UK Mom Questions Fairness After Daughter Never Invited to Friend’s House

A mother has expressed frustration after noticing her daughter is never invited to a friend’s home, despite the boy frequently spending time at their house.

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Playdates Always One-Sided

In a Mumsnet post on August 10, the woman explained that the boy, described as “lovely,” often visits their home to play with her daughter, aged 7, and has even stayed for dinner during visits lasting up to five hours.

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Restrictions at the Boy’s House

The mother said her daughter rarely gets permission to visit the boy’s home. On the few occasions she is allowed, the children are only permitted to play outside.

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Daughter Notices the Pattern

According to the post, her daughter once asked if she could play at her friend’s house, but the boy replied that he wasn’t allowed, though he could continue coming over to hers.

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Mom Questions Etiquette

The mother compared the situation to her own friendships where parents usually take turns hosting playdates. She asked the forum, “Does anyone else find this a bit rude?”

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Forum Users React

Responses to the post were mixed. Many described the boy’s parents as “cheeky” for not returning the gesture, while others suggested there may be underlying reasons.

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Experiences From Other Parents

One commenter said they faced a similar issue in their neighborhood, feeling as though they were treated as a “free childcare facility.” Eventually, they stopped allowing the situation to continue.

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Possible Explanations Suggested

Another forum user advised considering other factors, such as whether the boy’s family struggles with mental health, hoarding, difficult pets, or even restrictive household dynamics.

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Balancing Playdate Expectations

Some parents noted they simply stopped feeding or hosting children who never reciprocated, sending them home before dinner to lessen the burden.

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Underlying Message

While some saw the situation as inconsiderate, others encouraged empathy, suggesting that unseen personal or family issues may explain why playdates are restricted at the boy’s home.