Successful Host Stories

Happy Play Dates for Your Toddler With These Hints and Tips

If you have two toddlers in the same room together, well anything could happen - and frequently it does! From tug-of-war over the building blocks to enchanting moments in the play house, play dates illustrate toddler togetherness at its worst and best. Follow the guidelines below to make sure that your child makes the most of his or her play dates.

Don’t arrange too many

A play date once or twice a week means your toddler will have something to look forward to, but if you arrange play dates too frequently, then they may become too much like hard work. It’s hard for toddlers to learn to share and play harmoniously with their peers, and requiring them to be on their best behaviour every day isn’t really very fair. If your child goes to preschool or nursery every day, then you probably want to schedule play dates evern less frequently to avoid burn-out. It’s easy to tell if you’re arringing too many play dates - if your toddler anticipates them eagerly and has a good time when there, then you’ve got it about right, but if he or she doesn’t want to talk about them, is weepy on the way there and plays up during the dates themselves, then cut back.

Keep them short

Most toddlers, particularly those under two, can’t cope with long play sessions. While your child’s still getting the hang of it, set a time limit of an hour or an hour and a half.

Timing is really important

Don’t arrange a play date at the time of day when your toddler is usually cranky or overtired, at nap time or just before meals. Ideally toddlers should be well fed and rested beforehand.

Don’t invite too many friends

Playing with just one other child is a big challenge for a toddler - inviting more than that may make it impossible for everyone to have a good time.

Enjoy hosting

Toddlers find it more of a challenge when the play date is in their own homes, they have to share their home, room toys and food. Understand that your child is experiencing added stress - make him or her feel important by allocating fun responsibilities like answering the door, choosing and helping prepare the snack (in advance) and setting aside some very special toys that don’t have to be shared. This will help him or her feel more in control and make hosting play dates easier.

Constant Supervision

Make sure the children are supervised by an adult at all times. This will prevent over-boisterous play with its potential for injuries, and also stop them from getting into potentially dangerous mischief.

Be realistic!

At this early age even a few moments of peaceful, co-operative play is an achievement. Anything beyond this is the icing on the cake - sometimes it will happen - but frequently it won’t!

Don’t push togetherness

If the children are happy playing side by side or even in different rooms, then leave them be. Don’t demand that they play together. Encourage interaction with the right activities … playing house, building with bricks etc, but remember, above all, a play date is meant to be fun for the children.

Plan B

Have a contingency plan. One-on-one play might be OK for a while, but in case conflict develops, be ready to provide distraction with an adult directed activity. Maybe sit down with a book - download one instantly at Scruffy’s Bookshop, and print as many copies as you like!

Other than this, just relax and enjoy …. they won’t be toddlers for long and it won’t be long before you enter the world of teenage sleepovers!

Visit Ellie’s website, Scruffy’s Bookshop to view a new online toolkit called Kids of Character

It’s designed to help you raise responsible, caring kids in a fun way. Sign up for her free monthly newsletter while you’re there!