How to Have a Successful Play Date
Whether young or old, kids need a little guidance when it comes to having a fun-filled successful play date.
All too often unstructured play time can lead to tears. Sometimes good learning can occur from those times of tears, but it’s helpful to avoid unnecessary frustration whenever possible.
This list is here to help parents and caregivers do just that; avoid unnecessary frustrations (for the kids and adults) when it comes getting together for a play date.
Here are some steps you can take to make your next play date a fun time filled with laughter and (hopefully) no tears.
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Be Proactive about the timing.
Choose a time when kids will be well rested. Mid morning is usually best for little kids.
Make sure the parents and the kids are clear on the ending time.
2 hours is usually a good time frame for older kids. 90 minutes is better for preschool age kids.
Help kids with transitions by giving them plenty of warning and making plans for the next time you’ll see them.(See my suggestion in the clean-up section to help with this.)
Use a visual timer. This is a HUGE help for younger kids who have no concept of time. We love this one pictured below and used it for many years when my daughter was young.
Include a snack
When kids are low on energy, they get cranky. Have a yummy but healthy option available. (preferably something like cheese or fruit that is naturally sweet but doesn’t include a bunch of sugar that will lead to crazy energy highs followed by a mood crash.)
If older kids are getting together right after school or a sporting event, they will probably need a snack right away.
For younger kids, use snack time as a way to redirect and get things back on track if the playdate starts getting frustrating for them.
See my note below in the clean-up section for how to use snack time to help motivate kids for a quick toy pick up session.
Do some advance planning.
Choose a few activities ahead of time, (and make sure you have all the pieces needed for them).
Make sure there are games/toys everyone can play.
Or have alternate options for younger siblings. (magnatiles, foam blocks, etc)
Encourage open-ended, imaginative play (dress up clothes, blocks, etc)
Prep the play space.
Put away any super special toys or choking hazards.
Make sure the area is clean and organized to start with.
If the kids will be playing outside, check the yard for hazards or dog messes.
Put the dogs away during the play date.
How to handle clean-up.
Suggest a quick clean-up mid-play time if toys are getting so strewn about that kids are starting to step on them. You can tell kids that as soon as the toys are picked up, we’ll wash our hands and have a snack.
Do another quick clean-up toward the end of the playdate. Sweeten the deal with the promise of a balloon for each kid that they can take home with them when the playdate is over.
Whatever you do, don’t leave the mess for you child(ren) to clean up on their own after the play date. They will start to resent having friends over. If need be, tidy things up together as a family after guests have left, and use that time to chat about the play date.
What to do on a play date
It’s best if kids can use their imagination and come up with their own things to play. You can help them out by putting imaginative props in sight to spark their creativity. I’m including links to some things that have always been big winners whenever cousins and friends have come over to play.
If kids are struggling to get along on their own, have some simple board games or floor puzzles ready. I have found though, that these are only successful when one of the adults gets involved and guides the game- at least to get it started.
Try to include some active play ideas as well as options for quieter play.
If you found these tips helpful, please share with others.
The image below is pinnable. Thanks!
