Planning A Successful Playdate

Planning a successful playdate for your child can be a lot of fun, but it can also be a lot of pressure. There are various factors to consider depending on the age of your child and your relationship with the other child’s family.

Parent Accompanied Playdate

When your children are young, typically the parents all stay for the duration of the playdate. While this is great in terms of the number of children that one parent is supervising, it can be more awkward if you don’t know the other parents well. While some people can make small talk with anyone, other people aren’t as skilled or comfortable with it.

Neutral Location

A great way to avoid the awkwardness is to have the playdate on neutral territory. A playground, park, or other child friendly location will allow you to interact with the other parent, but also have the distraction of whatever activity is going on. Neutral territory also allows each parent to head home when they or their child are ready to go.

Drop off Playdate

If your child is a bit older and has graduated to the parent drop off playdate, there are a few important things to keep in mind so that everyone feels comfortable. For the child’s first visit to your home, offer to tour the parent and child around the house so that they feel like they know where their child will be playing and the child knows where things like the bathroom are located. It can also be helpful for both parties to clarify the length of the playdate in advance so everyone knows what time the child will be picked up.

Parent’s Preferences

For a successful playdate, it can also help to ask the other parent about their general preferences regarding rules such as playing outside supervised or unsupervised, screen time, and if there are any allergies or food restrictions that you should be aware of. This is not only helpful information, but asking will make the other parent feel more secure that you are thinking about their child’s best interests. Sending one or two text message updates during the playdate (and even including a picture if possible) is another great way to keep the other family in the loop and feeling good.

Plan Activities

In the interest of making your own life easier, it can help to have a few pre-planned activities available for the kids to do. Whether this includes arts and crafts, water play outside, an obstacle course, or something else, it can keep children from getting over excited and pulling out every single toy they own! Try any and all of these sensory activities to keep kids engaged and learning through their senses.

Make it Fun

Regardless of how you plan your playdate, the most important part is that the kids have a great time and stay safe. After building a “playdate relationship” with another family, it’s much easier to move forward with future successful playdates!

Childcare Providers Get Permission First

Nannies, remember that you always need to get permission before bringing a child to another person’s house. Some parents may want to meet the other family beforehand. This goes both ways; you also need permission before planning a playdate and inviting someone into their home. If the parents feel uncomfortable, you can ask if they have a list of families they know and are okay with you planning a playdate with.

Parents, if you are looking for some extra help planning playdates and activities consider hiring a nanny or household manager. They can pick the kids up from school, make sure homework is done, plan playdates, prep dinner, and more! Check out all of our unique nanny services here.

About The Author

Sarah Proctor has worked with young children for over 25 years as a teacher, childcare director, nanny, and mom of two girls. She has her Bachelors Degree in Early Childhood Education and Administration from UMass Amherst. In addition, Sarah has her Director 2 certification from the Department of Early Education and Care.