How to Host a Playdate

Kids need friends. Mothers need friends. I am a stay at home mother and we find that because our children are not in a daycare or preschool setting, they often lack the social skills that children need. My children thoroughly enjoy other children their age and I enjoy talking to other women who share similar lifestyles as we do. Playdates are our way of meeting the needs of both mothers and children! Planning and carrying out a successful playdate is not hard, it just takes some planning and patience.

When planning a playdate, think about the children involved. Consider their ages and abilities. For example, a two year old would not enjoy an art museum, but they would like a hands on art studio. Infants can not do much at an art studio, but would enjoy some tummy time at a friends house! Some people have dress up party playdates or other "themed "playtimes!

Timing is everything. Ask your participants what time is good for them. Planning around naptime and feeding schedules is important. Nothing can spoil a playdate faster than fussy babies that just need to go to sleep. Food and snacks can always be arranged. Most playdates seem to work best in the morning hours, before naptime and lunchtime. Keep the playdate brief while the fun is still going. Children have small attention spans and become tired easily. Three to four hours is plenty long enough for a fun playdate. Shorter for younger children.

Where to hold the playdate is another important factor. Playdates can be held just about anywhere that children enjoy. If there are not too many kids involved, you can always hold the playdate at someone's home. Toys, music and other planned activities are fun for most children. If the weather cooperates, it is always nice to let the children go outside and play. If you choose to have the playdate at someone's home, make sure there are plenty of toys for all of the children and make sure there is a bathroom available for the guests. Playdates can also be held at a museum, park or other facilities.

Decide what activities to provide. If you host the playdate at your home, you might choose to bake cookies, do some arts and crafts, make necklaces or just play. If the playdate is at a park, nothing else is needed. Perhaps everyone can bring a stroller or bike and go for a walk or ride.

Provide drinks and snacks that are easy to eat and clean up. Goldfish, pretzels, animal crackers and fruit are good choices. Finger sandwiches, cheese and crackers or raw veggies are also good snacks to provide. Ask the parents ahead of time if their children have any food allergies that need to be worked around. Provide juice boxes, water bottles or milk for the children. You might decide to have some sodas on hand for the adults as well.

Playdates are lots of fun. It does not take a lot of time or money to put a playdate together. Kids have great imaginations-let them use them!