Playdate ended badly - how do I respond to apology?

[busymama77]

DS1 and his best bud from school and a new little boy had a playdate just this past Saturday. They were all getting along, playing fine, sharing snacks, etc., until the first incident happened where one little boy, Patrick, had hit my DS on the shoulder when he was climbing up the slide (which is wrong to begin with) and my DS was trying to go down the slide. Neither Patrick's mom or myself saw it, but DS came running to me right away and told me about. Patrick said he did it, was put in timeout, it was discussed with his Mom and then they ran off again to play. Not even 5 mins, later, Patrick struck my DS again and this time his mom saw it and saw that it was intentional. She felt that enough was enough and that it was time to go home.
My DS was bummed because it was his best bud but still was having a good time with the other little boy, Nicholas. I told him that Patrick was probably just having a bad day, he didn't mean to do what he did and that he was going home because his mommy was upset with what he did.
This morning, I received an apology email from Patrick's mom. She's a great mom and handled the incident very well. But I'm not good at responding to things like this:
I just wanted to let you know that I am really sorry for the way things ended at the playdate this weekend. I felt bad that I had to leave so abruptly, but I had told Patrick that if he didn't start to behave better we would have to leave. I just wanted to let you know that we do take incidents like that seriously and I hope Jack's feelings were not too hurt.

It happens. Kids act out! The first time, was no big deal....the 2nd time, rubbed me the wrong way. But I don't want to say too much or too little. What do you think?

[Super~Single~Mama]

I think I would reply that you accept her appology, and appreciate that she takes incidents seriously, and that you would have done the same if it had been your ds doing the hitting (if thats true). Then say that you look forward to getting together again (if you do), and tell her that you hope to see her soon.

Or you could just say thanks, and that you look forward to getting together again (if you do want to continue the friendship - it sounded like you did in the OP).

[neverdoingitagain]

I agree with Thyra. It may or may not happen again, but her son is learning the consequences of his actions.

[DariusMom]

Sounds very gracious and I think all you need to say is that your DS loves playing with Patrick, these things happen, that you appreciate her taking it seriously, and that you hope the kids can play together again soon (if that's what you feel! )

[lach]

She did the right thing, though I'm sure it was hard for her... she was probably enjoying chatting with you (especially if she is new in town). Plus it's always embarrassing when our child is the one acting up, no matter the circumstances.

I'd write back saying I totally understand, kids act up sometimes, I would have left too. Hopefully we can reschedule when everyone is in a better mood!

[busymama77]

Oh, absolutey I want to meet again! She's great and we get along so well and her little guy is really a good kid. Thanks, mamas. This is all what I had in mind, just needed a little push to get the words together.

[emnic77]

Who hasn't been on her end of things? I sure have. I'd let her know these things happen, you appreciate how she handled it and that it's truly not a big deal at all (at least I don't think it is).