Tips for a successful play date
Following on from my post yesterday about how play dates can be beneficial, today’s post will focus on creating successful play dates.
Here are some of my top tips!
1. Give your child advanced warning and explain to them what will happen. Some children may find having an unknown child in their home, playing with their toys a bit daunting so preparing them in advance is important
2. Decide whether the play date will be in your house or theirs. You may also want to consider having your first play date in the local park. It’s a bit less formal and means the children can run around and let off some steam
3. If you have a play date your house and your child has a special toy that they take everywhere with them, it might be a good idea to put this toy away so that it’s kept safe. You wouldn’t want it getting damaged or lost, plus your child may get upset if they see another child playing with their favourite toy
4. I always find it helps to bring out a selection of different toys. If I’m having a play date, I’ll pop some toys away that may be at risk of becoming damaged and instead bring out some more sturdier toys. It’s always good to have a good section of toys for the children to play with so that they don’t get bored
5. You may want to set up some crafts for a change. Simply pop a table cloth over your dining table and get out some stickers, glue, tissue paper and crayons and let the children unleash their creativity! It’s probably best to leave the paint in the cupboard though!
6. A plate or tray with some healthy snacks and drinks is sure to go down well
7. If you’re a bit nervous or think you’ll run out of conversation, it may be worth thinking about a few topics beforehand that you can talk about. Holidays, special occasions (birthdays etc.) , what’s on TV etc. can all be great starting points
8. Chose a time that means all children will be at their best. If your child gets tired and grumpy in the afternoons, opt for a morning play date and vice versa
9. Turn the TV off – you don’t want your ‘date’ to arrive and find that all the children do for the duration of the play date is sit and watch TV!
10. Stock up on the tea and coffee! Decaf, herbal – you’ll want to be prepared!
Do you have play dates? What are your tips for success?
26 Comments
Kacie Morgan
September 30, 2015 at 9:43 am
I loved having my friends over when I was younger 🙂 such a treat!
Emily
October 6, 2015 at 6:54 pm
Hi Kacie, thanks for your comment. It really is a treat and gives us mums a bit of a break too! x
Mellissa Williams
September 30, 2015 at 12:47 pm
It's great watching your children play with other young ones, they learn so much through play.
Emily
October 6, 2015 at 7:00 pm
Hi Melissa, thanks for your comment. It's lovely seeing them playing with other children and not just each other for a change! x
Mama, My Kid Doesn’t Poop Rainbows
October 2, 2015 at 10:10 am
Good tips. We usually have a few beers in the fridge too 😉 #binkylinky
Emily
October 6, 2015 at 7:01 pm
Hi, thanks for your comment. Glad you found the tips helpful x
Jeremy Barnes
October 2, 2015 at 12:12 pm
#3 is the biggest one when my brother brings his monsters over. I explain to my little that they don't play as nice, so fragile stuff is getting hidden
Emily
October 6, 2015 at 7:02 pm
Hi Jeremy, thanks for your comment. I do the same. I hide the more fragile and expensive toys!
Tracey Abrahams
October 2, 2015 at 5:18 pm
I use to prefer to meet other mums and their kids innthe local park for playdays. Gave them a chance to mix without any of the toy ownership problems. #binkylinky
Emily
October 6, 2015 at 7:03 pm
Hi Tracey, thanks for your comment. We meet up in the park as well, as farms and other places too x
Sarah Howe – Run Jump Scrap
October 2, 2015 at 6:36 pm
I like these tips! I so need to put some toys away as I swear something always gets trashed!! Mainly my lounge, It's so nice now as my girlie is of an age where she will play so the Mum's can have a natter xx Thanks for hosting x
Emily
October 6, 2015 at 7:04 pm
Hi Sarah, thanks for your comment. Glad you like the tips! I have a playroom too which I usually close the door too. One room getting destroyed is enough! x
All About The Child
October 3, 2015 at 11:00 am
My daughter is getting to the age that she wants play dates with school friends and not just our friend's kids. It's been a little daunting to try to get to know complete strangers and then invite them for a play date!
Emily
October 6, 2015 at 7:04 pm
Hi, thanks for your comment. It can be daunting, I found it very daunting, but I"m so glad I took the first step and asked another mum over. Not looked back since! x
Julie Downes
October 3, 2015 at 7:00 pm
Great tips. We do have playdates at our house – I'll be glad when the territorial phase is over though by my 3 1/2 year old! It must be soon……. #binkylinky
Emily
October 6, 2015 at 7:05 pm
Hi Julie, thanks for your comment. I hope it's soon, we have this issue too! x
BossLady@sugarandrhubarb
October 4, 2015 at 3:33 pm
Great Tips. We usually have slabs of cake ready too. The idea of different toys is really very good too and would help reduce what I would call 'territorial toddler toy rage'
#TheList
Emily
October 6, 2015 at 7:05 pm
Hello, thanks for your comment. Slabs of cake sounds amazing!!
Something Crunchy Mummy
October 5, 2015 at 8:09 pm
Great tips – especially the putting the favourite toys away #binkylinky xx
Emily
October 6, 2015 at 7:06 pm
Hi Kirsty, thanks for your comment Glad you liked the tips and found them helpful. I'm sure there'll come an age where we won't have to put toys away, but until then I'll continue to do so! x
Michelle Murray
October 6, 2015 at 5:27 am
lovely post and great tips Emily. We haven't had a playdate yet but I am looking forward to the day we do.
Emily
October 6, 2015 at 7:07 pm
Hi Michelle, thanks for your comment. I hope you enjoy some play dates soon x
Franca Desjardins
October 6, 2015 at 9:44 am
Really good tips!! My daughter has had just one play date at my place. She normally goes to her friend's house or as you say to the park which is much easier for me LOL. Her first play date at home went pretty well. They are 5 years old so it was easier to control. They actually spent a lot of time watching Paddington Bear!! That is always a winner to put some movies to watch. Takes most of the time. LOL Your tip of take favouriet toys a way is a good idea. I will do that too. Thanks for this tips and for hosting #BinkyLinky 🙂 x
http://www.amomentwithfranca.com/
Emily
October 6, 2015 at 7:09 pm
Hi Franca, thanks for your comment, So glad you liked the tips! Play dates away from home are definitely easier! I do leave the TV on, but my friends usually have them off, but I find if my girls get a bit overwhelmed they can sit quietly and watch TV for a bit x
Hannah Parker
October 9, 2015 at 4:35 am
Great tips! We're getting into the habit now of having playdates and it's lovely having some company and seeing the kids play 🙂 Thanks for linking up to #TheList xx
Jenny
October 9, 2015 at 6:33 pm
I like to go to the park for play dates atm, it normally makes more sense when my 4 year old gets hyper with friends over. They need space to get rid of that energy! 🙂 x