A mum who told her teenage son's friend to take a shower because he was 'sweaty' has been told that she 'crossed the line'.
The parent asked for advice on Mumsnet after she confessed to ordering the 13-year-old pal, who was staying her house, to take a wash.
She explained her son and his friend had been playing sports in the park and came back "stinking of very noticeable stale sweat".
After asking them both to take showers before bed, the mum said the friend "got really weird about it" then phoned his dad to pick him up to go home.
The mum claims it is 'her house and her rules', but her behaviour has been blasted as 'embarrassing' by fellow parents.
She wrote: "My son and his friend had been out all day... playing sport in the park, walking between houses etc.
"It's been really hot. Both 13 years old (still off school til Wednesday). They asked if friend could stay at ours which has been a really regular occurrence over the holidays... likewise my son staying at his.
"However, friend seems to be becoming increasingly moody and I'm not sure if I'm unreasonable."
She added: "Both my son and his friend really stank... very noticeable stale sweat from the heat. I asked them both to take turns in the shower, which is an en-suite in my son's room, then put fresh clothes on before bed.
"However, he got really weird about it, refused, then a few minutes later asked to go home. Which meant his dad coming out at 8.30 just a couple of hours after he'd come round. Was it an unreasonable request??
"I stayed downstairs at all times and I phrased it casually but non negotiably. There's been other instances of moodiness but it's making me feel really awkward... but then I think my house, my rules?!
"And sweaty teens in clean bedsheets is gross for both me and them surely? Questioning myself!"
In the comments, people said the mum's rules seemed "embarrassing" and "weird".
One person wrote: "I think it's a bit weird to tell a teen boy who's not yours to shower. He probably felt embarrassed and awkward."
Another wrote: "Well I think you've overstepped. They're not 9 anymore. He's probably horribly embarrassed. Wouldn't hurt to just wash the sheets tomorrow."
"Oh dear, you've crossed the line there and embarrassed the poor kid," a third commented.
Others came to the mum's defence, with one writing: "Not unreasonable. It's your house. And it's hygienic. If he wanted to go home then that's his prerogative!"
"I think it’s ok. If you were casual and respectful about it and gave them privacy, it’s ok," another commented.
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