Play Date? - Belleville,NJ

I usually do playdates with parents I haven't met at a "neutral" location - the park or childrens museum. That way the kids can play and I can get to know the parent without the committment of going to their house or having to clean up mine! If you will run into the mom at school, perhaps a casual invite - saying that the teacher mentioned the kids have fun together, want to meet at the park? If not, a reply note is good with dates that work for you.

I've never had a play date set up in this way before (with the teacher involved). Our school's preschool is set up so that you get to know all the parents while you're waiting for drop off/pick up, so you get chummy with certain moms and then somebody suggests a play date. Since you don't know this mom, I would definitely say meet at McDonald's, or a park first to see how you jive. If things go well there and you'd like to get together again, invite her over.

Have them come over to your house. Have coffee and cake for you and
mother. Let kids play and then give them something to eat. Back when,
kids just came over and played. No "playdates." If their mother was a good
friend, this gave us a chance to get together or we babysat each others
kids. It was very open and casual. Not structured like today.

Awwww. That's really cute. Since the little girl's parents haven't yet contacted you, the best thing to do would probably be to invite them over. If you son has any special-to-him toys that he'd have a hard time sharing, put those away and get out more sharable things (crayons, play dough, etc.). And have a simple, healthy-ish snack on hand. There's really not much to it.

Since this is the first time I would suggest a play date at the park or a local playground and then possibly the next time could be at someone's home. This way you can get a handle on what the parent is like and what possible activities you could choose for the next play date :) Good Luck!

We are having a play date with one of my daughter's friends from preschool this Saturday. It will be from 9-12 and I'm not sure if the mother is staying or not. I plan on having several activities/ideas of things for them to do. We'll probably paint, do stickers, play with playdo and then I'll let them play on their own in our basement play room. For lunch we're either having chicken nuggets or pizza (both things her friend likes). I made sure to ask if he had any allergies or snacks/food items he really disliked.

If all else fails, you can read stories to them, cook or bake something together or play Legos, blocks, etc.

Updated

We are having a play date with one of my daughter's friends from preschool this Saturday. It will be from 9-12 and I'm not sure if the mother is staying or not. I plan on having several activities/ideas of things for them to do. We'll probably paint, do stickers, play with playdo and then I'll let them play on their own in our basement play room. For lunch we're either having chicken nuggets or pizza (both things her friend likes). I made sure to ask if he had any allergies or snacks/food items he really disliked.

If all else fails, you can read stories to them, cook or bake something together or play Legos, blocks, etc.

Since the other parent reached out to you, I would anticipate her taking the lead on the playdate. She may suggest you meet at a park or McDonald's Playland or she may invite you over to her home. If she does not take the lead, you could do the inviting.

The "first date" can be a little intimidating, but most likely will be worth the initial awkwardness. Who knows? You may end up making a good friend for yourself!

The first date is usually not to hard conversation-wise because you don't know each other and will have lots to talk about: "Where are you from? Do you have family around?" And, of course you will talk about your kids.

If the first date seems enjoyable for both sides, then the other mom can have the next playdate at her house.

About 3 months ago, my son and I started playdates with a new friend from preschool and his mom. Now, we each allow our child to hang out with the other family without us and even spend the night! I'm glad I was brave enough to initiate the first date. Now I have a great friend, too!!

I usually do play dates with someone I don't know in a neutral place like McDonalds or the park if the weather is nice. You don't know if that person is a potty mouth, or smokes like a chimney, or is one of the nicest new friends you'll ever meet. If you are someplace neutral you can always make excuses and leave. If they are enjoying themselves and you are comfortable there is food and drinks for you to enjoy also.

I would not let my kids go to someone else's home without me until I was VERY familiar with their parenting style and was comfortable with how their home was set up as far as kid friendly and not dangerous, like bad dogs in the back yard....just pays to know exactly what is going to happen. I always stayed with.