We live next to a large grassy area where a lot of neighborhood kids play.

We recently had this family move into our neighborhood - they have 4 kids.

Nate has played with them outside a few times. Today, 3 of the kids (ages 4 to 8) were playing outside by themselves and Nate went out to play with them. Next thing I know, they are in my house playing. I've never met the parents and I'm kinda shocked that they would just let thier kids go off an play unsupervised.

As for me, I don't let Nate go into anyone's house unless I've met the parents first, so I kinda feel weird having these kids here.

I have to wonder. . . .since I allowed them in, are they now MY responsibility? They keep coming in and out of the house. Nate knows his boundaries (where he is and isn't allowed to play outside) and I've told him that if the other kids go out of the boundaries, he's not allowed to go with them.

I don't feel like I should put my day on hold to keep an eye on someone else's kids, but it kinda looks like that's the way it's going to be.

Opinions?

This exact thing happened to us 2 springs ago. We realized pretty quickly that our idea of "supervision" is totally different than theirs. When the younger 3 (there are 4 kids too!) wanted to come in the house, Dh and I walked them, and our kids back over to their house, introduced ourselves, and asked if it was ok for the kids to play in our yard. (We just pretended like she was concerned where they were). We have a fenced in backyard and stay pretty closeby. At first, we didn't let them in the house. Then after awhile we asked if it was ok for him to come in. Of course ,she said yes. I figured the amount I supervise my kids is way more than the supervision he'd be receiving at home, so I don't much worry about it. I used to feed him but I don't now. He's not starving or anything-- he just wants to eat our food, so I send him home at mealtimes.

Good luck! It wasn't easy for me at first, but now I just spell out my rules and if he doesnt like them he can go home (which he never does, lol!).

ETA- we also asked her for her number, just in case we needed to get ahold of her.

I would say "does your mommy and daddy know youre here?" " I would like to meet w/ them to know its okay first".

Update: The mother eventually came to pick them up - she saw their bikes and scooters in my driveway, so she knew where to look. The 2 boys needed haircuts, so she took them and let the daughter stay (without even asking me if it was OK). I figured, Nate was having fun and at least I knew that after the haircuts, she would be back to pick up the girl.
I have a feeling that from now on, I may have to be the one to say "no" if the kids just show up at an inconvenient time. They seem to not have any concept of boundaries.
Thanks for the suggestions.