Posted by mushrooms on May 30, 2010 in Main
After years of sleepovers, I’m posting etiquette guidelines. :)
- I’m really glad you’re here to visit your friends. I want you to have fun and be safe.
- A fair amount of money went into this event, respect that. If there’s a craft, be appreciative.
- Play nice or go home. I mean it.
- Bring your own pillows/linens/blankets/sleeping bags. Laundry’s not that much fun, and sleeping bags have to go to the laundromat. I’ll gladly let you use a clean towel, but that’s about it.
- You’re welcome to most of the food in the fridge, but, don’t put your mouth on the nozzle of the whipped cream can. In fact, don’t touch the whipped cream.
- On the subject of things I don’t want you to touch, if my kids aren’t touching it, you shouldn’t.
- Don’t touch the computers. This is a time to be with people. Laughing together at YouTube videos doesn’t count. There is a lot of the Internet that I don’t want to come into this house, and I don’t want viruses on my computers. I’ll take the power supply off the modem if you can’t respect this rule.
- If you want coffee, make instant coffee, with the microwave. Do not put instant coffee in my coffee maker.
- All food and drink stays in the kitchen. Hunting for dirty dishes and empty food wrappers isn’t my idea of fun. Yes, I’m mad that you spilled your drink on my carpet - I told you all food and drink stays in the kitchen.
- Eat the meal. Trust me it’s food kids eat. I don’t understand why I’m throwing your pizza out for the crows and you’re eating potato chips half an hour later. Remember a fair amount of money was spent on this food.
- Drink all the soda you want. I’m pouring it down the drain after you leave. Soda’s not good for you, and that’s why it’s the cheap store brand.
- Don’t run in the house. You might get hurt, you might break something. Running is an outdoor movement. Go outdoors if you have that much energy.
- This house has a septic system, oil and electricity are expensive. If you need to take a shower, please keep it short.
- Brush your teeth, comb your hair.
- The cats don’t want to be mauled or dressed. The dog does love you, I don’t recommend letting him lick your face, but it’s your face.
- Don’t go in my bedroom. I don’t really want you upstairs either. The basement is full of stuff you don’t need to touch. Stay with the other kids.
- If you stay up all night, you still have to be civil in the morning.
- Keep track of your stuff, including anything you make while you’re here. My interest in returning it to you after you leave is very limited. Don’t leave strange things.
- If you throw stuff around and make a mess, I’m going to get mad, and I’ll expect you to clean it up. In fact, I’ll cross my arms and watch until I’m happy. I don’t care if you do it at home - this is my house.
- Put the games away nicely.
- The official end of the sleepover is 11AM. By then, I’m really ready to do other things. Go away.