Playing Away - Rules For Kids Who Are Visiting A Friend's House

I'm often surprised by how other children behave under my roof, when they come to play with my kids. Some children are polite, helpful, delightful, model guests. Others are far from it! And if other children's behaviour is an issue in my house, how can I be sure that my kids behave well when they are visiting friends elsewhere? By reminding my children of our "playing away rules" regularly!

Our playing away rules

* Remember to say please and thank you.

* Call all adults, whatever their age, by their last name (Mr Jones, Mrs Smith) unless specifically told to call them something else.

* Speak up when spoken to. If asked questions, respond politely, even if you feel shy.

* Smile.

* Be tactful. Their house may be messier than ours - if so, don't comment! Don't compare theirs to ours under any circumstances, whether you think theirs are better or worse.

* Don’t be nosy. If you are left alone in their room, don’t use that time as a chance to snoop around. Not only is being a snoop rude, it’s also disrespectful of your friend’s privacy.

* Follow instructions. If the parents ask you to stay out of certain areas, be sure that you follow their instructions. You may be curious about what’s behind the door, but they’ve asked you to stay out and that’s what you should do.

* Stay out of parents' and older sibling's bedrooms unless specifically invited otherwise.

* Ask which bathroom you should use. Don't assume. Make sure you flush, put the seat down, and wash your hands!

* Stay quiet. Unless you are playing outside, you should use your inside voice. No one likes to hear people yelling, and doing so at a friend's house is usually frowned upon.

* Leave electronics alone. Don’t turn on other people's televisions, radios, computers, or gaming consoles. Most parents prefer to have electronics turned off while their child has visitors. Keep this in mind unless you are specifically invited to play games or watch TV.

* Be polite. If you’re offered something to eat or drink, respond with a “thank you” or “no thank you” depending upon the circumstances. Offer to help fix or serve any food or drinks, and always clear up after yourself and others if you can.

* If you don't like any food you are given, do your best and place your cutlery neatly when you are finished. Always say thank you when you have finished a meal.

* If you make a mistake, break something or otherwise get into trouble, own up and apologise immediately. Don't try to hide it.

* Don't cut anybody's hair, under any circumstances!

* Think of a special way to say thank you when you are leaving. Most children will churn out "thank you for having me" as they walk out the door, but a few extra words could make all the difference. The child that offers "Thank you for having me over, Mrs Jackson. I had a really nice time and I enjoyed your cake!" is the child who gets welcomed with open arms!

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