Playdates are a great way for kids to get socialization and exercise, but they can also be daunting for parents. What do you do when another kid comes over? How do you make sure things run smoothly? Is your house ready for some playtime? Whether you're hosting a group of toddlers or school-age children, it's essential to have some guidelines before the fun begins. These seven playdate rules will help make your next playdate run smoothly!
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1. Choose and designate the playdate area.
- Will you have a playdate in the living room? Then bring toys, books, and board games and make as much space as possible for kids to play.
- Will you allow children to play all around the house? Consider locking your bedroom and other rooms with valuable things like documents, expensive goods, or cash. However, we do not advocate letting children play freely due to the possibility of mess all around the house.
- Will the playdate occur in your child's room? Ask the child to tidy up their room and prepare it for guests.
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2. Limit the number of guests.
- Is your child easygoing and social? Invite no more than three children at once to reduce the chance of kids' overstimulation and the playdate becoming chaotic.
- Is your child rather shy or anxious? Only allow one friend at a time to join. Your youngster will feel safer and more confident interacting with just one buddy. Also, having only one child on a playdate helps children develop closer friendships and rapport.
3. Ask your child to help with planning.
- What toys would your child like to share with friends? Select toys that your kid will be comfortable sharing. All of your child's treasured lovies, breakable items, and other such objects should be kept out of sight or hidden. If a disagreement or accident occurs, such precautions will decrease the likelihood of a meltdown.
- Does your child know how they'll spend their playtime with pals? If asked, offer ideas and choose the best of them together.
4. If things go unplanned, consider how to entertain kids.
- Stock up on some simple-to-explain board games (age-appropriate), art and craft materials, books, or movies.
- What will you do if the playdate starts to get out of hand? We propose moving children's attention to art activities, where they may focus and calm down—or reading a story if nothing else works. You can also turn on a movie and switch their attention rapidly in the worst-case scenario.
- What if kids become bored with one another and don't seem to get along? Board games can be a lifesaver in such situations. Or, if your home allows, consider engaging in active physical games instead.
5. Ask parents about the food allergies and diets of the visiting children.
- What food will you serve to the children? Of course, it depends on the time of your playdate, but children don't generally eat much on playdates, so pick some bite-size snacks like grapes, cheese sticks, small sandwiches, and so on. Pizza Margherita usually works best on any occasion.
6. Explain the house's rules to your little guests.
- Begin by establishing clear boundaries in a kind and friendly manner.
- Do visiting children know where to wash hands or which towel to use? Show them where the restroom is and how everything is laid out so kids can use it. You might be surprised, but not all children wash their hands after using the toilet or going outdoors. Today, these customs are more essential than ever.
- Are kids allowed to play in all rooms? If not, explain to children where they can play and what rooms not to go into. It is critical if children begin playing games such as "hide and seek in the house.
- Are you comfortable with children carrying food around the house? If you want kids to eat at a particular place, tell them that in your home, they may only eat behind the table in the kitchen, for example.
7. Before they go, have the children clean up all the toys together.
- The key to a stress-free playdate is to clean up together at the end. At the start of a playdate, inform your children that they will be expected to clean up afterward. Tell them you'll come 20 minutes before the end of the playdate and request that they tidy up everything.
RELATED: 21 Playdate Ideas for 5-7-Year-Olds: Outdoor, Indoor & Adventure Games
So, there you have it! Our seven playdate rules to help make your next one a smooth success. If you're looking for even more guidance, be sure to download our handy PDF checklist that summarizes these tips. With a little preparation and some advance communication with the parents of your child's guests, your next playdate can be enjoyable for all involved. What are your go-to tips for hosting successful playdates?