[mscougargirl]

My husband has had several of the guys from his car club over to our home nearly every weekend for the last month or two.  for the most part there have been no issues but I have found myself in the situation of having to discipline a child.  Now this particular child I'd never previously met and had no idea that dad was going to bring her and just drop her in the living room for me to babysit (GRRR!).  She was not disciplined and after a couple of hours I was done with having to constantly correct when she is opening and rummaging in my cabinets, drawers, touching every little thing, and whining that she is hungry/thirsty.  This child was 7 years old and honestly I felt that the father should have (1) called and checked with me first; (2) brought snacks and drinks for their child, as this is not my responsibility; and (3) ensured that their child would be well mannered and respectful in my home. I shouldn't have to be the 'bad guy' when the child of a guest is misbehaving.

What are your thoughts when you are faced with difficult situations like this?

[mscougargirl]

My husband has had several of the guys from his car club over to our home nearly every weekend for the last month or two.  for the most part there have been no issues but I have found myself in the situation of having to discipline a child.  Now this particular child I'd never previously met and had no idea that dad was going to bring her and just drop her in the living room for me to babysit (GRRR!).  She was not disciplined and after a couple of hours I was done with having to constantly correct when she is opening and rummaging in my cabinets, drawers, touching every little thing, and whining that she is hungry/thirsty.  This child was 7 years old and honestly I felt that the father should have (1) called and checked with me first; (2) brought snacks and drinks for their child, as this is not my responsibility; and (3) ensured that their child would be well mannered and respectful in my home. I shouldn't have to be the 'bad guy' when the child of a guest is misbehaving.

What are your thoughts when you are faced with difficult situations like this?

[melissamc]

I think it's pretty rude of the guy to just bring over his kid and expect you to babysit. That would not be kosher in my book. Did you ask your husband if he told him it would be okay? I could totally see mine doing that without checking with me first.

I think you have every right to discipline any children that are in your home (within reason) and to go out and tell the dad that he needs to either watch her himself or take her home. They need to be taught to respect the rules, no matter who's home they are in.