So my oldest son (11) has a best friend Christian. They haven't hung out all summer. I had talked with Christian's mom last week about getting them together this week. So Christian calls today to invite Eli over to go see the movie at the park and then spend the night. No problem. It was Eli's first time spending the night anywhere besides family members' houses. But I know/trust Christians mom. So imagine my complete and utter SHOCK when Christian and his dad pull up to the house ... but it's a DIFFERENT CHRISTIAN! Eli had 3 Christian's in his class last year (one of them being his best friend). This other Christian had told me on the last day of school that he was going to call Eli to hang out over the summer, but he never called. Until today, apparently. I hope the shock didn't show on my face when they pulled up... I met the dad (I had seen him many times at school functions but hadn't actually met him - I have met the mom, but they are divorced. Their other son was in my daughter's class too so I saw them a lot - they would both come to all functions), and he told me where they were going, how I could get ahold of him for anything at any time. But still - I've never been to their house, I don't really know how they are at home at ALL- the kid is a pretty good/well behaved kid and from what I've observed I'm not too worried - it's just so awkward and not at all what I was hoping Eli's first sleepover would be like. I think I'm going to call him in a little while here just to feel him out and see if he feels comfortable and to tell him that he can call me any second and I'll come get him. Blah. Was I an awful parent for letting him go? I'm second guessing myself.
No. You're not awful! I think I would have done the same thing in that situation. I mean, what were you supposed to do? I can see how you wouldn't want to offend the father. I do think it's a smart idea to call him and check on the situation though...and make an excuse to pick him up really early tomorrow if you're still at all uncomfortable!
LOL thanks for not thinking I'm awful! HAHA I did call him and had the following conversation: Me: "I'm going to ask you some yes or no questions. Are you having fun?" "yes." "Are you comfortable with the family?" "yes." "Do you want me to come get you?" "no." "If you feel uncomfortable at any time, even the middle of the night, just call me and I'll come. Ok?" "ok." "Are you sure you're having fun??" "Yes!!" hahahahaha. I think he'll be ok.
Oh wow, what a tough situation. I would have freaked too! I think you made the right choice. I have an 11 yo ds too, so I know where you are coming from. My ds has done sleepovers but I have a strict rule about knowing the parents. in your situation it sounds like you have a pretty good feel for the family. I'm sure he had a great time. Let us know!
omgosh, i would have DIED when they showed up! That's CRAZY. But you totally did the only thing you could...after all, you DID say he could spend the night with Christian, lol. I'm glad he's having fun!
This would be a really funny story, if it weren't so scary for you!! I can imagine your shock... t is really scary that you don't know where they live! But I agree that you did the right thing - I hope that phone call calmed you down a bit!
I would have been totally freaked out & I do not have a poker face at all! I love the conversation you had when you called...so smart to make them yes/no questions...I hope I can remember that one for the next time I need it. I am glad he is having fun & I hope you come back to tell us how the night went!
Yep, I would have freaked out too. My kids are too young for sleep overs in my opinion, but they've started asking to do one. I was kind of hoping that boys wouldn't want to do that. LOL! I hope that he had fun and that your phone call helped settle you down. I would have totally blown it when the wrong kid showed up. I probably would have blurted it out and embarassed everyone!
He made it home safe and sound, and had a great time. LOL. I asked if he told them that he thought it was the other Christian and he said no. HAHAHAHA.
Glad it all worked out fine! I'm totally imagining this happening on an episode of 'Everybody Loves Raymond.' Once Marie finds out that Deborah let one of the kids sleep over at someone's house where she doesn't know the parents personally, Marie sends Raymond out to spy on the kids at the house and she comes with, too. Once Deborah finds out they've gone to spy, she comes by in the car to convince them to go with her and leave the kids alone... except they start fighting and it makes so much noise that the parents call the police... and Robert shows up, of course, to escort his family off the premises. Maybe I have a little too much imagination...
I definitely would've freaked out too, but you did the right thing under the circumstances. I think if you had a really bad feeling about it, you would've quickly made something up about needing to come get him early!
LOL That is sooooo something I would do. You are so not a bad parent. At least you knew of the family and checked up on him. Glad it all turned out well!!
