Play Date Tips - The Do's and Don'ts of Play Dates

It's Like Matchmaking For Kids

Advice Seeker: Dear April,

My first daughter just entered kindergarten, and my wife and I are trying to arrange for ways for her to play with other kids outside of class. But it feels weird, as though we are trying to make friends with the parents, not just get our kids time at one another's houses. What is the etiquette involved with setting up these play dates? We don't want to offend people and end up making our kid a social outcast!

Sincerely,

Wondering Father

April Masini's advice:

Dear Wondering Father,

A play date is not unlike a "date date" except it's between two children who are the same age, and it's facilitated by their parents. To make a play date one parent should approach the other parent and introduce themselves if the two don't already know each other. Then ask if they would like to arrange a mutually convenient play date. A park or playground is a great neutral place to have a play date. Alternating at the homes of the two children is also a good idea as long as both parents are present if the children are toddlers.