Problem between friends

I wouldn't get involved, that's what I’d do!

It's got nothing to do with you so say nothing.
If asked, say that you'd rather they sorted it out for themselves.
After all, they're adults and only family B know what they are prepared to put up with...or not, as the case may be.
You have absolutely no part to play.

What are A family (if I’ve understood correctly they are the parents of the devil’s spawn?) saying about the behaviour of the child?
If they are refusing to deal with the little cherub and it’s really horrible for B to stay there then I’d just leave early and make it clear to A that there’s no hard feelings on my part but I recognise it’s a difficult situation for everyone and so the best thing is to cut short the holiday on this occasion —and then I’d kick the little blighter’s shins on the way out—

...and I really don't see how you are 'caught up' in a row you were not part of.
Can't they make their own minds up without asking you, who weren't even there?
Gordon Bennett

It's not involving you, so you really ought to keep out of it. The kid may well be a spoilt brat, but his parents are bringing him up as they see fit. The other friends (group B) could perhaps cut short their stay, but they shouldn't be gossiping about the kid or his parents.

Ignore me - I obviously didn’t read it properly, I thought you were asking what I would do if I was in Bs situation.

I’d keep out of it as the other 2 posters have said. If I absolutely had to say something I would just say something vague like ‘it must have been difficult situation for all concerned, I hope you resolve things, but I really don’t want to get involved’

I know that different families have wildly different rules and expectations with their kids. Nobody likes criticism of their parenting skills or their children either. It's natural to defend your child from others (despite lapses in behaviour) too.

So B would be wise to just leave early, I think. You should remain neutral and keep out of it.

Yes, SirChenjin, I do understand the urge to kick (brats are infuriating) but I'd use my disgusted glare instead (well practised to perfection during my teaching career).

SirChenjin
You were/are right in thinking that the OP asked what we would do in that situ but the truth is that saying what I myself would do has no bearing on what family B chooses to do.
I am not involved nor do I know either family A or B so I decided to reply as I did.

I was joking Hetty - I wouldn’t actually kick a child.

If you are planning on an intervention, that could backfire and only make things worse. It's not your quarrel so best not to get involved.

A and B are adults and they should know better than to get into a squabble over a bratty kid. Better they keep a good sense of humor over all of this than to make an issue out of it. If it gets ugly, you can be assured that the brat will survive the friendship!

You can only hope that the "grown ups" in this case will handle this politely and not allow an unruly child to get the better of them.

Oh dear - that went well didn’t it? I thought I gave enough hints

I won’t give up the day job

Is this an allegory for our leaked diplomatic emails and the reaction across the pond?

Is your post about Trump suzie?! That went right over my head, sorry

I thought both A and B needed some sensible advice in dealing with the difficult child who’s in danger of spoiling their special friendship.

Love it

I take it back Hetty - I would happily kick the shins of this particular child

My fault Sir - I did try to give lots of hints re junk food, rolling out red carpet etc etc but clearly a massive fail. I was hoping for amusing tongue in cheek responses as to how to handle the problem and thought the two family scenario would work - it didn't. I just wanted a break from a lot of the crossness that’s around. Better go to bed now. Goodnight ☹️

Oh no - please don’t be sad!! I just didn’t get it the first time, probably because my youngest is 12 and we’re not long out of the whole ‘different families do different (aka wrong) things’ stage. I took it too literally as we’ve had a couple of situations where friends have fallen out because of their respective offspring. It was great to have a laugh at DT and whole sordid business - god knows we need it at the moment ?

suzie ???

Very clever allegory, Susie, and very clever of JaneA to suss it out.

??

Stay out of it. You’ll only get caught in the crossfire.

In the nicest possible way - did you read the whole thread Aepgirl?!

Well susie it seems that B has fallen on his sword and retired injured from the party.

Let’s just hope that A does not have the cheek to demand that, let’s call him N, comes over to play instead.
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