| Friendship We’ve talked about the importance of friendship for our kiddos and what to work on if they have no friends. This brings us to the sometimes amazing, sometimes dreaded playdate. So, what is a playdate? A playdate is just what it sounds like, inviting your child’s friend — or hopeful friend — over to play. This can be at your home or at a park or pool or whatever sounds fun. Step 1: Choose a friend Sounds simple, right? Well, not always. but here are some starting points. Ask your child if there is someone they would like to play with. It might just be that simple after all! No luck? Do you have friends with a child the same age? If that’s a no and you have a hard time making friends yourself, seize this opportunity to step out of your comfort zones and get to know some new people! Church is an amazing place to find friends — for your child and for yourself! School. Do you see a harried mom (look for those social cues!) who could use a break? Use that newfound empathy to reach out and see if you can have her child over for a while to play. Choir! Music class, karate, soccer, ballet, etc. Like-interests are great ways to start friendships. Step 2: Plan a SHORT playdate Short and sweet is the way to go. If they don’t hit it off, you don’t want a traumatically long playtime. Plan for 30-60 minutes, enough for the other parent to run an errand or two or to sit down with you for a cup of coffee. PLAN the playdate. Hide you kiddos favorite toys so they don’t become a negative issue. Set up something for them to do — blocks, coloring, puzzles, ideally something they can do as a together activity. Then let their time be organic. I advise against having snacks, but if you’re a fan, please check with the other parent for dietary restrictions. Step 3: During the playdate Okay, you did it! You invited over a friend for your child to play with. Now what?Take them on a little tour. Show them the bathroom. Show them your child’s room. Show them where to play (that room, another room, backyard, etc.). Let them know house rules (no closed bedroom doors, only one person in the bathroom at a time, no shoes inside, etc.) Introduce the littles to the activity you have planned. And back away. Let their time flow organically. As long as they’re having fun — and not burning down the house — let them be. They may ditch the activity and play something else, that’s fine! If there is arguing or disagreements, redirect their focus. And have a backup activity in mind. If they have fun, invite them to come again! See, it wasn’t too hard, right? I hope you’ve enjoyed helping your little ones make friends. And maybe you’ve picked up a few tips for yourself as well. “Iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” Proverbs 27:17 |
