One of my pet peeves as a parent was when our kids would ask us in front of their friends about plans they had already conjured together. I often felt put on the spot because I didn’t have time to process the request or to fully think it through. I wasn’t the type to just say yes because I was uncomfortable, but I also didn’t want to say no if I really didn’t mind that the friend stayed the night, or they went somewhere together, or whatever other idea it was they had.