# Hating a 4-Year-Old Nemesis

> A parent's struggle to hide their dislike of a chaotic playdate rival.
- Title: Hating a 4-Year-Old Nemesis · Slate Magazine | Shortify
- Summary: A parent's struggle to hide their dislike of a chaotic playdate rival. A parent feels intense dislike for a 4-year-old child who tattles and demands…
- Keywords: shana, beth, lori, playdate, nemesis, parenting, care and feeding, Hating, 4-Year-Old, Slate Magazine
- Source: Slate Magazine — https://slate.com/advice/2026/09/parenting-advice-child-nemesis.html?via=rss
- Author: Nicole Chung
- Published: 2026-09-23T17:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: shana, beth, lori, playdate, nemesis, parenting, care and feeding
## Playdate Chaos
Three families share Saturday playdates with kids of all ages.
## Lori's Presence
Lori, 4, tattles constantly and demands attention.
## Parent's Reaction
The parent feels deep frustration when Lori is around.
## Friend's Perspective
The parent's son and other kids don't seem bothered by Lori.
## Confession Dilemma
The parent considers telling Beth they dislike Lori.
## Advice from Nicole
Nicole advises against confessing dislike to Beth.
## Key takeaway

A parent feels intense dislike for a 4-year-old child who tattles and demands attention, but her friends don't seem bothered.