It’s so important for kids to make friends and learn how to be a guest. Here are 10 rules for visiting friends’ homes.
Recently a neighbor child stopped by to play. My kids were excited to have a guest, and it was fun for them to play.
Within a few minutes of arriving, the boy told me he was hungry. Dinnertime was approaching and I wasn’t going to feed my kids that close to dinner so that’s what I said, although they could have a small healthy snack. (*Please note: I know this child is well fed at home. If he wasn’t, I would’ve reacted differently)
He started wandering through the house and opening closets and such. I politely asked him to not open things without asking- that’s what I expect my kids to do at their friends’ houses. He stomped off to another area and did the same thing.
About this point, I told him I wasn’t trying to be mean, but at our house, I expect guests to follow our rules. I let him know he’s welcome to visit, and shared with him what I expect.
I honestly wasn’t sure how he would react but he looked surprised and said, “you’re the meanest mom in the neighborhood.”
It probably didn’t help that I started laughing.
So, maybe I’m mean but my kids are expected to use their manners at their friends’ homes.
Rules for visiting friends’ homes
- Remember to say please and thank you.
- Take off your shoes. Not every family does this, but it’s better show respect.
- Looking in rooms without permission. If you aren’t invited, don’t go there.
- Looking in the fridge, cupboards, closets, or drawers.
- Don’t ask for or help yourself to food. Have a snack before heading to a friends’ house. If they offer a snack, it’s fine to accept. It’s not fine to walk in the door and start nagging everyone for food. (This doesn’t mean I never give kids food…)
- Putting feet on or jumping on furniture. It isn’t allowed at home, so it seems like it would go without saying, but make sure they know it’s not okay at other homes either.
- Bringing along a pet without prior permission.
- No rough-housing inside.
- Remember certain toys may be off limits. Some are special or really expensive so plan to leave those alone.
- Be kind to friends’ siblings. They like to play too! Include them and treat them as well as you’d like to be treated.
What do you teach your kids for visiting friends? Please share!
Here are more ideas for your home!
Very good tips. I really don’t want my child to be the bad house guest.
Thanks Katie! I hope my kids are polite at other houses too- at least I’m trying!
That’s a good list of rules! I try to teach them to have good manners.
Thank you Ashley! Manners are important!
These are all really good tips! And so important to teach kids to be mindful and respectful of others’ things and places!
So true! Thanks Mary!
Haha, you meany! 😉 I think I would have reacted the same way you did. I love these rules. I always try to remind my kids that they need to be polite and respectful at home and that extends to school and other people’s homes.
Mine are so little right now but Ill definitely save these, they are awesome!
Thanks Tahnee!
I wish all parents would take the time to teach their kids. If you teach your kids these manners, you never have to worry about another parent, being annoyed with your child. So many parents have to deal with stress, and they don’t need a entitled annoying child coming over to add the list. Thanks for saying what so many parents feel on boundaries.
So true. Thank you Lisa!
How about this one- Don’t lock yourself in your friend’s bedroom when it’s time to go home. You wouldn’t think that would have to be said, but the last time my son went to his friend’s house, that’s what he did. 🙄
Oh no! I guess we have to learn some lessons the hard way…
Good rules! Also don’t take your ipad and other device and stay glued to the screen. Your friend invited you to spend time with them
Yes! Great points.