Playing with other children helps a child develop strong social skills that will stay with him for life. Here are some great tips to help you plan a perfect playdate.
First, talk to your toddler about the playdate and what will be expected of him. At this age, he is probably too young to decide who to invite, so make sure you pay attention to what other child seems to be a good fit. It’s all right if the children are not the same age. Playing with a slightly older child can be a good learning experience for your child, while playing with a younger child will make your child feel like the big kid.
Limit the invites to one child. Three or more children will often end in one child feeling leftout.
The best playdates last for one hour on the first visit, and two hours thereafter. If the playdate is too long, children will get fussy and tired.
Always check with the parents of the other child to make sure that there are no food allergies, sensitivities, or dislikes. You don’t want to serve something that will cause a fuss.
Lastly, make sure that you have a solid plan for the afternoon. Include activities that your child enjoys. Plan a scavenger hunt, make puppets and put on a show, finger paint, or play a game.
The key is to keep the kids busy with fun activities.