Hosting Play Dates

Filed in archive Parenting on May 24, 2010

© tiarescott

Playdates are essential opportunities for children to socialize and learn concepts of sharing, sportsmanship, and friendship among others. When my kids were toddlers, it was fairly easy to invite people over and host play dates. The parents went along, and I was glad for the company and adult conversation, too.

When the kids grew older, their play mates were often just dropped off at the door and picked up a few hours later. What happened in between was up to me. It's nice to have the kids at home, where I can keep an eye on them playing happily while I do my own chores. But hosting a play date is not the child play it seems to be.

My kids are a rambunctious lot, and so are their friends. It was important that I lay down the rules from the beginning: the master bedroom is off limits, no jumping on the beds, indoor and outdoor voice levels, leave the pet alone, etc. It was also important that the kids knew from the start that I expect them to clean up and put away toys, game boards, puzzle pieces that they were no longer using. I don't expect that the place remains spic n span, but I think it's also good that the kids learn to clean up after themselves.

DO you have tips to share when hosting play dates?