cool playdates

A play date is a pre-arranged gathering for children of similar ages to do activities together. it is a great way to develop your child's social skills, such as sharing, taking turns and negotiating. It is also a good way for him to experience being under other adults' supervision. Here are some ideas on how to organize one.

Can you come out and play?

If you can't join any existing play group in your neighborhood or school, organize one. If this is your child's first play date, start with a small group, maybe not more than 4 children. Make sure you schedule the play date when the children are in the best mood to play, usually in the morning after breakfast or in the afternoon, after their naps. Don't forget to give guidelines to the other parents. Set a start and ending time for the play date, 2 hours is usually long enough.

Getting ready for your date

Child-proof the area where you will let the children play. Usually, if you have no nearby park and you have a spacious yard , you can turn it into a play area. Close off areas that are off-limits. Set up 2 to 3 play stations, such as an area for blocks, another for paints and crayons, a 3rd for real-life toys like cooking sets.

As a good play date host, you need fun activities for the kids. You can start with some free play, followed by a group activity;or teach them a new action song, or decorate a fancy cookie or fancy snacks. Remember, you don't have to be rigid about the schedule. If the kids are having so much fun on something, you don't have to break it up so you can move on to another activity.

Involve your kid

Let your child be a part of organizing his play date, especially if this is his first. Ask him for whom to invite over, maybe his classmates, or neighbor friends, or cousins. Also, ask you child which toy he is willing to share with the playmates. When the the children arrive, let your child welcome them ( but don't force him if hes doesn't want to). If there is an older child, let him give the others a tour of the play area and the activities. You can also ask him to help serve the snacks.

Breaking the ice

Welcome the guest as they arrive. Start with an activity that they can all do without having to mingle immediately( remember,some kids are shy at first), such as bubble fun,or painting. Allow the kids some time to familiarize themselves with each other,especially the young ones.

Food is important

Serving your little guests healthy food will be easier if you make then fun easy and fun to eat. Peel,deseed and cut up fresh fruits and roll them  in cereal or for older kids, turn them into fruit kebabs. You can also make cookie faces that are fun to eat. Don't forget to offer water,milk and fresh  fruit juices or shakes. There are a lot of ready to drink juices in the market, so you can serve it, to avoid also spillage.

Playing referee

Children will be bound to get into disagreements with each other. Let them work minor quarrels and calmly step in only when it escalates. For misbehaving guests (which you can't avoid), gently but firmly explain to them your rules, such as " don't jump on the couch, instead would you like to play jump rope instead?". Always keep your cool at all times.

Keeping the mood happy

Prevent disorders and preempt mood swings by  making sure you've got your bases covered. Make sure the kids are not hungry or sleepy, that they have enough toys, supplies and space for everyone.

Organizing a play date with you kid not only lets you bond and create more happy memories together, but also provides opportunities for your child to make friends. You may have to go through several play dates to find a match to your child's personality and your parenting style, but the results will be worth the efforts.

Happy Playtime!

photos:dreamstime