When a friend comes to your house, you become the host. That is a real job, and a fun one. A good host makes a guest feel welcome from the moment they arrive.
Key idea
Greet your friend and the parent who drops them off, offer a snack or a drink, give a choice of what to do, and include everyone who is there, including brothers, sisters and other friends.
Why it works
Being a guest in someone else’s home can feel a little strange: different rules, different rooms, people you don’t know. A good host takes that feeling away. Offering choices puts your friend’s fun first, and including everyone means nobody spends the afternoon feeling left out.
Worked example: Choosing what to do
Ruby has her friend Mia over. Ruby wants to play her favorite video game, but Mia isn’t into games. What should Ruby do?
- A host puts the guest’s fun first.
- Offer two or three choices: “Do you want to bake cookies, play outside or do a puzzle?”
- Go with what Mia picks; Ruby can play her game another time.
Answer: “Do you want to bake, play outside or do a puzzle?” and go with Mia’s pick.
Worked example: A little sister
Omar’s friend is over, and his little sister keeps asking to join. What can Omar do?
- Find something everyone can do together for part of the time, like a card game.
- If the friends want time alone later, say it kindly: “We’ll play with you after our game.”
- Ask a parent for help if needed, instead of shooing her away rudely.
Answer: Include her in a game for a while, and be kind when they want time alone.
Common mistake
Playing a game only you enjoy, or leaving a sibling or a second friend out. Check: has your guest had a say in what you do? Is anyone sitting alone?
When your friend leaves, walk them to the door, say “Thanks for coming,” and say goodbye to their parent too.