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Parentpedia
Independent Playdates
What Experts Say
Depending on how independent your child is, she might have played at a friend's house without you present since she was 4 years old. But by the time children enter kindergarten, almost all are ready for independent playdates.
Starting at around age 5, children become increasingly able to communicate their feelings and ideas, and they have a better understanding of time -- past, present, and future -- according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. All these abilities help your child manage a solo playdate; she'll remember the last time she played at Madison's house and knows you'll eventually pick her up.
School-age children also spend more time with friends than...
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When good playdates go bad.
How to fix it when it breaks.
You thought it would be a nice hour or two for both you and your kids, but suddenly, your toddler is having a meltdown right in the middle of the playdate. What do you do?
When I had two toddlers under one roof, I did us all a favor: I lowered my expections. You simply can't expect a little kid to behave perfectly every time. So, I did a little triage:
1. Redirect: Sometimes all it takes is a little creative distraction to show your toddler that the toy over here is way better than the one he's having a huge fit over. It's all in the presentation. Tell him, "Look! Here's Lighting McQueen! Just for you!" Chances are, he'll go for it.
2. Break out the snacks: If redirection doesn't work, sometimes snacks will. I know I get cranky from an empty belly, and so do toddlers. Sometimes all they need is a little protein and they're good to go again.
3. Cut your losses: Some days, there's nothing you can do to salvage a playdate. You're better off leaving or cutting your playdate short before somebody's crankiness turns into a major meltdown.
Jen Singer, Disney Parenting Team Advisor
Creator, MommaSaid.net
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FamilyFun
Tons of projects and activities for no-tv play time. Most are easy for kids to make.
July 09, 2007
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July 09, 2007
Friends with weird parents
My daughter has a lovely friend at school who is smart, sweet, and a great pal to our daughter. The weird part is that her parents completely discourage playdates. They are always too busy or claim they will aim for a date in the future... read moreNot Acceptable?