When Your Child's Friends Watch Videos Your Child Can't

Your child has been invited over to a friend's house to watch a Disney video and you've happily agreed. But when you arrive with your child, you find out that a different movie--one that is rated above the limit you allow for your child--has been selected instead. What do you do?

Here Are Some Do's and Don't's To Consider:

* Don't over-react. Calmly seek out a parent and explain that your child is not allowed to watch a video at that rating level. Usually, that is all it takes for another substitution to take place.

* Do inquire to your friend's parent about the movie originally mentioned. Indicate that your child was looking forward to watching that particular title. Casually mention the movie in question is one your family is saving to watch with your own child first--when he or she is older.

* Don't embarrass your child in front of his/her friend. Offer to take both children to the movie store to rent a different movie. Or, suggest a different activity that can be substituted.

* If all else fails, do tell the parents that your child can only stay for a short while and that there will be no time to watch a movie. Ask if a different playdate can be scheduled when there is the absence of a movie rating violation. Don't back down from your practices because of this potentially awkward situation.

* Do call your the child's parents a few days later, and schedule a playdate at your house. This lets the other family know that you still desire for your children to be friends.