Arranging play dates for your toddlers not only presents a perfect opportunity for your little one to interact with others his age. But it is also a perfect chance for mommies to have some me-time together. In addition, many positive traits such as sharing, helping, talking, being polite can be imbibed in children during play dates.

Here, are some tips that will help you organize play dates efficiently.

Limited Count, More Fun: Once you have decided to organize a play date for toddlers, do not forget to limit your invitees (Specifically if your kiddo is less than 3 year old). So that your baby and other young ones are able to find their comfort zone and settle down in new place to enjoy with eachother.

Safety & Safeguard: Clear the ground for the young players to hop around and have gala time. Choose the area of the house which is safe and with zero risks. Also at the same time do not forget to safeguard your precious souvenirs’ around the house from the little ones. Do remember earlier there was one little monster in the house, now there will be a gang. For little crawlers, childproofing your home will be advisable. Here is a childproofing checklist to help you out.

Comfort Zone and Space : Provide a comfortable environment to your playdate guests. If your little one is not comfort with the arrival of new people (though they are not new faces for him) still do not push him to be part of it. Give him some time. Take him away for a while in other part of house, so that he can calm down and then again come back with enthusiasm to play with his mates.

Conversations over Coffee & snacks : Once kids become familiar to each other, it’s time for mommies to sit back and have a sip of coffee along with some cookies with never ending conversations on anything and everything. Simple snacks like veggie dips and smoothies should be arranged for kids which are not only healthy but easy to make as well.

Games and activities : For kids meeting for the first time some ice breaker games would be great to start with. After the initial few minutes’ kids generally bond well and play their own games but you can make their play dates even more interesting by planning some fun games and activities. You can play games like charades and even quizzes and reward the winners.

Building Trust & Confidence : Keep an eye on children, let them play and mess around with their level of quarrels and disagreements as long as no one is getting hurt either. This will help develop confidence in your child and will make him strong enough to solve minor obstacles in terms of adjusting in and within the society, without your intervention. In case of tantrums you can check out these expert tips to handle them positively.

Once More :  If your toddler has enjoyed the most in his play dates and want you to organize the same for him again. Then take time to think over the previous event and then plan for the next. What are the activities you can repeat next time? Which ones were a hit? Keep your plan more flexible yet robust with focus on having a gala time both mommies and kids together.

So ladies erase all your worries and spare some “Me” time with Playdates for your toddlers and have fun together.

— Namrata Sharma —

An IT professional during the day, writer during the night and full time mommy to her 2 year old son. She shares her musings on her FB page.