We went on an interview last night.
I think we passed. A test grade that makes my daughter extremely happy.
Her birthday is this weekend and we’re taking her and a handful of friends up to the Pocono’s for the day.
Two of the girls invited are twin sisters that we have never met, nor do we know their parents.
When I called to speak with the Mom, she was extremely nice, open to the idea but wanted to meet us before she said yes. After all, we are asking to take her daughters across state lines.
I totally respect that position and had no qualms about it. Matter of fact, she beat me to the punch when she asked, because, you know what? I didn’t want to take two girls that far away without knowing anything about them or their parents either.
I’ve never left my kids off at someone’s house unless I met the parents, even if it was just to walk my kid to the door and chat for a few minutes, getting a feel for them and exchanging phone numbers so we had ways of getting in touch. During the Swim season, Ace would go to Pasta Parties at one team members house or another, and I would drive him over, walk to the door, or at least know of the parent’s whose house he was going to from other parents. Did I speak to each one of them? Not always on that particular night, but over the season, I’d spoken to a number of them at meets and since I knew where he was, it wasn’t like he had gone off for hours with these strangers I knew nothing about.
We made this mistake early on with our son. He had been invited over to play with a boy he had known for a while, we had met the parents on more than one occasion so there was no problem driving him over there and walking him to the door, exchange the usual pleasantries and then I left him for a few hours to go back to yard work. The Mom called a few hours later asking if he could stay a little longer, they were barbecuing, the boys were having so much fun and she would drop him off. I offered to pick him up, hey, if you’re asking to keep my kid another couple of hours and I can get stuff done, I’ll come wash your car when I arrive. Nah, she said, I’ll bring him home.
So, I went on my merry yard working way until her car pulled into the driveway at the agreed upon time. Ace was undoing his seat belt in as she got out of her seat and came around to open his door as I approached the car. The smell of booze on her breath was staggering. I took another deep breath in, because I had to be wrong. Nope.
This woman smelled like she had just finished a 2000 meter swim in a vat of wine. AND had just driven my 7 year old son home.
Can you say freaked out? SuperHubby and I hauled Ace out of the car, instinctively putting ourselves between him and this woman whom I immediately re-categorize in my brain as totally unfit, and glared at her. Stupefied beyond all belief as she smiled away at me, telling me what a pleasure it had been having Ace over for the day, clearly unaware that she was giving me a contact high from her breath. My husband was a little more curt and icy as he responded. I don’t think she noticed at all, but if I was as toasty happy as she had been, I might not have either.
I wish I could say, with all honesty, that I let her have it between the eyes, that I was so indignant that I called her out for her irresponsibility and disregard. The fact is I was so flabbergasted that I thanked her for having Ace over and let her get back in her car and drive away.
Needless to say, Ace never went over there again. And we’ve mostly made a point of picking our kids up from where ever they go. This way I know who is driving.
The parental meet & greet seemed to go well. I think they know that we're just regular people, decent, stable and want our daughter to have a unique and fun birthday. Since they asked what the girls needed to bring with them for the day, I think we're good. They were really nice people, direct and warm. They brought their little boy with them and this kid had killer eyes. He's going to slay the girls when he gets older. The twins were shy and sweet, and it was easy to see why Giggles considers them friends.
Now, so long as they don't stumble upon Catootes, all should be well. Or if they do, I hope they remain open minded that this is where I drain my brain.
The request from the girl’s parents to meet us, vet us and generally get a feel for who we are, is a total win for me. If you’re that kind of vigilant for your kids safety and well being, well, high marks from me. I’ll hand over my character references in a heartbeat.
What say you readers, Do you let your kid's go off with people you’ve never met?
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