Playdates are an integral part of childhood. When children interact and play with their peers, they have opportunities to socialize, learn new games, and create friendships. Playdates also teach valuable skills like sharing and taking turns. There are a few important factors that go into setting up successful playdates.. Here’s a helpful guide to help ensure that your child’s playdates run smoothly.
Start with a small group playdate
Starting slow will give your child time to get used to playdates and social dynamics. Instead of jumping right into a large playdate, plan one with just one or two kids to start. This also allows you to observe how your child interacts with different peers, and then you can adjust the group size accordingly for future playdates.
Be clear about playdate parameters
Most parents like to establish boundaries before playdates, and it’s essential to be specific. For example, you may set guidelines such as “No hitting” or “Follow the rules of the game.” It’s also helpful to let children know what’s expected of them during playtime (for example, “We’re going to clean up after we finish playing.”) This will help ensure that playtime runs smoothly.
Establish an area for playing
Creating a designated play area for playdates will help keep things running smoothly and safely as well. You might utilize your backyard or a designated playroom inside your home. By having a specific space for playdates, you’ll help ensure that toys don’t end up all over the place (and this can also help minimize arguments about which toys are whose).
Provide snacks and drinks
It’s helpful to have a few snacks and drinks ready during a playdate. This can help avoid any meltdowns. If you’re hosting the playdate at your house, try having a variety of healthy snacks from which to choose.
This is especially important for children who are experiencing their first playdate because it allows you to make necessary adjustments beforehand. For example, if a child prefers to eat chicken nuggets at every meal, you may want to avoid inviting him to playdates at a home in which chicken isn’t allowed. Be sure your children’s friends and their parents are aware of your own child’s dietary restrictions as well, if needed.
Be prepared for anything
While we all hope our children’s playdates will go smoothly, it’s always best to be prepared for the unexpected. This includes everything from minor injuries (e.g., a scrape or cut) to major ones (such as an asthma attack). Make sure you have a first-aid kit handy, as well as your child’s or other children’s medication, if necessary. And don’t forget to have a contingency plan in case of bad weather.
Make playdates short and sweet
It’s important to be flexible when it comes to playdates. Keep in mind that each child’s energy level and attention span will vary, so playdates may run longer or shorter than expected. In order to avoid meltdowns, it’s best to schedule playdates for no more than an hour and a half. However, keep in mind that playtime may stretch further if both children are happily engaged in the activity and your schedule allows.
Playdate dos and don’ts
It’s important to remember that not all playdates will go perfectly. This is normal, and it’s also a great opportunity for your child to learn how to deal with disagreements and setbacks. Just be sure to keep some basic playdate dos and don’ts in mind, such as:
- DO encourage playmates to share and take turns
- DON’T let kids play without adult supervision
- DO make sure all playdates end on a positive note
End playdates on a high note
Just as you want playdates to start on a positive note, it’s also important that they end on one too. It helps to ensure that the playdate winds down gradually, rather than ending abruptly. Give children a few suggestions for activities (such as telling stories or singing songs) that will help children transition from playtime to saying goodbye. If you’re hosting a playdate, be sure to thank the parents of your child’s friend for arranging the playdate.
Playdates are an important component of your little one’s healthy and happy growth and development. By following these tips, you can help ensure that every playdate is enjoyable for both you and your child.
At Akers Academy, the enrichment, safety and love of every child are the primary motivation behind everything we do! From infancy through Pre-K, our proven early learning curriculum helps build a strong foundation of self-confidence and academic excellence for each child’s future. Contact us to learn more.
