Here’s All That You Need To Keep In Mind For A Toddler’s Playdate

Both parents and kids can have a great time on a toddler’s playdate. But being accountable for someone else’s child can feel just as difficult as entrusting someone else with your own. Keep in mind that play dates should be enjoyable, so try not to worry too much about it. You’re all set as long as appropriate ground rules have been established and safety precautions have been taken!

Expect some mess and messy hands too. Keep baby wipes handy to clean messy hands especially if you are planning to get the kids to do some craft or painting activities together.

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Here are some tips to help you plan a playdate for your toddler.

Things To Keep In Mind When Planning A Toddler’s Playdate

Prepare Your Child

Discuss the schedule for the playdate. Speak to your child about the importance of sharing toys so that he/she is prepared to share toys if they have to. Tell them the dos and don’ts of playing with friends; like no fighting, no being mean and being hospitable if you are having the playdate in your house.

Choose A Suitable Companion

Some preschoolers find it challenging to play with kids their age, while others don’t. Inquire about possible playdates from your child’s preschool teacher or daycare provider. Are there any kids that your child likes interacting with or likes more than the others? Or you can ask your toddler who he/she would want to play with, and then follow their lead. 

Set Up The Area

If a friend is coming over to play, put away any toys that your child could have trouble sharing. However, place duplicates of any specific toys out front if you have them. You can remind the kids that there are enough toys for each child to play with if they are having problems sharing a particular toy.

Give The Children Some Room

Naturally, you’ll need to keep an eye on the children to make sure they’re secure but try not to be too nosy and give them some privacy. Let the children play on their own without you instructing them about what to play or do. Let them learn to handle arguments if any unless you feel they could harm each other.

Avoid Staying Too Long

Don’t linger after dropping off your youngster longer than necessary. It’s not your play date unless you intended to hang out with the parent. Even if you feel at home, be aware of when to leave. Also, don’t pick up your child late if their play date is set for a specific time.

Make Sure You Share Numbers 

Share your number with the parents of your child’s companion and make sure you have their number as well. Contact the child’s parents at least once while you are hosting to let them know everything is okay.

Help Clean Up

Don’t accept “don’t worry about it” as a response if you pick up your child and the host’s living room looks like a tornado just passed through. Instead, pitch in and assist clean up and get the children involved in the cleaning too. It won’t take long to tidy up the mess if everyone pitches in (kids included). Including the kids in cleaning up after playing helps to teach them responsibility. 

Play dates can ease your life but keep in mind not to make playdates frequent or to treat other parents like a babysitter.

Cover image source: Soha Ali Khan Instagram