Not to Facebook please
I went to an acquaintances house yesterday who I have only ever spent time with at our kids music/play groups etc.
While there our kids (probably mostly mine) got chocolate cookie crumbs on the cream carpet as well as some chocolate milk. I feel embarrassed and like a really imperfect mum for not making sure they are outside or were more careful.
My friend didn't say anything because I think she felt uncomfortable to do so and I didn't know they got the mess in the lounge as well as in the toy room. I don't think it was everywhere, but this lady keeps a tidy house and mentioned to me she's now going to get the carpets cleaned in the two rooms.
My question is, I have said I'll give her $50 towards getting them cleaned. Do you think that's enough or should I be paying the whole bill? I just feel really rude for letting my kids do that :-( I don't want her thinking I think that's exceptable behaviouR.
What would you expect if this happened at your house?
Oops :-(
Oops :-(
Posted in:
Parenthood Guilt, Behaviour
8 Replies
Honestly if it was my house, I would have felt totally comfortable asking all the children to sit at the table to eat and drink and avoiding the issue.
In this case I'd offer to pay the entire bill.
Oh my goodness please don't feel upset about!! If the lounge room was out of bounds for the kids to have their milk and cookies in it should have been said! Sorry but if this happened in my house I wouldnt ask for a cent to clean it! This is what happens when kids are around! It's no ones fault it was an accident. Please don't feel bad and I think it was lovely to offer $50 but I wouldn't feel upset.
Op here.
I do feel bad and like I was being slack. I don't know if maybe she was hinting about it or what but I'd had a really bad night the night before so wasn't to full brain capacity :-/ hints just weren't enough that day!
Lol if she wants to get her carpets cleaned over that she can pay it!! It's her house she should have told the kids not to eat or drink there if the mess would result in needing a professional cleaner!! Its quite ridiculous to me I'd leave her to her madness.
She didn't ask for money from me, she just mentioned she needed to get them cleaned and I felt obligated to pay part of the cost because my kids helped make the mess.
I'm not sure the severity of the stains, I didn't see any. Yes if it was my house I probably would just clean it myself with soap and water, but as I said she keeps a nice tidy house so I can understand why she wants to make the carpet nice.
I honestly think $50 is enough :) to get two rooms cleaned won't cost a great deal and at the end of the day it was only a couple of spots that your kids contributed to. Perhaps she was already thinking of getting them done and those couple of spills just convinced her it was time :) I would give the offered $50 and let it go.
P.S unless my carpet had been brand new (in which case chocolate would not have been allowed near them!) I would not expect anyone to contribute to paying for a clean, so what you've done is very nice.
Well I think you're a bit mad for offering to pay for someone else's carpet cleaner without being asked or seeing stains. I agree she may have been thinking about it etc but regardless I'd hope she wouldn't accept money from you over chocolate biscuits, definitely do not give more than $ 50 and only that because you have already offered it. Personlaly I think you're overthinking it and just let it go. Don't bring it up again, let her ask if she feels the need... If you throw your money at people you'll find some people will take it regardless of whether it's fair or not, or an issue or noT.
I believe that your friend should of had ground rules in place for the kids to begin with, if she didn't want them eating anywhere other than the kitchen table she should of said so. She was obviously aware the kids had chocolate milk and cookies, im assuming an adult gave them to the kids? It's her house she needs to make sure people obey the rules and if she didn't say anything than she needs to wear it!! You should feel no guilt, and i would not have offered money im shocked she even accepted it!!! WOW last time id be having a playdate at her place!!