My 8 year old had her 8 year old friend over today, and she went to her house on the weekend for a few hours too, Why is this even a question? Obviously dont let your 8 year old got to strangers house, but once you know the families, let them go. And please, please dont be that weirdo who wont drop their kid off at a party 🙄

Can I go off this topic and ask if you mind having other families over? I find the clean up and mess exhausting 😫

My daughter and her friend were invited to another girls place for a play date. They were 7. My girls friends mum told me not to let her go because she had let her daughter go previously and when she went to pick her up there was no answer at the door. She called over the back fence. Turns out the mum had gone out shopping and left the girls alone, along with a three year old child. There were kept in the backyard with a pool not fenced off. The girls couldn’t swim. Could’ve been a tragedy there.

My daughter is 8 and I only do drop off play dates with parents I know, it doesn't have to be overly well but to have spoken to them a few times. Otherwise its a play at the park. I don't let her sleep over even if I know the parents.

My 7yo has been having drop off play dates since prep.

Meet the parents
Look if their house is up to your standard inside
Point out any hazards
Do a criminal check
Check inside the fridge and freezer and pantry
Check for dust around the house

Don’t be surprised if your child has no friends

Not without meeting the parents/guardians. I’ve done drop off play dates with my kids since half way through prep but it’s only been with parents I have met. Birthday parties I have been more relaxed with when I know another parent I know is staying, usually there’s at least 3-4 that stay and that we regularly talk.

My rule was that I had to meet the parents first. But now they’re in early highschool years I let them go because I trust they can look after themselves and make their own judgements. When I pick them up I always have a quick chat to the parents and they’ve always been lovely. If my kid felt uncomfortable they could call me and I’d go get them straight away.

I wouldn’t either. I would make an effort to meet them though and perhaps in the future you will feel comfortable.

When my son was that age I would tell him to either get the parents phone numbers or pass mine on. The other kid is welcome to come to our place but I always like to know the other parents and family dynamic prior to my son going to their home. thankfully we live in a small rural town so everyone knows everyone and we all look out for each other

Get to know the parents first maybe go with her

No. Not without at least knowing the family of where they're going for more than 5 mins. I'd actually go to their place for a coffee rather than your own because people can look normal but their homes can be completely unsafe or whatever then you'd feel better with her going or not knowing exactly where she is and who she's with.

No, I wouldn’t let her go if she were mine and I didn’t know the family. Why don’t you invite the child and mum over to your place for a coffee and play?

I wouldn't let my 8 year old either.