STICK TO THESE RULES FOR A GREAT TIME

● The main rule for a play date is that it should be fun! Make an effort to create a pleasant space for your child and her friends at your house.

● Be sure to prepare your child that a friend will be playing with his toys, so that there aren’t any unnecessary tears.

● Try to avoid watching television. The whole point of a play date is for your child and a friend to engage socially. If they’re only going to be sitting in front of the box, you might as well cancel the date. Leave the television for if the weather turns bad unexpectedly.

● Don’t meddle the whole time, but intervene if your child doesn’t want to share or if a fight breaks out over toys. If your child has a favourite toy, help him to put it away safely beforehand. Also make sure there are enough toys with which more than one child can play, like Lego or crayons.

● The children have to tidy up the room before having their snacks.

● If it’s your child’s first play date at a new friend’s, make an effort to chat with the mom beforehand.

● Don’t be shy to tell the other mom that you insist on a car seat. If she doesn’t have one, you can offer to send yours along to school.

● If it’s a friend’s first time at your house, you can send his mom an SMS after an hour or so to let her know that everything’s fine and what the kids are getting up to.

● Offer a quick cup of tea when the friend’s mom comes to fetch him. One can discover the most amazing friends through your kids.

● Communicate with the parents of your child’s friends. Tell them if you prefer for the kids to play at your house because you’re there to supervise, or if you can’t reciprocate with a play date at your house because you’re working. Many a misunderstanding has been solved with good communication.