A friend visit that turned into a sibling negotiation

teal_gecko_213724 Oct 2025

My older daughter has a friend coming over. The younger one assumes this means she has been invited to every game too. I want both to feel welcome but the guest is not coming to entertain a sibling. How do you set an expectation before the doorbell rings?

2 comments

pebble_fern_790724 Oct 2025
We plan something else for the younger child during the first part of a visit.
- teal_gecko_213724 Oct 2025
  Planning ahead would be kinder than pushing her away in the moment.
moss_bookmark_278324 Oct 2025
The older child can choose one shared activity near the end if everyone wants that.