How to Find a Playdate for a Child

Playdates are important for the social development of children. During supervised playdates, children learn coping strategies and how to play well with others. Often children don't have time to just play anymore--their schedules are as packed as their parents, but playdates provide children with time to explore and be silly. Find a child to invite over for a playdate and you will give your child the opportunity to just be a kid. Read on to learn how to find a playdate for a child.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Talk to your child about his or her friends. Find a child to invite that your child already has a relationship to the playdate.

2. Ask your child what he would like to do on a playdate. Determine your child's playing interests before you choose a child to invite.

3. Look around your child's school, your church or your neighborhood. Find a child of similar age and interests to invite to the playdate.

4. Approach your child's teacher for advice on children that may be a good fit. Often your child's teacher knows of a couple children that are also interested in playdates.

5. Speak to the child's parents. Tell them you would like to set up a playdate at your house. Invite the parent to attend the first playdate.

6. Repeat the process setting up playdates until you find a child that meshes well with yours.

Tips & Warnings

• No playdate is perfect. Supervise the children playing and you should be able to solve most conflicts.
• If it is clear the children do not get along, don't force them to play together. Wait out the scheduled playdate and don't plan another one.