Playdates are a staple of childhood. Besides keeping children entertained, they are essential for their social and emotional development. These occasions are opportune moments for kids to learn about sharing, communication and problem-solving. However, adopting playdate etiquette is essential to ensure these interactive experiences are as positive, fun and enriching as possible.

Communicate with the other caregivers

Before the actual playdate, communicate with the other caregivers to set expectations. If you’re hosting, discuss the rules and inquire about preferences. Ask about their child's specific needs, including any allergies and behavioural considerations, and include these in your planning. If your child is visiting their friend’s home, reach out to the playdate’s caregiver and alert them if they need to be aware of anything.

It’s good playdate etiquette to designate a clear start and end time. This should be a collective agreement between all caregivers, as everyone must be comfortable with the specified time. According to parenting experts, a typical playdate for younger children should last around 1 to 2 hours, while older ones may enjoy more extended sessions.

Prep your child

Preparing your child is just as important as setting expectations with the other caregiver. Before their first playdate, teach your child the basics of social interaction, such as collaborating, taking turns, sharing, and being polite. Explain the benefits of building meaningful relationships. Science tells us that people with strong social ties have a 50% higher chance of living longer, so encourage all participants to socialize during the playdate.

If your young one is hosting, ensure they understand the importance of being gracious. This includes making their guests feel welcome. If they are guests, remind them to respect the host’s home and follow house rules. 

Choose appropriate activities - off-screen!

Consider the children’s ages and interests when choosing playdate activities. For younger kids, a mix of structured activities like crafts, simple games, and free play works well. Older children have more options, from art to scavenger hunts and at-home science experiments.

This is also an excellent opportunity to get your child interested in sports. With 70% of children choosing to quit organized sports by age 13, playdates can be a pressure-free way of introducing sports and cultivating a love for physical activity. Whether it’s a casual soccer game for preschoolers in the backyard, or obstacle courses for older kids, incorporating sports into playdates can help youngsters discover new passions and stay active.

Alternatively, board games are becoming more popular as a social pastime. They inspire teamwork, cultivate patience and boost cognitive functions, such as problem-solving and effective decision-making.

Avoid common playdate mistakes

Even with the best intentions, it’s easy to run into pitfalls when organizing playdates. A common mistake is over-scheduling. Too many playdates may trigger burnout in children, making them less likely to enjoy future interactions. Instead, focus on quality over quantity — fewer, more meaningful play is more beneficial.

Another blunder arises from ignoring the play group’s preferences. Every child has different needs — what works for one may not work for another. So, consider each individual’s age, comfort level and interests when planning activities.

Lastly, in playdate management, finding the right balance between being too involved and letting the troupe play unsupervised impacts the quality of play. While it’s recommended to keep watch over playing children, youngsters also need the freedom to interact and solve problems independently.

Follow up after

A quick follow-up with the hosting parent after the playdate is a great way to maintain good relations and ensure that future playdates go smoothly. A simple thank-you text or a brief conversation over the phone goes a long way! Finally, use this opportunity to highlight positive moments and discuss any arising observations or issues.

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Beth, the Managing Editor and content manager at Body+Mind, is well-respected in the mental health, nutrition and fitness spaces. In her spare time, Beth enjoys cooking and going for runs with her dog.