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Successful Play Dates

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So you want to host a play date? Good for you. Local mom Jenn Fencl says, “A successful play date depends on a parent’s ability to remain calm.” So true. Here are more great tips for successful play dates:

Your house or mine? Can’t decide? Pick an outside play date location. Try:

Stash the goods. Kids love to show off their favorite toys. It’s a good idea to remind your child about sharing and hide any favorite toys in advance. 

Keep it short. Set an end time as well as a start time. An hour or so is about the max for tots and preschoolers, otherwise you’ll have overtired munchkins on your hands.

Pick the right time. Most kids nap at similar times, there’s dinner to prepare and older kids’ coming home from school, dance class, soccer, etc., so for most parents, the afternoons are probably packed. Try for 9:00 or 10:00 in the morning.

Don’t invite the whole neighborhood. It’s easier (and safer) to limit the number to two or three friends. That way, kids won’t feel overwhelmed; nor will parents. This is also your chance to “learn from each other while your children play” says Fenci.

Be safe. I was recently reminded about childproofing. Though my kids are experts at navigating our stairs, some of our little visitors weren’t. Close doors, lock cupboards, set up baby gates and move your breakable knick-knacks. 

Get creative. Kids love to dress up. How about a mad hatters’ tea party or a superhero gathering? Do you have a budding chef? How about making pizza, muffins or cookies?

Be a referee. KC mom Margaret Sarver says, “Give them space, but intervene as necessary.” Fenci agrees. “You cannot count on the children to entertain each other for the duration of the date,” she says. Encourage kids to play and socialize while you watch for brewing conflict—without hovering.

Wear them out. Your goal should be 20 to 30 minutes of intense activity. Build an obstacle course or rock out to your favorite kids’ tunes.

Leave time for clean-up. Chances are you know the clean-up song. If not, pick a tune and make up your own ditty. Soon the little people that just screamed “NO!!” will be happily singing along and tossing toys into buckets and onto shelves.

Feed the monsters. Before the mob arrives (or before you visit) feed your own child, but also offer snacks to your mini-guests.

Share the love. Reciprocate. No mom wants to get stuck hosting all the time. 

Victoria Pressley hosts many play dates at her home in Leavenworth.

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