Nice Kids, Rude Parents: Does Your Playdate Etiquette Need a Makeover?

Social Slipup: You Take Advantage

Parents expect bad behavior from kids on playdates -- it's The Parent Who Has No Manners that fills them with dread. "Too many moms see playdates as an opportunity for free babysitting or a chance to mess up someone else's house and not clean up," says Noel Claro, a mom from Queens, New York. If you're guilty of this crime, chances are your kid won't get many playdate invitations -- and he'll learn some terrible manners by watching you.

The fix: Remember the golden rule of playdates: Treat others as you'd want others to treat you. If you need a sitter, hire one -- a family shouldn't be left waiting for you to get your kid because your book club ran late. When you accept a playdate invitation, say thank you afterward and extend an invitation in return. And don't make yourself comfortable at the hostess's house when you pick up your child from a playdate -- she needs a break!