Redditor Wants To Make Their Game Nights Kid-Free Because Of Friends' Kid; They Don't Take It Well

A 28-year-old woman was trying to keep her game nights simple, adult, and fun, until her friends kept showing up with their kid. At first, it sounded like a one-off situation, but then it happened again, and again, and suddenly OP is stuck hosting a hangout that no longer feels like the event she planned.

Here’s the complicated part: OP hosts a group of friends who all know the deal, and she and her partner do not have kids at all. So when someone brings a child into an adult social setting, it changes the whole vibe, especially when the kid is not exactly being managed in a way that respects everyone else.

Now OP is wondering how many times this can happen before it stops feeling “unavoidable” and starts feeling downright disrespectful.

OP explains that she's the host of a game night for her friends but that she's run into a problem.

This seems to definitely be an issue, and we can understand why OP is frustrated by this.

OP also mentions that they don't have kids, so they are unsure when this is supposed to be addressed.

That’s when OP realized her “adult-only” game night was turning into a babysitting surprise for the friends who kept bringing their kid along.

When friends introduce children into adult social settings, it can create tension, especially for those who prefer child-free environments.

Recognizing and respecting these boundaries can help preserve relationships.

OP has somewhat expected this to happen now that she has been through it a few times, which is, of course, just not fair.

We definitely wouldn't want to keep dealing with this either, so we really don't blame OP for not wanting to put up with it.

This is obviously an issue because the parents don't seem to be taking any preventative measures.

Low-Housing-162

Then the public-setting interruptions kicked in again, and OP had to sit there while the parents seemed totally unfazed.

Furthermore, feelings of resentment can arise when one party feels their preferences are not being honored.

This is like the pet-sitting mess when a friend’s puppy wrecked furniture, and the host asked for reimbursement.

The child should definitely be potty trained, and if they aren't, then there is a significant problem here that may need to be addressed.

Maddie215

This is definitely the best way to approach this, and we appreciate this person breaking it down for OP.

TashiaNicole1

Here's a continuation of the comment above.

TashiaNicole1

Once the group started ignoring the obvious, OP’s frustration turned into resentment, because the rules were never actually being followed.

Strategies for Maintaining Friendships Amidst Change

This might involve setting specific guidelines for social gatherings, such as agreeing to have designated kid-free events.

This definitely is something to compare it to, and this makes sense.

Thekrishub

It is absolutely true that the grown-up game night should be for adults only, since that's technically what they planned.

NCKALA

This is definitely a good approach, and honestly, OP might just have to be open and honest with them about the issues.

teresajs

At that point, OP is basically left deciding whether she’ll be honest about kid-free boundaries, or keep letting this same mess crash the night every time.

Additionally, finding ways to include children in social settings without compromising adult interactions can be beneficial.

(OP) shares a tale of repeated disturbances in a public setting caused by a child whose parents seem indifferent to the inconvenience caused to others. The child's behavior, possibly disruptive and ongoing, has become a recurring issue, yet the parents' lack of responsiveness or acknowledgment of the situation has escalated the problem.

It's not just the child's actions that are at the center of this narrative; it's also the apparent apathy of the parents, which adds a layer of complexity to the situation. This indifference suggests a disconnect between understanding the impact of their child's behavior on others and taking appropriate actions to mitigate it.

This situation highlights the complexities of maintaining friendships when lifestyles diverge, particularly regarding the presence of children.

If the game nights keep coming with kids and no warning, OP might finally decide she’s done hosting the wrong kind of party.

Before you kick anyone out, read how one host decided when to call it quits on game night rule-breakers. Enforcing House Rules: When to Call It Quits on Game Night