Hi Dads
This little nugget was our tip today so thought i would post it here as it's a gem!
Play dates are important because they give children a chance to play! Playing with others helps encourage a child's social and emotional development, as well as cognitive development and language development. Play dates also help children implement the skills and knowledge that they have gained individually or at school, make friends and enjoy the time spent in the company of others. (Kids Development Website)
I find that out of my wife and I, it tends to be me that initiates most of the boys play dates esp at the weekends, is that normal??
I remember some of my play dates as a kid, like the time me and a few mates broke my parents bed coz we were using it as a trampoline, and the times me and a friend would raid my parents stockroom ( i grew up in a sweet shop!!) 😀
check out this blog for what happened when one play date went manic!
Yes, for a child to develop play dates are important. But while organizing the play date few points should be kept in mind such as -
1. Keep groups in even numbers. The old adage "three's a crowd" is especially important to remember when organizing play dates for little ones. One-on-one meet-ups are often the most successful. When another child comes into the fold, it's only natural that two of the kids may team up and leave the other one hanging.
2. Don't let adult politics force a play date. Encouraging your son to hang out with your boss' child, your best-friend's daughter or the newest neighbor's kids may not work out as well as you hope. If a fight breaks out among the kids, it could cause tension among the grown-ups.
3. Supervise. It's imperative that you keep tabs on your youngster and all of those under your charge. Similarly, if you're dropping your little guy off for a visit at his newest friend's house, make sure that he'll be carefully watched over. If you don't know the parents well, stay at the house with your son, or suggest that you all meet up at a public place, like the park.