Moms Talk: How did my kids behave?

At some point after the start of kindergarten my daughter went from this homebody who loved curling up with mommy on the couch to a social butterfly asking to have play dates and sleepovers. I’ve never minded having kids in my home; in fact I prefer it because I know what goes on in my own home.

However, in addition to wanting to have a different friend over everyday, she started asking to go on play dates and sleepovers. After much getting to know several of my daughter’s friend’s parents, I started letting her go from time to time. 

That said, it is important to know that my daughter is a pretty free-spirited little diva that can give my husband and I plenty of attitude, play rough with her brothers and occasionally be loud enough to be heard over a marching band.

So with these new visits to other houses, along with the usual concerns of being under the care of someone else, a new fear comes to mind…how will she act and will she actually put all of those manners I’ve spent years trying to instill in her to good use?

Some of my family and friends who have had my kids over have said they behaved very well, in fact a few have said how loving and sweet my kids are. My first thought at that statement – are you sure you had my kids? 

At home there is not a moment of stillness or silence unless it is bedtime.  While I have this unwavering love for my children that allows me somehow to overlook or even find their “spunk” endearing, I’m not sure that is true for everyone or every household.  

A good friend of mine even says that kids are just like that when their parents are around.  But the issue of my children turning into hyper kids that throw their listening ears out the door when with me is for another discussion. 

 So of course the first question I ask when picking up from a play date is “How did he/she behave?” And of course I usually get “he/she was great!” While I love the though that my children are wonderfully behaved, socially adjusted well-mannered kids all of the time, I live in the real world. So I wonder if those parents giving my children glowing reports are really being honest.

I want an honest answer but I admit I don't always give an honest answer to that question.  Are you honest when asked this question and do you want an honest answer?

The Moms Council will discuss this topic at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 9. Join in on the conversation by adding your comment then.