I was nervous to send my 7-year-old on her first playdate & now know I had good reason – the dinner set-up was horrible

The Sun

2 days ago

PLENTY of parents get nervous sending their little one off for a playdate but one mum says her worst fears came true.
The mum's story went viral after TikTok user @txcstories shared it with her followers.
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The Tiktoker is known to share the outrageous tales of others, often stirring up a storm among fans.
This time she sparked a huge debate about parenting, manners and playdate etiquette.
According to the furious mum, her daughter had been desperate to go to her best friend's house after school, despite the fact she'd never been to anyone else's before.
Normally, the girl's pals came to her house instead, where she says she always lays on food, drinks and even trips to the arcade without ever asking parents for a penny.
But after years of friendship and thinking she knew the other mum well, she decided to relent.
'Against my better judgement, I said yes,' she explained.
At first, everything seemed fine, she admits she was 'probably quite annoying' texting for updates, but says the replies were reassuring enough that she relaxed.
That relief vanished the moment she picked her daughter up.
The little girl 'downed' an entire bottle of water in the car, telling her mum she hadn't had any drink while there and, even more shockingly, no dinner either.
The mum claims the other woman sent her child upstairs to play in her friend's bedroom while the family sat at the table eating their evening meal.
'Not even a slice of bread,' she fumed.
'I surely cannot be alone in thinking this is outrageous.'
She says she's desperate to confront the other parent, but her daughter is terrified it could ruin her friendship.
'She begged me not to say anything,' the mum explained.
'But honestly, this is killing me.'
Commenters were just as gobsmacked, with one suggesting she send a carefully-worded text.
They wrote: "you need to text them asking 'I'm sorry to ask but did she eat or drink anything at yours? She came home with a headache and incredibly thirsty.' and see what they say!"
Others simply branded the move 'strange' and 'shocking'.
The post has since sparked a heated debate online about what's expected when you host another child.
Many said a hot meal and drink is the bare minimum, while others pointed out that some families don't feed visiting kids for cultural or financial reasons.
One user said: "this is quite normal in my culture, if you've already bought and prepared a meal for a certain number of people then what do you give them?"
But for this mum, having her child return home starving verified her playdate anxiety.
It's not the first playdate tale to stir up a fuss.
Previously, a mum was shocked after being asked to pay a £5 bill to cover the cost of a playdate with her five-year-old.
How to survive six weeks of school summer holidays
IF you are struggling with the six week summer holidays, you've come to the right place...
BATTLING BOREDOM: Despite hours of activities and playdates, if your kids are already complaining there's nothing to do, parenting expert Liat Hughes Joshi says: 'Don't feel you have to organise every second of the holidays. Kids benefit from boredom and learn to make their own fun.
'Boredom can trigger creative and imaginative play but you need to encourage kids to get used to not being told how to spend their time.
'Ride out the pleas of boredom. Counter it with comments such as, 'What do you think you could do?' and maybe have a list of 'I'm bored' activity ideas on the fridge.'
SCREEN OVERLOAD: It's tempting during the holidays to rely on a digital babysitter but don't let them gawp their whole summer away in front of a screen.
Liat says: 'It's unfair to expect older kids to power down but it's important to set some ground rules.
'Set family tech rules together. If you're often distracted by your phone, follow the rules too. Maybe tell the kids they aren't allowed any screen time until they've done set chores, some exercise, or a board game.
'Are there times when you'd like to ban screens completely? Perhaps during dinner or when they have friends over to visit.
'Tech is a battleground for parents, but you have to set boundaries. Stand firm and be prepared to be unpopular.'
TOO MUCH TOGETHERNESS: You love your kids, but being with them 24/7 can be exhausting. Do not feel guilty if you need a bit of downtime.
Liat says: 'If you're juggling work and household tasks as well as occupying the kids, it's normal to start feeling overwhelmed or jaded and in need of some peace.
'If you can't afford or don't want to send your kids to all-day camps, look for free kids' workshops so you can get on with jobs or have a break for a couple of hours.
'Seeking a spell of quiet every now and then doesn't make you a bad parent — in fact it will probably make you more positive and enthusiastic when you are with the kids.'
SCHEDULING CONFLICT: Schedules can go out the window during holidays, but late nights and early mornings can mean tired and unhappy children.
Dr Tamara Bugembe, paediatrician and founder of Helperbees.co.uk says: 'Children get grumpy, test boundaries and become challenging when routines are broken.
'Sticking to some kind of routine during the holidays is a good idea.
'We release hormones at different times of the day and when regular meal times and bed times are broken, it causes dips and peaks in mood.
'Holidays are about having fun but an early night once or twice a week will make everyone happier.'
EXCESS ENERGY: Make sure kids get out in the fresh air to tire them out — and make them healthier and happier.
Dr Bugembe says: 'Sunshine also tops up vital vitamin D levels which helps improve bone strength and energy levels in children. Our levels run low in winter so let the kids stock up in warmer weather.
'Letting them run around in shorts and a T-shirt is the best way to top up. Make sure they're wearing sun cream, get outside and have fun.
'Encourage them to try healthy habits such as cycling and walking. They'll hopefully get hooked and want to carry them on when the weather gets colder.'