Planning a Playdate

Stepping Stones Fall Coffee “Tips for a Successful Play date” 

Making the date:

• Which child do you make the play date with?
• Do you invite the other parent?
• Do you ask to attend the play date yourself?

Preparing:

• Speak with your child about the play date
  • Who is the peer your child will be playing with?
  • Where is it (your house or peer’s house)?
  • What they might play with?
• May want to put aside favorite toys!
• Will separation from parent be a potential issue?
• How long should the play date be?
• What will the play date look like?
  • Have set structured play options
  • Outdoor or indoor activities?
  • If it will involve food, find out about allergies, child’s food preferences, etc.

The actual date!:

• Be flexible!
• If separation issues do arise, what to do?
• It’s ok to review house rules (e.g. take shoes off at the door)
• Supervising their play – do you facilitate?
• Be a cheerleader!
  • Point out the things they did well in the moment, and be specific – want to build on those successes!
• What to do if there is conflict?
• Have fun!

Ending the play date:

• Prepare/pre-alert children for the play date coming to an end
• Giving closure:
  • Wrap up by cleaning-up
  • Arts and craft activity to take home
  • Review what the children did on the play date
  • Giving their friend a hug, say “Bye! See you in school!”

~ Play dates are a time for preschoolers to laugh and play; to practice sharing and taking turn; to start learning that different homes may have different rules; to develop friendships and so much more. But most important, play dates should be fun and safe, not just for the kids, but for the adults too. Enjoy!