Childhood play dates aren't as tricky as high school dates, but there are some basic guidelines that can help make the experience more successful for you and your child.
Choose a location that allows for active play
Locations that require sitting and being quiet, such as libraries, movie theaters, or performing arts locations can be frustrating for children if their main objective is to play. A home or park are good places to start. Most children could use much more outdoor time.
Limit the number of children
The more children in a playgroup, the more interaction and the greater chance of squabbling. Older children may want to choose whom to invite.
Check assumptions with the other parents
Parents have different opinions about supervision, developmentally appropriate activities, and what's acceptable to snack on. And parents differ on flexibility, tolerance, and ability to stretch to accommodate the diverse ways that families raise their children. "Is it okay for 5-year-olds to play in a fenced backyard with 'from the kitchen window supervision?'" "Are cookies at 3:30 p.m. reasonable?" "Can 4-year-olds play with make-up, video games, or action heroes?"
Schedule an hour or so for the play date
Give children adequate time to warm up to each other and enjoy playing, but be aware that after an hour even the children who are best at sharing can start to tire.
Put away special toys
Before the playmates arrive, let your child chose two or three toys to put away that he will not be required to share. One parent even asks her toddler, "When your friend comes to play, would you like it if you both play with _______ (insert the child's favorite toy that day)?" If the answer is no, that automatically qualifies the toy for "going to sleep" during the play date.
Have multiples of the "cool" toys
Before your child's friend arrives, step back and assess the toys that are out and about. If your child has been gravitating to the toy train set recently, are there two trains? If not, what is your plan if they both want the train? Toys that have multiple units, such as plastic tea sets, building blocks, musical instruments, plastic tool sets, and hand puppets can help alleviate arguments over who gets to have the toy.
Establish a sick policy
Parents have different expectations regarding children and illness. If runny noses aren't welcome, make that clear when you set up the play date. Parents should have no qualms about setting their definition of "sick."
Let children play at their own pace
Although we may be anxious for our young children to play with others, give them time to warm up and accept that young children may choose to play independently.
Supervise closely, but stand back
Let children work out their differences themselves if they are not hurting one another. Kim Wallace, a San Francisco-based writer, suggests these ideas for resolving conflict:
- Don't jump in at the first sign of trouble. Even though you should keep an eye on everything the children do during the play date, small disagreements seldom last long, and if you hang back you'll often find that the children work out their own resolution.
- Intervene rarely, but firmly. If, however, a conflict is escalating into verbal or physical confrontation, it's time to step in. Remain calm and make firm statements like, "I can't let you do that to Kyle." Explain that words and actions that hurt are not acceptable, and then coach the kids on coming up with a compromise to the original problem. If the fighting continues, separate the children for a while or introduce a new activity that's less likely to cause conflict. Here's where suggesting that the children "switch" toys after two minutes, instead of using the word "share" may be helpful.
- Pile on the praise. One way to keep negative behavior to a minimum is to consistently acknowledge good behavior. Make statements such as, "Wow, you were so nice to let Henry play with your favorite train! That made him really happy!"
Have a simple project at your fingertips
Having a simple project at your fingertips is another way to help ensure the play date goes smoothly and the children are content. This way, if the children seem to want, or need, a break, you can let them know you have a surprise in store for them. This may be as simple as making hot cocoa together in the kitchen, collecting acorns and leaves outside, or having a story time. Even school-agers love being read to, inventing their own stories, or planning a performance.
Give an ample good-bye warning
Give your child a five-minute warning before it's time to go. You're more likely to have a smooth transition leaving if he has a chance to finish playing. Give a longer warning if you want to include time for clean up.
Ask the children what they enjoyed
Play dates create conversations. Use the time after the play date to find out what your children enjoy, don't like, and what they would like to do in the future. It's also a good time to talk about how families are alike and different.
As with so much in parenting, keeping a good perspective, a sense of humor, and your wits intact can offset a challenging situation and turn it into an enjoyable one. Keep in mind that play dates become easier after practice. Above all, have fun and don't worry if it doesn't go smoothly, your child will not be removed from the play date list forever! As children get older and more familiar with people and places away from home, they're able to have play dates where we drop them off for a few hours alone. And those are the very best play dates of all...except when it's time to host the play date at your house.