Any advices for my children's first play date?

1. 68

   algarveviewposted 12 years ago

   Any advices for my children's first play date?
   
   My kids are 4 year old twins and I've invited two of their friends, it's at my house...

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2. 73

   breathe2travelposted 12 years ago

   Prepare them for what will happen: the other children will want to play with their toys. Tell them it's ok, they're not taking them - teach, again, about sharing.  It's different when "outsiders" come into your home!
   
   Review any household rules that you think may affect the ability of the children to get along with your guests as well as avoid any "acting out".  Review feelings they may experience - good and bad.  Prepare them how to handle a lot of excitement and/or the not-so-happy feelings in a manner that is acceptable and healthy.
   
   I find when I prepare my younger children before playdates, the time is filled with more fun.
   
   Prior to your friends' arrival, decide which clean-up method you desire: everyone helps before leaving or if it's easier for you to clean up by yourself.  If you want everyone to pitch in, you may opt to quickly and cheerfully remind all of the children to clean up what they have out before getting another toy or game.
   
   Do you want to provide the snacks for everyone (bc you can count on four year olds getting hungry!) or do you want your friend to bring their own food? Communicate your thoughts with your friends.   I usually provide healthy snacks for adults and children, as well as paper plates and napkins -- to make clean up easier.  Occassionally, my pantry has been low and I've asked friends to bring something to add to the "spread".
   
   Have fun!

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   1. 88

      Denise Handlonposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Sound, practical and obviously 'put to the test' advice here.  Two thumbs up! 

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   2. 68

      algarveviewposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Loved the idea of preparing them... very important, especially with my son, since he is a bit territorial with his toys... really loved your ideas... I'm a bit lost, because I'll be alone with 4 kids, since the other moms won't be staying... scary!

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3. 61

   kat_thurstonposted 12 years ago

   Have some fun age apporatie activites planned and make sure that things they can get hurt on are put away. Also if you have animals make sure with the parents if it's ok for the animals to be around them and if you are serving any type of snacks or drinks I would consider checking with the parents to make sure for potential allgery's.

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   1. 68

      algarveviewposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Hi, Kat, already checked on allergies - nothing to report - I'm particularly worried with the stairs, I think one of the kids lives in a flat and I'm not sure is he is used to stairs... Wonder if I should keep the 1st floor off limits...

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   2. 61

      kat_thurstonposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      I would if you happend to have any baby gates around maybe put them up.

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4. 88

   Denise Handlonposted 12 years ago

   What a great question to pose from an obvious caring parent
   
   Importance of sharing
   Rooms OK to 'wander' into-which are off limits
   Move scared pets out of the area
   Lunch or snack-allergies, fave foods
   Time:  how long...and how long is too long
   
   Keep a close eye on the group; don't get sidetracked with social visit w/ other parent; at least for the first one, to intervene quickly if you see things going awry
   
   Break up a long play period with snacks or hands on actvity: craft  or art project 
   
   Go outside, weather permitting, to break it up    or take a walk through your neighborhood
   
   Put some music on and have a 'band' activity: marching, drumming, clapping etc to break it up    or   DANCE
   
   Dress up clothes to play in
   
   Down time to slow things or bring some quiet if too loud and overwhelming:  a movie w/ snack or a Story and something to sip on...(that's the KIDS, mom...not the drink for the adults, LOL  You can have that later, after they leave, haha)
   
   Anyway-the point is, keep it upbeat, friendly and FUN and always keep a close eye on the activity so you know how they are getting along and if there are any conflicts.   
   
   Enjoy

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   1. 68

      algarveviewposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Hadn't thought about rooms off limits, but that's really important... Anyway very good advices, Denise, thanks a lot! And the idea of the dress up is great, I think they will love it... And I do think I'll need that drink afterwards...

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5. 73

   fitmomposted 12 years ago

   There has been tons of great advice, so I'm not going to repeat the same info. But, one thing you may want is an ending time. Kids get tired from playing hard and they'll start to get grumpy and the tears will come easy and over nothing. If it's getting to this point, try to end the play date on a good note. They will have a blast and they'll be exhausted afterwards (and so will you). 

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