Looking for suggestions on how to respond. I received an e-mail from the mom of my 8 year old’s classmate simply stating that her child has been asking to have a play-date with mine. It was an open invitation – saying let’s get the kids together sometime (no date suggested). We do not know this family at all.

My son said that they’re not really close, and if he gets to play with a friend on the weekends he’d rather meet with one of his buddies. I understand where he is coming from because it seems like our weekends are so busy that he rarely has his buddies over.

I asked if he is sure that he doesn’t want to try it. You never know…. You may find that you have a lot in common with this other kid. But DS really isn’t interested.

So, my question for you is how should I respond WITHOUT creating the illusion that maybe we can try in the future? (We’ve been on the receiving end of that with another child, and it isn’t fun to continually ask only to be denied).

Thanks for your ideas!