You might think I am mad, but I am a great lover of playdates.
We are very lucky and proud to have such a little socialite on our hands, even at such a young age, our daughter has always loved other children. So now she is old enough we have started having her friends over and I can not tell you how wonderful this is.
There are soooooo many different activities and projects for all ages and abilities. I have found so many ideas on the internet, through parent forums, blogs and websites. There are also a number of kits available in the shops now which include resources, activity plans and built in rewards.
Playdates encourage so many important skills and values.
However, the reality is if you are not prepared to playdate, the house will definitely get trashed and there is high probability that there will be tears.
For those of you who are parents among us, I thought I would share some of my ideas with you. I hope to inspire you to take pleasure in both the planning and hosting of your 'Perfect Playdate'.
The Perfect Playdate
Plan
1. Choose a Peer
Do you know the child, have you met before, will they feel comfortable in your presence, are they happy to be left in your company?
2. Diary
Set a date and fix a time, don't be afraid of being specific about start and finish.
3. Dietary Requirements
Check food dislikes and allergies, suitable clothing needed for activities, ensure contact details are exchanged
4. Extra's
Are you going out anywhere, will you need a buggy, car seat? Are they toilet trained? Do you have contact details of the parents, emergency numbers (just in case).
Logistics
1. Play Areas
Set up a variety of activities in different rooms of the house; cooking in the kitchen, crafts in the dining room, playground games in the garden, dressing up in the bedroom.
Shut doors to the rooms that you do not want the children to access.
2. Sharing Toys
Remind your child that they are having a friend over who would really like to see and play with lots of toys. Explain that it is nice to share toys, with friends. They can play with their toys all other times. Remove any toys that you think will be a distraction for either party, included any special dolly or comfort blanket.
3. Safety
Make sure all breakable items have been moved to the closed off rooms or out of reach
Always let the children know of the rules in different places; hot oven in the kitchen, road safety out and about, holding hands etc.
4. Toilet
If they are toilet trained then show the peer the toilet or potty as soon as they arrive.
Playdate
1. Get Connected
Spend sometime allowing the peer to explore your house and show them all the different objects and activities that are available to them. Leave the peers alone for some time (observe from a distance).
2.
Schedule
Let the children know what is planned for the play date. Ask them what they want to do, give them plenty of choice in activities and order of play. Make choices fair. Ensure there is a refreshment or food break included and lots of fresh air opportunities.
3. Praise
Ensure that there are plenty of times when the children are praised for all good behaviour; following rules, sharing toys, being kind and helping each other, making good choices etc. Incorporate small rewards; a couple of sweeties should always be allowed on a play date.
4. Activities
The focus on activities should be in variation and choice. I have collated so many activities for play dates that this will require another blog. Coming soon, 'Perfect Playdate Activities'.
Home Time
1. Tidy up
Encourage the children to tidy up as they go along. For one big tidy up at the end though, put on some music or use a timer. See if they can put everything away before the time is up.
2. Memories
If the peer has made anything during their playdate, send it home.
3. Manners
Always make sure you and your child say...
Aftermath
1. Return and Reciprocate Invitations
The best bit about playdates is you will find yourself with lots of free time as your child's social calendar gets busier with reciprocal invitations.
I would love to hear all your experiences.
Nice to see you again.
Xxx
