https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Sat, 04 Apr 2026 03:47:02 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/hesitant-to-host-playdates-at-my-house#post-2794846 Wed, 03 Jan 2018 12:56:35 +0000 PinkElephant 2794846@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Foodnerd81: I always find myself kind of secretly wondering if their apartments are REALLY that small :silly: </p> <p>I'm late to the party, but I've been following and wanting to comment on this...I've just had trouble gathering my thoughts. Your concerns are really valid, but I have to agree with others that it's not fair for you to participate and bow out of a turn to host, unless there are others who genuinely WANT to host more often, and don't mind if you don't. I ran into this situation once - a mom who had a new baby and a toddler was happy to host every week one winter because she really didn't like having to leave the house with two kids in the cold - we were all just sure to help clean up at the end, and to bring food/coffee, and it was not a big deal. But if the idea is to take turns to make it fair, and you'd like to continue to do the in-home playdates, then I think you need to give hosting a chance - especially if you lay the framework, I don't think it'll be that bad. Some things to consider:</p> <p>1) Not sure how many playdates you've been to with this crew thus far, but is it possible that these women just know each other very well and kind of "let it all hang out" when they're together, the way some people might with family? Perhaps they know the organizer is relaxed about her home, but would monitor kids more strictly at another home, particularly that of a newer friend? I know that I have friends with whom we do just let the kids go nuts in the basement playroom (not usually with snacks or water, but if it happens, we reprimand them and clean up), but I'd never do this at a home I was visiting for the first time unless that was what the homeowner indicated was what they always did.</p> <p>2) I don't think it's a big deal to send a sort of faux-apologetic email before a playdate at your house that is kind of like "Hey, sorry to be a pain, but just wanted to let you know that we had our floors redone recently, so I only allow water outside of the kitchen, and make the kids sit at a table to eat snacks. I'll have one set up in the kitchen especially for them. Thanks for your help!" It sort of sets the stage ahead of time so that you're not awkwardly confiscating sippy cups of juice or milk mid-playdate, and clues people in to the fact that you're a bit protective of your new space (and who wouldn't be?! Most people will get that!) and will hopefully influence them to watch their kids a little more closely than they might otherwise. If you serve snacks, pick things that are easy to clean up, and don't stain in case they do get out of the kitchen, (ie no berries or mushable fruits, nothing that would leave grease spots - think cheese cubes, crackers, apples).</p> <p>3) I'd also just tell people as they come in "here are the playroom and kitchen, this is where we are hanging out today". You can block off the stairs with a baby gate or just a piece of cardboard to discourage kids from even trying. Also, you can shut doors to rooms that have them to quietly say "off limits". Honestly, if people who aren't my BFFs are allowing their kids to run around my house opening doors, I'd have to reconsider how much I reallllllly want to spend time with them. Maybe harsh, but true!</p> <p>4) Like others said, put away anything with 8 million pieces you don't want to pick up/ are REALLY worried would get lost and would be rendered useless if something went missing for a few days (ie, a shopkins collection, a board game with lots of essential pieces), anything irreplaceable (a doll bought on a trip abroad), or really age inappropriate (marble set). That should ease your mind. And let people know at the end if you want help with cleanup. Personally, unless it's a messy art project with lots of junk to be thrown away, I don't want help - I'd rather put things back where they go than have them tossed haphazardly in bins that I'll have to reorganize later.</p> <p>5) Consider volunteering to host on a week that is likely to be less busy - near a holiday when people will be traveling, a week there are lots of school events people will be going to (like Valentine parties), etc. :) :) Twelve kids is a lot, eight is significantly more manageable.</p> <p>Let us know if you do host - I think we're all kind of curious now about whether you've got a little wolfpack of hooligans, or if they can be tamed!! :) :) :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/hesitant-to-host-playdates-at-my-house#post-2794671 Tue, 02 Jan 2018 18:45:03 +0000 Foodnerd81 2794671@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I’ve been thinking about this since you posted- I regularly host or go to play dates at peoples houses, and I have to say no one would let their kid wander all over the house with food or drinks besides water. Yes the toys make a giant mess but that’s it. Generally people put away super messy toys with a million pieces or things like art supplies, everyone makes sure food stays where it is allowed, and everyone tries to help pick up at the end. </p> <p>But I’ve also been in groups where some members couldn’t host in cold weather- we lived in the city and some apartments were just too small (or so they said, since I never actually went :silly: ). One always hosted extra in the warm weather since she had a yard. Another friend has dogs that aren’t really kid friendly and it isn’t a big deal. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/hesitant-to-host-playdates-at-my-house#post-2794577 Tue, 02 Jan 2018 13:13:18 +0000 Truth Bombs 2794577@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My core friend group is 6 families that work out to 12 adults + 11 kids (and one more on the way) ranging from infant to 5 years old. Honestly, we have them all over all the time, and it's really not a huge deal. All the parents are responsible and check in on their own kids frequently and we have no issue enforcing rules on the other kids if we see them acting inappropriately. When it's time to go home all the adults and older kids work together to clean up the play room. I want my friends and my children's friends to feel welcome and comfortable in my home, so hosting is important to me. As others have said, I think the issue here is less about hosting in general and more about the fact that this particular group seems to struggle with proper supervision of their children, so I would lay down some ground rules about people keeping an eye on their kids, and I would set up your space so that adults and kids are together, not separated. For instance my play room and dining room are attached, when it's meal time I put two picnic tables in the playroom and then the adults sit in the dining room and we can keep a close eye on the kids. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/hesitant-to-host-playdates-at-my-house#post-2794557 Tue, 02 Jan 2018 12:35:39 +0000 snowjewelz 2794557@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>First of all, my house wouldn't fit 12 kids + 12 parents! Second of all, I, like you, get really stressed out when my house gets trashed haha. So 1) I'd talk to the organizers and ask if it's mandatory to participate, or this is a volunteer thing. 2) if it's mandatory, is it a lot you're missing out on if you don't participate in home playdates but still go to everything else? 3) if there's no other choice but to host, and pretending my basement is big enough, I'd just set up all toys/snacks/drinks for everyone in my basement so no one would feel the need to go anywhere else (assuming where you are it's too cold to be outside). If it's warmer weather, I'd strongly encourage outside play the whole time haha! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/hesitant-to-host-playdates-at-my-house#post-2794554 Tue, 02 Jan 2018 12:33:28 +0000 kiddosc 2794554@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think setting some ground rules is reasonable and will help alleviate some of the anxiety. No food or drink out of the kitchen, no climbing on furniture, stay in the playroom. I would put away any art supplies or potentially messy toys. I don't have a problem if kids come over and destroy the playroom, it's what I like best about having a play room. I do think it's reasonable to set some ground rules and not have the kids run amok though. </p> <p>What is the layout of your house? Is there a place for the mom's to socialize in view of the playroom so that you can keep some control of the kids? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/hesitant-to-host-playdates-at-my-house#post-2794551 Tue, 02 Jan 2018 12:27:40 +0000 skipra 2794551@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I like hosting playdates and I think it's good to establish that my kids are welcome to bring friends over from an early age. I think having playgroup at the members houses is a great way to establish comfort for both the kids and adults for when drop off play dates start to happen. With that being said, 12 kids is a lot but with some rules like no climbing on furniture and food stays at the table, I would absolutely do it once in a while. I live in a home, not a museum, so I don't stress out over it too much. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/hesitant-to-host-playdates-at-my-house#post-2794542 Tue, 02 Jan 2018 11:44:29 +0000 T.H.O.U. 2794542@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I am ok with mess of toys but not candy being carried around the house! </p> <p>Maybe say something like, I would be happy to host a small play date when the weather is warm enough to be outside because we really dont have a house that has enough kid friend space for large groups of kids. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/hesitant-to-host-playdates-at-my-house#post-2794440 Mon, 01 Jan 2018 16:22:40 +0000 Ginabean3 2794440@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>This is totally me. I really don’t like hosting play dates, the chaos and mess that ensues stresses me out greatly. And this is with 6 kids, can’t even imagine 12. When I have to do it (because I feel guilty for not taking a turn), I definitely set ground rules. No food out of the kitchen, and one whole side of the house is off limits. I also put away any toys that have tons of small pieces, etc. If I can, I prefer to host at a park or I love the idea of co-hosting...using someone else’s home but bringing all the goodies! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/hesitant-to-host-playdates-at-my-house#post-2794438 Mon, 01 Jan 2018 15:59:58 +0000 crazydoglady 2794438@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Anagram: That's a great idea!<br /> @aprild: You could sell it as a "I just wanted to make sure we could REALLY relax and get a break." </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/hesitant-to-host-playdates-at-my-house#post-2794429 Mon, 01 Jan 2018 13:37:57 +0000 Anagram 2794429@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@aprild: hire two teenage sitters to shadow the kids and pickup as kids play, to direct an activity, and to supervise so no damage occurs. It'd probably cost like $40 for a couple of hours. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/hesitant-to-host-playdates-at-my-house#post-2794385 Mon, 01 Jan 2018 05:25:56 +0000 lamariniere 2794385@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I totally understand. When my kids were younger, I led a mom’s group and someone different would host each week. The way we did it, the host would select the place, either at their home or at a venue of their choice. Nearly all of the venues were free or budget-friendly and all prices would be mentioned in advance. Some of the venues I remember were kid friendly cafes, playrooms, park/playground, city beach in summer, Christmas market in winter, the zoo and the aquarium. I don’t think hosts should feel obligated to invite people into their homes. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/hesitant-to-host-playdates-at-my-house#post-2794272 Sat, 30 Dec 2017 19:53:13 +0000 mrs.shinerbock 2794272@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Are there any places around you that you can use for free? I’ve hosted playdates at our neighborhood clubhouse and at a local community center that has a room for events. Both are places I can reserve for free, and I pack up a few toys, an easy-to-clean-up craft activity and some snacks. It works pretty well, and I dont have to clean my house. I also have no problem telling everyone to dress for the weather and taking some coffee and snacks to the park. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/hesitant-to-host-playdates-at-my-house#post-2794268 Sat, 30 Dec 2017 19:21:07 +0000 Pollywog 2794268@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>What we do in my area is have one mom who loves to host. We bring over food and drinks and activities so she literally has to do nothing. As it's getting to the end, we all pick up (because a dozen two year olds make messes) and get the kids involved. Her house isn't perfect, but definitely not a disaster. </p> <p>To reciprocate, those of us in smaller houses host playground meet ups or find other activities. Tomorrow three of us are going to a play place, yesterday 5 met up at the mall. We've also done a restaurant with a play gym. Id suggest dividing up hosting so maybe you can bring the food and someone else provides the space. Or host at a McDonalds /Chick fil a and buy a couple of big boxes of chicken nuggets and fries to share. It wouldn't be that expensive </p> <p>One question, do you do small group play dates? I've found they really help with ground rules and figure out other parents comfort zones. For example, my almost two year old is allowed to help himself to snacks (all healthy, but not low cal because he struggles to keep weight on ) but other parents were not okay with that so we had to work out a set snack time. Similarly, I allow juice and other kids have to stick to milk (which I don't have due to MSPI) . After 2-3 play dates we find our groove on how much mess and noise we allow and it us way easier to add other families to the mix. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/hesitant-to-host-playdates-at-my-house#post-2794255 Sat, 30 Dec 2017 17:43:39 +0000 MaryM 2794255@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Would it be more appropriate to try to get all the moms and kids to chip in on picking up at the end of the play date (not just at your house, but all of them)? It doesn't seem fair for some people to just opt out on hosting. But maybe the real issue is the mess that's being left behind? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/hesitant-to-host-playdates-at-my-house#post-2794248 Sat, 30 Dec 2017 17:06:28 +0000 misolee 2794248@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>so I totally feel ya. I'm very particular about my house and the organization of it. My daughter is a pretty good cleaner (my son is getting there) and knows where everything goes so our playroom stays sort of a resemblance of things put in place. It also bugs me when things in "sets" are all over the place. </p> <p>With that said, and since it's a rotation and you have to host, I would do several things:<br /> 1)hide toys that you don't want them getting into or is too messy --I watch my best friend's kids on occasion and they come over often for playdates. Love them but they open everything and throw everything on the floor into one jumbled mess. That's just how they play...so we hide things with little pieces.</p> <p>2)make rules and enforce it. We keep toys in these couple of rooms, we eat in the kitchen, etc and don't be afraid to remind the kids of it.</p> <p>3)have an activity for them to do at a table set up. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/hesitant-to-host-playdates-at-my-house#post-2794238 Sat, 30 Dec 2017 16:09:56 +0000 DesertDreams88 2794238@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My short answers: Yes I'm totally willing to host, and yes I'm find with mess / chaos as long as it gets cleaned up in the end. I want my house to be kid-friendly and we purposefully "designed" in that way in terms of furniture, etc. </p> <p>I'm part of a small-group Bible study, in which 6 other kids ages 2-5 come over, in addition to my 2-yr-old. The adults talk in one room down the hall, and the kids all play independently-ish in the playroom &amp; bedroom, and it ends up very messy (blocks and balls all over the floors, half-colored papers, etc). However the mess is not permanent - no one colors on the walls or breaks things, and the kids always clean before leaving. </p> <p>I'm also part of a larger playgroup, which can range from 5-12 kids ages 1-4, and usually they meet at a park but during the summer we meet at people's houses so the kids can go in the pools (we live in AZ). </p> <p>What would I do if I were you? I'd be honest with the moms about your dis-comfort level with messes, and if you were to host, I'd plan a structured activity or 2. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/hesitant-to-host-playdates-at-my-house#post-2794234 Sat, 30 Dec 2017 15:50:16 +0000 KayKay 2794234@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>The playgroups I have (successfully) been a part of typically didn't force anyone to host. If there was a week where weather was bad, or we couldn't think of anything specific to do, one of the people who likes to host would usually volunteer. I'm not typically the hosting type, so I never volunteered. It was never an issue, but we also had lots of free/cheap parks or storytimes or whatever to go to instead.</p> <p>In your case, I'd probably just tell the group/leader/whoever that hosting things really stresses me out, so I'd either be happy to host at a separate place...or if there is someone who prefers their house, I'd offer to bring snacks/coffee to their place sometime (basically co-host, just not at my house). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/hesitant-to-host-playdates-at-my-house#post-2794233 Sat, 30 Dec 2017 15:23:19 +0000 Becky 2794233@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I agree that if you participate in the hosted parties, you would need to reciprocate. You could like someone else stated host at an indoor place that no one needs to pay to attend, but then you’d have to plan activities and haul everything there. You’ll most likely be having bday parties with just as many kids at your house someday, so it can be practice for setting ground rules like others suggested. I don’t think it necessarily sounds like a behavior issue, because kids will run wild if you let them do so unsupervised (which is probably happening so the moms can socialize). </p> <p>I get agitated when my house is a mess also (less so than a few years ago, but I’m just saying to put it in perspective that I’m not on the opposite end of the spectrum as you) but for some reason the mess left by bday parties and play dates doesn’t bug me. I think it’s because my kids just have such a ridiculously good time, and I get to socialize with parents I like. My kids can make just as bad of a mess on their own though too so me enjoying myself while it happens softens the blow.</p> <p>Also is there a reason they can’t play outside? If you live in an apartment or don’t have a yard that’s definitely understandable. We’ve played outside in 20 degrees and snow during play dates though. My kids are 20 months and 4. 4-6 year olds don’t really need much supervision outside and the little ones could always stay inside with a few moms. Sledding is endless fun as is building snow forts (dad’s being present is a plus). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/hesitant-to-host-playdates-at-my-house#post-2794226 Sat, 30 Dec 2017 14:31:14 +0000 looch 2794226@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>What are the moms doing during the playdate? That seems to me to be more of the issue, that if the kids are running laps, it's because the moms aren't involved and they want it more as a mom meet up. I am usually the only mom that's actively with the kids during a play date, I don't trust kids to "play on their own" in a large group of mixed ages. </p> <p>I also think the age group is too big. It's hard for a 2.5 year old to play the same as a 6 year old. </p> <p>I bundle my son up and we go outside. It's snowing today and we were out for an hour and a half. We have on our base layers, snow pants, coats, hats, mittens, etc and I slather on a face cream and out we go. I would not hesitate at all to host an outdoor playdate and just ask that everyone dress warmly. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/hesitant-to-host-playdates-at-my-house#post-2794216 Sat, 30 Dec 2017 12:29:20 +0000 JoyfulKiwi 2794216@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I don’t think it’s fair to go to the play dates and then not host when it’s your turn. But I also don’t think you have to host the way everyone else does. If you’re not comfortable with kids running amok, you can do some prep and lay down some house rules. You could choose one playspace and specific toys to play with and then do a lot of “In this house, we walk/use couches for sitting/eat in the kitchen.”<br /> At the worst, they might not like your play date style and just stop asking you to host until the weather is nice. (If you’re comfortable enough with these friends, you could even offer to host most often during nice weather to avoid kids inside.) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/hesitant-to-host-playdates-at-my-house#post-2794213 Sat, 30 Dec 2017 12:09:46 +0000 Finfan 2794213@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>It seems more than fair for everyone to take turns hosting but you can set some ground rooms and ask people to stick to 1-2 rooms. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/hesitant-to-host-playdates-at-my-house#post-2794211 Sat, 30 Dec 2017 11:39:33 +0000 Mrs. Lion 2794211@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I personally love to host and don't mind temporary messes, but we have rules about play. No food out of the kitchen, no craft/art materials upstairs, etc. If you decide to host would just state some ground rules and ask that everyone help clean up toys before they go. </p> <p>Or if you don't want to host at all, maybe tell the organizer that it isn't your thing and see if she minds taking you out of the rotation. I think most people would be understanding, especially since there are some people that really enjoy it. Personally, for me, having kids in my own home brings about FAR less anxiety than hosting, and I would happily take your slot ;) if they are good friends they will understand :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/hesitant-to-host-playdates-at-my-house#post-2794210 Sat, 30 Dec 2017 11:32:39 +0000 periwinklebee 2794210@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I wouldn't be happy but would try to hide anything that could make a big mess, get stuck in carpeting, etc or had small parts that could be strewn everywhere and hope for the best. If the other moms really want it to be an opportunity to relax without having to supervise the kids, do you know a teenager or someone you could hire to play with the kids and keep it from getting too rowdy? This person could maybe help clean up afterwards as well. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/hesitant-to-host-playdates-at-my-house#post-2794208 Sat, 30 Dec 2017 11:22:23 +0000 JerricaBenton 2794208@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I've never hosted more than a handful at a time, but I don't love kids running amok in my house either. When I host I plan an activity and limit the activity to one area. If we're in the dining room I'll line the table with craft paper, put towels on the chairs, and if we're doing something really messy I've even put a painters tarp on the floor lol. My friends think I'm a little nutty but the kids have fun and I don't have to go crazy cleaning up after. I do allow a free for all in the playroom though. I can close the doors and clean that up when I have a chance. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/hesitant-to-host-playdates-at-my-house#post-2794206 Sat, 30 Dec 2017 11:11:21 +0000 cat620 2794206@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@travellingbee: Yeah, that's the problem with the rotation of houses. </p> <p>@youboots: I got involved, because I knew some of the ladies. It is a large group, but not everyone shows up at every playdate, so sometimes it's 6 kids, but other times it is 12 kids. I suggested going to an indoor play place, but not everyone wants to spend money on that when going to a house is free. </p> <p>@gotkimchi: My kids are usually well behaved, but they get caught up in the chaos when everyone else is going crazy. They feed off of each other's energy. What you described is exactly what happens! The moms all sit in the living room chatting or sipping coffee, and the kids are upstairs or wherever the playroom is wreaking havoc. I don't feel comfortable with that setup, but that seems to be how everyone else likes to do it. When one of the kids comes over to the adults, they tell them to go back upstairs and play. I could try to do things differently when I host, but I'm not sure how well that would be received. </p> <p>@Madison43: It's a lot of kids, but everyone has at least two kids, so there's only 5 or 6 houses to rotate through. I don't think I'll make it to spring without hosting. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/hesitant-to-host-playdates-at-my-house#post-2794205 Sat, 30 Dec 2017 10:57:41 +0000 Madison43 2794205@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My 2 girls run in circles around my house and dump out buckets of toys when they play by themselves so that doesn’t bother me. But that is a lot of kids at once. With a group that big, I would think you could put off your turn until the spring. That’s probably what I would do. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/hesitant-to-host-playdates-at-my-house#post-2794203 Sat, 30 Dec 2017 10:24:28 +0000 gotkimchi 2794203@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>How do your kids behave at the other houses? It sounds like maybe the behavior needs to be addressed. I agree having kids over is stressful so i prefer not to do it but I do take a turn to be fair. That being said, I try to stay on top of the kids for their behavior and have an adult supervising them the whole time. I find when kids run off alone and the moms want to relax is when the destruction occurs. So essentially if I have kids over I guess I try micromanage. Not relaxing but my house doesn’t get destroyed. Also we don’t allow access to all the toys etc. or perhaps you could have an “activity” set up to keep them occupied. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/hesitant-to-host-playdates-at-my-house#post-2794202 Sat, 30 Dec 2017 10:16:01 +0000 youboots 2794202@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I’m not ok with unsupervised kids roaming my house. Seems like a large playgroup. How did you get involved? What about hosting your time at an indoor play place? Or at a park and provide food. Just say your house is not set up for that many kids. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/hesitant-to-host-playdates-at-my-house#post-2794201 Sat, 30 Dec 2017 10:09:10 +0000 travellingbee 2794201@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I wouldn’t be ok with it either. I don’t even love having one or two other kids over that destroys the playroom and kids’ rooms. I wouldn’t host unless they could play outside, honestly. But I guess that’s probably awkward if everyone is taking turns. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/hesitant-to-host-playdates-at-my-house#post-2794200 Sat, 30 Dec 2017 09:59:27 +0000 cat620 2794200@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm part of a playgroup, and we meet for playdates and mom's night outs. We haven't been doing in-home playdates in a while, but the organizer of the group suggested we start doing them again and rotating homes, so everyone gets a turn to host. I didn't say anything to her, but I'm hesitant to host, because I think it's a rowdy group of kids when they get together and I'm really particular about keeping my house nice. </p> <p>For example, we had a Christmas get together with the kids at the organizer's house earlier this month, and there were about 12 kids there. 10 of those kids were boys, and everyone was between the ages of 2.5 and 6. It's too cold for them to play outside, so they were literally running laps around the house, climbing on furniture, and dumping toys out all over the playroom. The host had a jar of 12 candy canes, and they all went missing. She made a joke that she will later find little pieces of candy cane stuck in her carpet upstairs. The other moms seem pretty laid back about messes and kids running wild, but my husband and I just moved to our house in February and we did extensive renovations to make the house look like new. We have new paint, refinished hardwoods, new carpet, etc. The thought of having 12 kids running through my house potentially destroying things gives me anxiety. </p> <p>If you are part of a playgroup, do you host playdates in your house? How do you control messes/chaos, or do you not care too much about that? What would you do in my situation? </p>