how would you handle this? (child related)

[tiggerlover]

DS's friend has invited him over for a sleepover, but DS doesn't want to go because he says their house is not clean. I do not want to hurt the feelings of this family because I do like them, but the fact is their house could stand a cleaning. I have put them off before because of other committments, but now I just don't know how to get out of it gracefully and I have to respect DS's wishes.

HELP!

 

[Chattyaholic]

I would just tell the mother/parents that my son wasn't going to be able to make it, and let it go at that. No explanation needed really. Or just tell them you have "plans." Even if that just means popcorn and a movie at home, they don't need to know what the "plans" are.

 

[Kirby]

How old is your son? Has he spent the night at other boys homes? My son has had a couple of friends that just preferred to sleep at their own homes. Not because our house was not clean but they just like to sleep in their own bed. Needless to say, my son has spent more time at their homes than ours. Some children prefer staying at their own home to play while others prefer going to their friends home. If your son hasn't slept anywhere else, you could use that excuse.

 

[Mskanga]

I would just say he's too young and he's not allowed without going into details.

 

[mom2boys]

I would just say my son isn't comfortable sleep away. I might invite the other child to stay over at our house. My 7.5 year old has only slept at relatives' homes except 1 time when his brother also slept over. Yet he is always asking to have his friends sleep over.
Is your son comfortable playing at the other house. Perhaps he could go over for a late playdate. Pick him up at bedtime.

 

[Mishetta]

I think that's pretty amazing that your DS being so young would notice that someone's house is not clean!

I do remember that your DS went over someone's house for a sleepover one night a few months ago....hopefully it wasn't their house so you can get away with the "he's not comfortable being away overnight" excuse & leave it at that or you can invite his little friend over to your house for a sleepover.

Good luck!