asking guests not to clean?

[Pollyanna]

I wouldn't give an 8 year old the responsibility of trying to make sure the toys are picked up etc for 7 1-2 year olds. That really isn't fair to that child and depending on the child may be completely overwhelming. I guess I am at the point that if I have people over the mess will be what it will be, in the grand scheme of things it's just not that important.

[Meenah]

Remove half of the toy bins before they come over!

I wouldn't give an 8 year old the responsibility of trying to make sure the toys are picked up etc for 7 1-2 year olds. That really isn't fair to that child and depending on the child may be completely overwhelming. I guess I am at the point that if I have people over the mess will be what it will be, in the grand scheme of things it's just not that important.

I totally agree. Sometimes it's just best to let go and accept people's help.

[Tenacious_D]

I host a playgroup during the winter and I found it helpful to just let people know where things went. They were happy to help, it was great getting the help and the kids understood the importance of cleaning up after themselves. I also label everything so people know generally where things go. It's much easier than fighting people to get out without cleaning...I tried that the first two weeks of the group.