Hosting Play Dates
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?
May 30th, 2010 at 8:49 am
Yummy. However this “buffalo” looks like a jersey cow. I am wondering if coconut milk would be just as good? Coconut milk is very healthy and my child likes this too.
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May 30th, 2010 at 9:00 am
If I were going to host a play date; I would check out http://www.babycruisers.com so that my child was well equipped for those extraordinary and memorable events that happen during play dates. Make sure you have your video camera. Could be worth some $ on AFV!
June 17th, 2010 at 12:22 am
I love all