornings also.
@deebomb (15304)
• United States
8 Jun 09
Some people just don't realize that just because they are up and ready for the day not everyone else is. I would have no qualms about sending a child back home if my kids were not up dressed and had breakfast. I would kindly tell them that the kids aren't up but that I would send them word when they were. I would like to give the kids a chance to wake up get breakfast and do any chores they need to do before they have company. Even if the mother does have a toddler I would expect manners in this situation. I might even offer to take the toddler too at a later time to give the mom a rest and a couple of minutes to her self.
1 person likes this
@Rollo1 (16679)
• Boston, Massachusetts
8 Jun 09
Exactly. I was up but definitely not ready for the day. I like to have my coffee and enjoy the peace of a morning when all the children don't have to be hurried off to school.
Even my son was upset that the friend came to the door so early. He wanted to sleep in.
@meandmy3 (2227)
• United States
8 Jun 09
I agree with 10:00, now teach my neighbors that and I will be forever great full. I do not know how many times my door bell has rang at eight in the morning with some child wanting to know if someone can go out and play.
I also think there is a time at night as well that they should not be ringing the bell. at our house we go to bed early, the kids that is. so no friends over after 6
@Rollo1 (16679)
• Boston, Massachusetts
8 Jun 09
I have experienced some neighbors who let their kids hang out very late at night, much later than I want my kids outside. I think that even with the later sunset and longer days, that there is a time when children of certain ages should be inside and not out on the street. This varies with the ages of the children, of course. I don't know if the parents worry about these kids leaving my house after dark, but I do.
@doggyhouz (548)
• United States
8 Jun 09
Anytime is fine after 6 i dont sleep in because i usually sleep at an appropriate time. Maybe ur being alittle picky? My father always woke up at 530am so i someone knocks it a greeting not a frown
1 person likes this
@Rollo1 (16679)
• Boston, Massachusetts
8 Jun 09
It's great to be an early riser. During the week I am up earlier than 6am and have loads to do before I get the kids up. Weekends are slacker days though, and even if I am up (which I obviously was since I answered the door) it does not mean I want guests.
I may be a little picky, and I am a little anti-social too. But mostly, I think there are some rules we follow just to be polite to one another and to respect other people's privacy and down time. I really wouldn't be happy with any visitor at 6am.
