Community Chat

[Biftu]

i had guests this past weekend who didn't stay overnight but the ten year old daughter was bored with all adult company (I don't blame her) so she went upstairs in my house to do what I don't know.  When they left I went upstairs to find my desk drawers open, the storage bench where I keep off season linens must have been opened because the folded blanket on top was moved, my shower curtain was pulled back, the linen closet was slightly ajar.  Who knows what else she got into.  She's a sweet girl, but I guess her nickname should be Snoopy.  Adults should discourage this type of behavior if there aware their children have these tendencies.

[phoenixbrd]

@Biftu 😱 I hope the parents let her know that this is totally unacceptable and invasive of another person's property.  It needs to be addressed so this behavior does not continue.  Sorry you had this experience.

[Marp]

Between the parents and you why was she allowed to go upstairs alone in the first place?

[lgfan]

Did you check if anything was missing?  At least she has an excuse for her behavior.  She is ten years old.  I have had adults in my house who are snoops.  They make themselves comfortable by going through my closets and pantry.

[Shanus]

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@Biftu wrote:

i had guests this past weekend who didn't stay overnight but the ten year old daughter was bored with all adult company (I don't blame her) so she went upstairs in my house to do what I don't know.  When they left I went upstairs to find my desk drawers open, the storage bench where I keep off season linens must have been opened because the folded blanket on top was moved, my shower curtain was pulled back, the linen closet was slightly ajar.  Who knows what else she got into.  She's a sweet girl, but I guess her nickname should be Snoopy.  Adults should discourage this type of behavior if there aware their children have these tendencies.

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@Biftu   This is a touchy subject. If the guests were family, the little girl felt comfortable and not "invasive" just curious and looking around...probably for something to play with.

If friends, how could you ever say anything without sounding like accusing their kid as a thief?

I'd let it go and learn from the experience. If guests arrive with children, make it clear that upstairs is off limits.

[ID2]

No harm, no foul right? There's far worse things that could have happened. Forgive and forget. 

[FastDogWalker2]

I had a young child at my home once who took candy (without asking) that I was stockpiling for an upcoming school party.  Her mother was very restrictive about what the child was allowed to eat so I chalked it up to an opportunity she had not had before.  I didn't tell her mother  - wasn't sure what her reaction would be.

[Scooby Doo]

She's just a bored kid.  I remember when I was that age and had to go with my parents to visit relatives and I was bored out of my mind.  However, I took with me some art paper and colored pencils so I could draw.  Next time perhaps have something ready that she could entertain herself with or even put a movie on the tv.

[Trailrun23]

I am surprised the parents would not have wondered where she was and what she was doing. I would definitely have gone to find my own child and brought her back downstairs. If nothing else, give her an iPad or something else to coups her time. Going through someone else's e things is not okay, no matter whose home you are in. 

[781Florist]

I know, I know...we are not in the Bronze Age anymore, but some practices should be 

timeless.  As children we were taught (drilled?) that when in other people's homes we could go into whatever room we were invited into.  If you entered the kitchen you stayed there unless you were invited into the den.  You NEVER went anywhere without being accompanied or invited. Special exemption---the bathroom.

Also, I don't know if it was a rule peculiar to my family or not, but you would absolutely positively never go into someone's refrigerator.  I still don't go in other folks' refrigerators 

and I am 70.  (O.K., my sister's  if they tell me to!!)