How to Arrange a great playdate

Play dates are a great way to have your children interactive with others. Young children and even babies can benefit from playdates, as well as mothers!

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. 
    

   Keep it simple - Consider the age of the children, and only have the amount you can handle. If there are to many children who want to attend ask one or a couple of the moms to stay and help. Set up a time limit to what you feel comfortable with. For children three and under an hour is probably ideal, for older children try two hours.
   
   Consider the time of day - You want to arrange your playdate so it does not interfere with any of the children's nap times.

2. 
    

   Have fun activities - In case the children become bored you want to have fun activities arranged. Depending on their age group consider popular games they will enjoy. Here are a couple suggestions ....
   
   Arts & crafts - Consider fun activity time with arts& crafts for the age group. One most children will enjoy is making edible necklaces. Start with thin strips of licorice ropes and supply ringed cereal like fruit loops or Cheerios. Allow them to create their own necklace and securely tie knots at the end for them, so they can wear their creation.
   
   Yogurt parfaits - Have different flavors of yogurt in bowls, different chopped up fruit, and granola set up on a table. Supply disposable cups and spoons (for easy clean up) Allow the children to create their own snack. It is fun and healthy at the same time.
   
   Fishing - Have long thing pretzels, cream cheese and goldfish crackers. Give each child a pretzel with a dab of cream cheese on the end and allow them to fish for the crackers.

3. 
    

   Emergency contacts - It is important to be prepared all the time, even if the play date is just an hour. Exchange contact information with the other moms and always have emergency contacts available for each child. Better safe then sorry! At the same time you want to ask about any allergies the children may have.
   
   Ask about rules - Before you have children at your home ask the parent about certain rules they have. For instance rules about TV, video games, snacks. You want to respect the parents wishes to make it a good playdate for everyone.

4. 
    

   Sharing - If the play date is at your house make your children aware of the sharing rule. If there are certain toys they refuse to share have them remove them for now. This will help any possible melt downs if another child touches that particular toy.
   
   Don't discipline - You don't want to discipline other peoples children. if a child is throwing a tantrum, or being mean to other children, try to change the task they are doing or simply state it is a house rule not to do that. You don't want to single the child out and yell or scream at them. Handle yourself in a dignified matter. Then if it requires additional attention, talk to the parent at pick up time.
   You don't want to be a 'tattletale' but if something was broken, or the child was hitting others or had a major melt down, then start the conversation with the parent in a tasteful manner. Start with "We had a little incident" and go on to tell them what happened.

5. 
    

   Don't over stay your welcome or your child's - When it is your turn to drop of your child, make sure you are on time for pick-up. You don't want to be the mom ho leaves her child longer then your supposed to.
   
   Clean up time - When time is coming to a close try arranging a fun clean up routine. Sing a song about cleaning up which will help get the children involved, or play a counting game when the children are picking up toys. Making things fun are the best way to get a child to participate.
   If the playdate was not at your house, when you arrive to pick up your child at least offer to stay and help clean up. Maybe that parent will do the same for you when the play date is at your house.

6. 
    

   Bring snacks - When the play date is not at your house you may consider helping out by supplying snacks to the parent for the children.
   
   Manners - Remember to thank the parent when you pickup your child and have your child do the same. Also remind your child to say please and thank you during the day when it is appropriate. Your child will stand out since manners seem to be dying in our world.

7. 
    

   Sick children - When a child arrives obviously sick at the play date to your home. it is alright to say they can't stay. Consider the other children and your own, you don't want them all to get sick. Simply say, " I'm sorry but he/she can't stay, I don't want all the others catching it."
   You may feel bad doing so, but trust me, you will win points with the other mothers for looking out for the children.
   
   Chances -Sometimes there is going to be that one child or even parent you do not connect with. Just try to give them a second chance regardless of how they were the first day. We all have our off days and maybe (hopefully) that day just happened to be that for them. if after the second time things are still the same try to let them down gently.

[bobojo]

on 2/28/2009 My children have a lot of play dates, they love them. I really like your idea about supplying the snacks if the paly date isn't at your house. 5* and a recommend.

[jaredsgirl]

on 2/27/2009 Playdates are fun for both parent and child. They give your child a social outlet as well. Thanks for sharing. 5*

[codyryan0316]

on 2/27/2009 More great tips from a master!