Playdates - Ok to Ask for One at Someone's House?

[Alyssa]

Ok, here is my situation/question.

There is a(nother) family of 3 boys on our street - 8, 6 and 4. Aidan is in the same grade as the 6 year old and is friendly w/ the 8 year old from the bus. I've had all 3 boys down here a few times and Aidan's gone there a few times. I'm friendly with the mom but not quite friends.

My new schedule is that I work from home on Monday & Wednesday and Aidan goes to an afterschool program on Tuesday & Thursday. (My mom gets him on Fridays.) I need to stay home today and so I'd like to go into the office tomorrow to make up for that. Not required, but it would make me feel better. (Good old Catholic guilt.)

I could call Aidan's afterschool program and change the days, but Aidan's asking to go to this boys house instead. My closer neighbors have offered to take him on a day like this so I'd feel ok calling them to ask. But I'm unsure if it's at all acceptable to ask someone else like that? Of course, I'd explain the situation, etc. It would be for about an hour and a half so not terribly long either.

I'm not totally comfortable with it - but on the flip side, I know Aidan's going to want to be friends with these kids for a while yet so I want to start to develop a stronger relationship with the family. Also, I wouldn't hesitate to do this for her if I could.

[Lynn]

I'd ask. :nod: It might be awkward at first but since it's for such a short amount of time I would be okay asking.
ETA: Tell her you'd be happy to host her kid/s one day this week/next week or something.
:giggle: Catholic guilt.

[magoo]

I would ask. Like Lynn, I would offer to take her kid(s) at a later time so that she could have a break, grab dinner with her husband, or whatever.

[Connie1222]

I'd ask too. The worst thing that can happen is that she has other plans or won't be home. Go for it!

[Cami]

I'd ask and sort of insist on taking her kids sometime in exchange (although, is Joe gone now? Maybe wait til he's back. :giggle: ) And while it may feel not totally comfortable, I think it'd be a step in becoming better friends with her/them. So one of you would have to do this at some point and now you'll have it over with. :)

[Kate]

I agree with everyone. You should just ask. The worst that will happen is that she will say no.

[sheila]

I think it is absolutely ok to ask.

[Alyssa]

I did ask and she was perfectly happy to help, saying her boys would be thrilled to have him over. I told her I'd love to have her middle son down every now and then on Monday & Wednesday so that Aidan has someone to play with as I wrap up work before picking up Colin & Seamus. So all is good. Social akwardness aside. :awink: Thanks for the reassurance!

[Karin]

Got here too late but I'm glad you asked! :up: