I can't find any fault with your reasoning. Kids can either be a joy to be around or complete agony. I have VERY little tolerance for brats. Working with dogs for a living I see the same approach to raising dogs and kids: coddling, no boundaries, etc. I can't stand spoiled, bratty dogs any better than spoiled, bratty kids. And trust me, it takes 5 minutes on the grooming table to know EXACTLY who does or doesn't ask their dogs to do anything at home. Ick. People comment on how well behaved our dogs are... it's not rocket science people. It's firm, fair boundaries and expectations.
I think you are in the right 100% but I will say there are many people that do not like or can not handle blunt people. They are used to everything getting pushed under the rug and when it is not then they are not happy. Sorry you are going threw this but I hope in the long run they will understand and if not well I am sorry they are the ones that need to get a thicker skin. My nieces can be a pain and so that is why they help me pick out goats on the computer and then I go and pick them up from the farm. Their parents are a little self absorbed and let the kids do what they want. They always have a shock to their system when they come over because they are expected to act right and watch what they do around me and grandma/ grandpa but it takes a few talks before they get into the swing of it.
It is your house, you have every right to decide who is and who is not invited. If you don't want kids over, then they can either not come or find a babysitter. If it starts a "war", then maybe it is for the best and then you don't have to be bothered with the nephew. I no longer have tolerance for a lot of things and I have to admit that I'm tired of catering to people who think they should get their way. I don't need people like that in my life and not hesitant to move along and not bother with them anymore including family. I work too hard and too many hours not to have it my way in my own home.
As someone who tends to call a spade a spade I have also been accused of being "tactless" at times.
I have a daughter in law who cannot abide dogs in any shape form or fashion. We love dogs, and my little Cavalier goes everywhere with me that's legal.
We were invited to their house in Florida for 5 days this January, and I left the dog with friends, and had a great time, the dog was well taken care of and no problems. IT WAS HER HOUSE, HER RULES.
People now days need to understand that this life calls for some give and take. A person's home should be respected and a good time could have been had without the 11 year olds. ( I personally think all 11 to 18 year old boys should be caged) LOL.
Why couldn't they come and have a great time with just you and DH?? Because they wanted to spend the time with the 11 year olds more.. And that's OK too... No point in them being upset. Stay home with the 11 year olds, and let Roll have her peace and quiet, no judgements needed or wanted., thank you very much...
Zeeze, does everyone have to be coddled these days????
Well she finally replied back that they'll be here at 5 and are leaving the kids w/ her mom.
*whew*
I was sitting here unsure whether to order 30 wings or 50...glad they finally replied and it *seems* there are no hard / hurt feelings.
I actually had to bail this twerp out of jail on the day of DH's dad (twerp's grandpa's) funeral....so he need not get crappy w/ me. I'll revoke his bond, LOL.
I think you did the right thing. And you shouldnt have to explain your reasoning either.
A person cant just invite other people to someone elses house. I dont understand people who think that just becasue they have children that every invitation they get is automatically extended to their children.
I have 6 children myself, and anytime I go to anyones house, I always ASK if kids are ok to bring, AND I tell them before they answer, that it is OK with me if they dont want the kids there. I really DO understand. Kids can make a mess, be a distraction, and just add to the general noise and chaos of any situation.
My breastfed infant is another story though- I really cant go anywhere more than an hour without him. But I let people know my situation and leave the decision up to them. And I dont bother getting my feelings hurt if they say no.
My children should not inconvienence other people, IMO. They are MY responsibility and I realise not everyone thinks they are the most awesome kids in the world- I do, but, I am a bit biased!!
Yeah, Ive missed out on a few things, but Ive gained alot more.
I watch other people's kids for a living. 5 days a week, 12 hour days. The weekends are MINE! I turn into a crazy grouchy B$%&* if we have to do something on the weekends with other people's kids. At my daycare it is my rules and my house so I make it through the week pretty good. But the weekends I like to turn the whole world off and just be in my house and at my place without other kids. My own two boys are a totally different story because I raised them and they know the rules and they are a complete joy to be around.
We were actually invited to go to a Super Bowl party today with lots of my good friends but.....there will be a ton of kids there and I can't do it, so we are staying home and just having my brother over and enjoying some FOOTBALL without any distractions!
You are totally normal for not wanting the kids there and I hope you get to enjoy the game and your Sunday in a nice way. I have no idea who to root for in this game. None of my favorite team made it even close this year. I am just excited for some football!!