How to Host a Playdate

Being a stay-at-home mom can be lonely. When every conversation you’ve had is in baby talk, you become desperate to connect to other mothers or another adult. Plus children need socialization and companionship so you’ve decided to invite some friends that you met at the park over for a playdate. Hosting a playdate can be a fun and easy experience.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Toys
• Snacks
• Activity or Game

1. Choose a date for your playdate. Inform your guests of the date and time using an informal method, such as by email or verbally.
2. Prepare the room you will be using for the group. If you have small babies, double check your baby-proofing and remove all erroneous items. If you have toddlers, add a few toys to the mix so there will be less squabbling.
3. Make sure you have enough seating for all the moms. Many times everyone will just sit on the floor with the babies but for toddlers or older children, make sure the mothers have a seat. Bring in a few chairs if necessary.
4. Assemble a small snack for both moms and kids. Kids enjoy fishy crackers, fruit snacks or juice boxes. Moms might enjoy a coffee cake, fruit salad, water or coffee. Keep the food light and casual. They have come for the company, not the food fare.
5. Plan an activity if you have older children. Babies tend to parallel play so you don’t need to provide anything for them but playtime. For toddlers, a small craft or simple game will get them interacting with one another.
6. Welcome your guests as they arrive. Introduce the children and the moms around the room. Point out where the bathroom and the snacks are.
7. Enjoy the adult conversation and the socialization of the children. Keep the conversation light and fun. Remain understanding that the children might fight or cry. They are learning how to get along with their playmates and it takes practice.
8. Participate in the craft or game. Do not be rigid about it. Understand that it is just for fun and everyone might not participate.
9. Encourage the children to pick up when it is time to leave. Even sitting babies can help pick up toys. It teaches responsibility and teamwork.
10. Invite the group to another playdate, perhaps even a regular date such as every Wednesday morning. Moms can rotate houses and parks or restaurant play spaces make great playdate locations.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep cleaning supplies on hand for minor spills or diaper blow outs. Realize that a playdate does create a minor mess but the fun your child (and you) had should be worth it.
• If there is a particular toy that your child has difficulty sharing, it might be best to remove that item during playgroup.