Parenting

Play DateProducts Relating to 'Play Date'

If you have two toddlers in the same room together, well anything might happen - and usually it does! From fights over the building blocks to wonderful moments in the play kitchen, play date sessions can represent toddler interaction 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 often, then they may become too much like hard work. It's hard for toddlers to learn to share and play harmoniously with others, and asking 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 trying to arrange too many play dates - if your toddler looks forward to them and has a great time when there, then you're doing OK, 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 brief 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 crucial Don't fix 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 One on one interatction is in itself a big challenge for a toddler - inviting more than that may make it impossible for all to go well.
• Enjoy hosting Toddlers find it harder when the play date is in their own homes, they have to share their home, room toys and food. Be aware of this added stress - make your child feel important by giving him 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.
• Supervise at all times 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.
• Realistic expectations 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 you'll get it - but sometimes you won't!
• Don't push co-operation If the children are happy playing side by side or even in different rooms, then let them alone. 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.

Other than this, just relax and enjoy .... they won't be toddlers for long!

Article Published: Friday 12th October 2007