Thread: Playdates!
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Old 06-24-2011, 07:18 PM   #4
PurpleButterfly
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Default Re: Playdates!

Quote:
Originally Posted by PrincessAnika View Post
any suggestions for when you are the ones going somewhere?
I make sure we eat right before or on the way to the playdate, as well as bring snacks/drinks in my bag for my kids and myself. (You know how sometimes playdates can go longer than expected...)

We discuss the person/place we are going to and the estimated duration of the visit.

When we arrive I always ask my kids to put their shoes and socks next to my bag (since they usually take them off at some point anyway, this way there is no searching when it's time to go).

If we have never been to the location before, I totally scope it out to make sure it's safe and see what the kids have access to. No matter where we go, I consistantly and regularly check on my kids even if I can hear them from another room. I go to see them, to see what is happening and to make sure the area is not getting trashed. I make eye contact with my kids and generally can know at a glance if things are not going well. If I sense anything, like my youngest might be a bit withdrawn (unlike her), I will ask her to come with me to the restroom where we will take a potty break and have a few minutes to chat. I'll ask point blank how things are going, if she is being treated well, wants to leave/stay/needs anything.

I don't nag down to a 5 minute, 3 minute, etc. count but I do let the kids know when it is 30 minutes then 10 minutes before it's time to go. I always have a snack waiting in the car that they can look forward to when they are buckled up, to make leaving a little easier.

For my oldest who is into sleepovers right now, I tell him before we go that we have not arranged or plan to arrange a sleepover tonight.

For myself, I try to plan playdates for our "sweet spot" time, meaning we don't have to get up earlier than usual nor do we have to drive home in frustrating rush hour.
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