by Robin Roenker
Playdates are a great way for young children to learn how to play with (or alongside) other kids. If you're the parent of a toddler or preschooler, host a simple playdate with a few children and parents at your home. Most kids enjoy playing "host" for a few hours (it gives them a chance to show off all their toys!), and you'll enjoy the chance to connect with other adults.
Of course, no one wants their playdate to end with bandages or tears. To make sure your playdate is both fun and safe, take care of these five tasks before guests arrive.
Address Allergy Concerns
When you invite parents and kids to a playdate, ask parents about any allergies their children have. Some guests may be allergic to cats or dogs; if so, warn parents that you have a pet and plan to isolate your pet in another room for the day. Thoroughly vacuum the play space before kids arrive.
Other kids may have food allergies to nuts, strawberries, dairy or other foods. Plan snacks accordingly, so you have safe items on hand to offer. If one of your guests has a food allergy, play it safe and don't offer any foods that contain allergy-triggers, even to your guests who aren't allergic. You'll avoid hurt feelings or any risk of other kids accidentally exposing a child to a food she's allergic to.
Child Proof Areas Where Kids Play
Limit guests to just a few rooms of your home, such as a playroom, den or living room, a guest bathroom and the kitchen. Close off doors or use baby gates to block access to other rooms so you can control where kids play. You don't want kids to wander unnoticed into your master bathroom, basement or garage where they might discover medications, chemical cleaners, tools or other potential dangers.
Before guests arrive, child proof the rooms where kids will congregate:
- Remove breakable knick-knacks and sharp items.
- Remove all small toys that pose a choking hazard for toddlers or young preschoolers. (Also be wary of choking hazards at snack time: Cut grapes, hot dogs, and other round foods into small bites.)
- Tie up electrical and blind cords so kids can't pull on them. These cords pose a strangulation risk.
- In the kitchen and bath, lock cabinets containing medicines, cleaners or other chemicals. Make sure knives, scissors and other sharp instruments are out of kids' reaches.
If you have a pool, high deck, or other potential outdoor hazard, be certain that doors leading outside stay locked or that parents are monitoring kids outdoors at all times.
Establish Playtime Safety Rules
When children arrive, greet them with a warm, welcoming smile and a few simple rules for staying safe. The standards — things like no hitting, no turning toys into weapons and no running in the house — are good ones to adopt, since they help rein in kids' energies when things otherwise might get too rough and rowdy.
Limit the Playgroup's Size
Keep the playdate on the small side. Inviting 15 three-year-olds over for a playdate is a recipe for disaster — or at least a big mess. Instead, invite just two or three children and their parents so you've got a crowd that's easy to manage and keep safe. If you're having a group of children over who differ widely in age, group babies and toddlers in one room, preschoolers in another, and school-aged kids in a third, and designate a parent to monitor each area. That way, you won't have to worry about energetic seven-year-old superheroes accidentally colliding with little ones who are just learning to walk.
Get Emergency Contact Info
If parents are dropping their children off for the playdate, make sure the parents leave you with all the information you need in case of an emergency. At minimum, make sure you have the following details on hand:
- Parents' cell phone numbers or other numbers at which they can be reached
- Pediatrician's name and phone number
- Parents' preference in case of an immediate medical emergency (such as go directly to emergency room or call them first)
- Notes on allergies or medications
Following these simple steps helps ensure that the only danger kids will face at your next playdate is the pretend kind.
Freelance writer Robin Roenker, a mother of three young boys, knows how to make a home safe for little ones.
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