Dear Queenie,
A friend of mine has children about the same age as mine and she keeps inviting my kids to come over and play with hers. I won’t let them go, because her children are very rough and have bad manners, and one of them is a bully who picks on my son who is about the same age.
Queenie, sooner or later she is going to ask why we won’t let our kids go to her house to play with her kids. What should I tell her?—Protective mother
Dear Mother,
Tell your friend as gently and politely as you can manage that you do not want your children exposed to hers because you do not approve of her children’s manners and behaviour. But be prepared for your friend to take offence, no matter how gentle and polite you are.
I am sorry to say it, but this may be the end of your friendship. However, the wellbeing of your own children must come first.
