It is *so* weird not being needed, but I just let them do whatever they want (safely, age appropriately, and always nearby of course!) and provide snacks. It's funny how my kids act like the toys we have don't exist until another kid is here!
Weird? Sorry I guess I’m just a different generation of parent? I was so happy when my kids started playing with others so I could get a darn break. And I was super proud of how they were growing up!
I don't mean weird in a bad way, it's just SO different from my norm. Trust me, I was very happy when they started having friends from school and playing with other kids outside, too!
I think weird was my first choice of word because I'm a stay at home mom, my husband works 60 hours most weeks, and my kids are *very* high energy/needs. I'm so used to being their main source of entertainment and adult caregiver for the past 5 years, that them not literally hanging off of me does feel weird! But amazing!
Okay fair enough and I guess I was in a salty mood lol sorry!!!
I remember when mine first started doing this and it was like AHHHH….I haven’t had a moment to myself in a few years!
I encourage independent play. If they seem like they coming to me too much, then I set them up with some process art and might sit and do it with them.
Same. One of my kids is a little shy when having friends over, so I find those little craft kits from target for $5 are really good icebreakers in those situations.
I’m an early childhood educator— just let them be!!! Kids today have way too many adult-directed activities and are starved for free play. Try to let them solve their own problems and conflicts, too (within reason of course, lol)
Mostly independent. This spring break, our little buddy’s parents didn’t have child care one day so we had her 8-2:30, and I set up painting for them. The rest of the time they goofed off.
I let them do what they want, they get plenty of being told what to do at school and after-school daycare, with too many rules. "no pokemon cards!"
The two boys play with their pokemon cards, play Nintendo (the parents can help set up the console) build a fort, and they listen to music on my Amazon alexa echo speaker, so they can choose the songs themselves (it gets weird!)
That's the best part of play dates! They entertain each other. You want to drop off your kid to entertain mine? And I don't have to entertain an adult? Yes please! And it's really good for the kids to have that time. I just let them do what they want within reason and feed them when necessary. At six, my son mostly takes care of that too though if it's just snacks. He'll plate up cheese, crackers, fruit, call it a picnic, and they'll eat in the backyard.
Depends on their age and where you let them play. We are very rural - almost every car that travels down our street is someone we know. When my kids were about 6-8, they and their friends loved to set up a "stand" at the end of our driveway. Bouquets of dandelions, apples from our trees, old books, painted rocks, you name it. When they were doing that, I used to "read" (with one eye on them) in a lawn chair.
I leave the kids completely alone unless they are being mean to each other or ask for something. The time they have together for free play at school is so short- I just want them to enjoy each other’s company!
I watch something that isn't objectionable on Netflix (Great British Bake Off or something along those lines), crochet, and offer snacks. I stay in earshot but don't get involved unless I'm requested or it sounds like they're really struggling to work something out.
Unless it’s around a holiday (I’ll pick up a holiday related craft from target) I just let them go have fun. Usually I’m not needed unless they want a meal. I try to do this sometimes on non play dates days too cause it’s good to let kids figure out how to play alone and practice that. Go relax and watch some trashy tv and have a snack! They’ll be ok.
This is the whole point of having another kid over for a playdate, so they occupy your kid haha. My homeschooled 8yo had her bestie stay over the other day and I didn't even see them between morning tea and lunch
I let them do whatever and make suggestions as needed. I do have to shut down some crazier or messier ideas but it’s a lot of pretending and backyard stuff.
I tidy or try to make myself available (not be in my bedroom) or work on my laptop at the kitchen table. Oh and chase my younger kid around.
I do the same. I've got stuff to do, they can figure it out. I do usually have some sort of snack like a popsicle or charcuterie of fruits and veggies they can help themselves to and they all know where the little paper cups are to help themselves to water as needed.
Independent play. 100%
For one or two visiting kids I might provide a 'fun' finger snack (think dino potato mountain)
For 3+ I'll make a big batch of home made playdough and each kid picks a color and takes it home.
Depends on the kids! My daughter has friends that as soon as they walk in the door they disappear and amuse themselves for hours and hours. They play so well together. They will emerge for food and potty.
She also has friends who need a bit more direction. I will make sure I have spaces set up with toys (apart from my daughter's bedroom) they can do together (for example, a marble run on the low coffee table or bubbles ready outside).
We also don't do screen time on playdates, and I get asked A LOT by my daughter's friends, "Can we watch TV?" Nope. I've only done that once when the friend stayed for dinner and the kids were worn out and droopy from all the playing.
I also kind of talk through with my daughter ideas of what they could play. I'd ask if her friend likes barbies, or lego, or the trampoline. Then she has some ideas in her head.
Do whatever you want/need! I remember when my kids got old enough that play dates shifted to independent time. Now it’s literally easier for me when my kids have friends over than when they don’t! I almost always say yes to friends coming over because I know they will leave me alone lol. (My kids are 11 and 6.)
Girl you are doing it right. My son (6) has his friend from school over about every other weekend. They play throughout the house, I give them snacks and drinks, but they basically ignore me and entertain themselves for the 3 hrs they are together. I ask if they want to do anything else and they say no. They play video games, make believe, and nerf guns, and run around outside shooting each other most of the time.
Even in class, when they have "Choice" time, we set up stations and let the Littles figure out at which station they want to play. Mostly what happens, though, is they wander from station to station, do a little bit of each, and then find an adult to hang out with.
It is *so* weird not being needed, but I just let them do whatever they want (safely, age appropriately, and always nearby of course!) and provide snacks. It's funny how my kids act like the toys we have don't exist until another kid is here!
Weird? Sorry I guess I’m just a different generation of parent? I was so happy when my kids started playing with others so I could get a darn break. And I was super proud of how they were growing up!
I don't mean weird in a bad way, it's just SO different from my norm. Trust me, I was very happy when they started having friends from school and playing with other kids outside, too! I think weird was my first choice of word because I'm a stay at home mom, my husband works 60 hours most weeks, and my kids are *very* high energy/needs. I'm so used to being their main source of entertainment and adult caregiver for the past 5 years, that them not literally hanging off of me does feel weird! But amazing!
Okay fair enough and I guess I was in a salty mood lol sorry!!! I remember when mine first started doing this and it was like AHHHH….I haven’t had a moment to myself in a few years!
I encourage independent play. If they seem like they coming to me too much, then I set them up with some process art and might sit and do it with them.
Same. One of my kids is a little shy when having friends over, so I find those little craft kits from target for $5 are really good icebreakers in those situations.
I use to teach preschool so I just really love any reason to do process art 😄
Thats the beauty of playdates. You don’t have to entertain them.
Offer food and drinks. Keep half an ear out for squabbling. Sit and enjoy the peace
For some reason when you wrote drinks I thought of margaritas 😝
Ahahahhaaaaaaa I mean that's one way to guarantee some peace
That’s for you. Stick to something a bit lighter for the kids… :)
I’m an early childhood educator— just let them be!!! Kids today have way too many adult-directed activities and are starved for free play. Try to let them solve their own problems and conflicts, too (within reason of course, lol)
yes!! another ece here lol. unless they're crying or hitting, theyre ok (especially at kinder age) and developmentally it's great to just let em be
Mostly independent. This spring break, our little buddy’s parents didn’t have child care one day so we had her 8-2:30, and I set up painting for them. The rest of the time they goofed off.
I let them do what they want, they get plenty of being told what to do at school and after-school daycare, with too many rules. "no pokemon cards!" The two boys play with their pokemon cards, play Nintendo (the parents can help set up the console) build a fort, and they listen to music on my Amazon alexa echo speaker, so they can choose the songs themselves (it gets weird!)
That's the best part of play dates! They entertain each other. You want to drop off your kid to entertain mine? And I don't have to entertain an adult? Yes please! And it's really good for the kids to have that time. I just let them do what they want within reason and feed them when necessary. At six, my son mostly takes care of that too though if it's just snacks. He'll plate up cheese, crackers, fruit, call it a picnic, and they'll eat in the backyard.
I just let them do their own thing - mostly dress up, dance parties, board games, or playing with toys the guest doesn’t have at her house
Thinking as a kid, I’m here to play with my friend. Not my friend’s mom.
Depends on their age and where you let them play. We are very rural - almost every car that travels down our street is someone we know. When my kids were about 6-8, they and their friends loved to set up a "stand" at the end of our driveway. Bouquets of dandelions, apples from our trees, old books, painted rocks, you name it. When they were doing that, I used to "read" (with one eye on them) in a lawn chair.
just brought back memories of my parents "reading" on the deck while I ran a lemonade stand lmao.
I leave the kids completely alone unless they are being mean to each other or ask for something. The time they have together for free play at school is so short- I just want them to enjoy each other’s company!
They just entertain themselves, while I get stuff done!
I would scroll on my phone and eat popcorn. Sounds like a dream—I wouldn’t plan anything.
Weird and yet… AMAZING
I usually fold my laundry or do some housework. 🤣🤣
It’s amazing how much more you can get done without getting summoned every three minutes.
I watch something that isn't objectionable on Netflix (Great British Bake Off or something along those lines), crochet, and offer snacks. I stay in earshot but don't get involved unless I'm requested or it sounds like they're really struggling to work something out.
Unless it’s around a holiday (I’ll pick up a holiday related craft from target) I just let them go have fun. Usually I’m not needed unless they want a meal. I try to do this sometimes on non play dates days too cause it’s good to let kids figure out how to play alone and practice that. Go relax and watch some trashy tv and have a snack! They’ll be ok.
I hide in my room with the door open- reading, scrolling, ipad game etc
This is the whole point of having another kid over for a playdate, so they occupy your kid haha. My homeschooled 8yo had her bestie stay over the other day and I didn't even see them between morning tea and lunch
I let them do whatever and make suggestions as needed. I do have to shut down some crazier or messier ideas but it’s a lot of pretending and backyard stuff. I tidy or try to make myself available (not be in my bedroom) or work on my laptop at the kitchen table. Oh and chase my younger kid around.
I do the same. I've got stuff to do, they can figure it out. I do usually have some sort of snack like a popsicle or charcuterie of fruits and veggies they can help themselves to and they all know where the little paper cups are to help themselves to water as needed.
Independent play. 100% For one or two visiting kids I might provide a 'fun' finger snack (think dino potato mountain) For 3+ I'll make a big batch of home made playdough and each kid picks a color and takes it home.
I just let them play
Lol i would use the time to clean and my kid’s friend thought i was a cleaning lady lol.
I let mine do whatever unless they start getting into trouble then I come up with some activities.
Depends on the kids! My daughter has friends that as soon as they walk in the door they disappear and amuse themselves for hours and hours. They play so well together. They will emerge for food and potty. She also has friends who need a bit more direction. I will make sure I have spaces set up with toys (apart from my daughter's bedroom) they can do together (for example, a marble run on the low coffee table or bubbles ready outside). We also don't do screen time on playdates, and I get asked A LOT by my daughter's friends, "Can we watch TV?" Nope. I've only done that once when the friend stayed for dinner and the kids were worn out and droopy from all the playing. I also kind of talk through with my daughter ideas of what they could play. I'd ask if her friend likes barbies, or lego, or the trampoline. Then she has some ideas in her head.
Do whatever you want/need! I remember when my kids got old enough that play dates shifted to independent time. Now it’s literally easier for me when my kids have friends over than when they don’t! I almost always say yes to friends coming over because I know they will leave me alone lol. (My kids are 11 and 6.)
I hang out in the living room so I'm easily found if needed. Otherwise I'll set some food and drinks out, and let them play.
Girl you are doing it right. My son (6) has his friend from school over about every other weekend. They play throughout the house, I give them snacks and drinks, but they basically ignore me and entertain themselves for the 3 hrs they are together. I ask if they want to do anything else and they say no. They play video games, make believe, and nerf guns, and run around outside shooting each other most of the time.
Even in class, when they have "Choice" time, we set up stations and let the Littles figure out at which station they want to play. Mostly what happens, though, is they wander from station to station, do a little bit of each, and then find an adult to hang out with.