Rules when other kids are around...

We had two family friends (kids) over last night. They come over about twice a month to play with Megan. One girl is 8, the other is 6. Ages dont really have much to do with it.

I am just curious..there are certain rules that we set up. I'm not talking about the BIG rules, but little things that just work for us. My question is specifically about this situation. They got happy meals for dinner. Our rule for Megan is that she HAS to eat 2 out of the 4 chicken nuggets before she can get her toy. She's a horrible eater and of course only wants the toy that comes with it. We dont get them often at all but if we do have a "special" dinner, she will tell me, Mom, take the toy out. She knows the rule and is fine with it.

So last night, the other two girls dig into their meals and pull out their toys first thing. Of course because they do, Megan does the same. I told her that she knows the rules and she was supposed to wait. She looked like she was going to cry. Is it really fair to do when shes around other kids? Is this a rule that is not a big deal to break if she has friends over? I dont want her being so different that she feels weird but I also want her to know that she has to follow the rule.

When do you bend the rules a bit just to let them be a kid? What would you have done in this situation? My mom was here and said, doesnt she have to eat 2 nuggets before she gets the toy? Any opinions?

Re: Rules when other kids are around...

I would still make my kids follow "our" rules in our home. I might bend a little if we are a friends house.

ETA: I probably would of said so and so gets her toy first because she eats all her dinner.

Message edited 5/28/2011 11:21:38 AM.

Re: Rules when other kids are around...

I still have my rules whether in my house or not but I compromise them. For example, in your situation I would have said only one chicken nugget then you can take it out of the box. When you finish your nuggets out of the bag. My son would whine and I would remind him that the guest are older and always eat (he isn't a great eater either).