The Random Thread

[tonicha]

[JoM]

I'm actually more worried about his birthday next month. Firstly he was going to go to a new place that's opened down in the town that's getting good reviews and is quite cheap. Now he thinks he might ask some friends around for a Chinese. That's fine. It's what he did last year with no problems. But...for some unknown reason - unknown to us and unknown to him - he said that Joe could also stay. Apparently they agreed on it while we were on holiday last year. Tom had forgot but Joe hadn't so he wants to have a few friends here too. I'm working on a bribery package - a meal and the pictures with me and John Not sure that'll be a very attractive prospect though!

[Ally]

Could they not have just a few friends round each and death threats if they cause havoc.

[JoM]

They're always warned not to get blood on the carpet whenever we leave them alone

Seriously though, I wouldn't trust Joe's friends not to post an open invite on Facebook

[Ally]

They're always warned not to get blood on the carpet whenever we leave them alone

Seriously though, I wouldn't trust Joe's friends not to post an open invite on Facebook

Aaah.

[tonicha]

Send them over here, I'll sort 'em out

[Diflower]

But it's not Tom's place to say whether Joe can stay or not, is it?
Whatever they think they've agreed, it's not their house and it's you and John who make the rules

Given the amount of headaches they've been causing you I'd be tempted to just say no, no discussions, you can go and have the meal out as planned, or friends here for a Chinese, but it's Tom's birthday not Joe's. Apart from anything else his friends being there as well would make for quite a different party, and Tom being responsible for him

ETA - and it does rather sound as though only Joe was aware of this 'agreement'

[Kaz]

Jo he'll be 18 by the time of that holiday I am guessing, and much as it worries us to let go a bit, we do have to!! I've worried about Becks at uni with all the drink (and drugs!!) there are about, but we have to trust them at some point!

Tending to agree with Di about the party - it should be Tom's night and Joe should just give up on this one I think, especially as Tom doesn't seem to remember this 'bargain'

Kids!!!

[JoM]

Tom remembered once he'd been reminded, Joe even remembered the day and place when they were chatting about it But no, he'll be out with me and John - whether he likes it or not

Yep, he'll be 18 by then. He is pretty sensible though. He went to a party on New Year's Eve and took a bottle of Dr Pepper with him, I knew there was going to be drink there but he certainly didn't show any signs of being worse for wear when he got home. He's certainly more sensible than his parents were at that age *cough*....

[debih]

What you don't know won't hurt you Jo when it comes to his holiday. Ask no questions after and he'll tell you no lies. Just tell him to make sure he has the tattoos done where you can't see them.

I agree with the others about his birthday meal. Having joe there will only give Tom responsibilities that could end up spoiling his night. If anything happens with Joe or his friends Tom will end up feeling responsible, which isn't fair on him. You can always let Joe have his own meal at home for his birthday - with you and John out of the way but in the house.