Play dates can often be a source of worry for parents, particularly if they have younger children. Parents need to set ground rules about play-dates to avoid confrontations, stress or embarrassment when their children are going to be at other people’s homes. Ground rules should be firmly established well ahead of time to ensure that you have ample time to make a considered decision that you feel comfortable with.
Make it clear to your child that play-dates just won't happen if you are put on the spot. Being asked for a play-date in front of other people's children or parents can create pressure for parents who may find it uncomfortable for their children to play with children they don't know.
Sit your children down and explain that play dates can be arranged but there are conditions.
You may wish that your child only has play dates on certain days due to other commitments or a busy schedule.
Make your child aware of any circumstances that might preclude them from playing at someone else’s home.
You should inform your child about how to look after their own safety in other people’s homes. It’s your decision about what you feel is necessary to teach your child about how to stay safe while on a play date.
Have a discussion with your children about what your values and standards are. Explicitly setting out standards will help them to make their own decisions when spending time in other people’s homes. Your child should know what acceptable behaviour is and should be taught how to deal with any difficult situations if they should ever occur in their friend’s houses.
Make it clear to your child that if they are ever in difficulty or feel uncomfortable, they should always call you straight away. Make sure that your child knows how to contact you and if she feels uncomfortable while on a play date, that she should do so at once.
Some other ideas that may influence your decision about letting a play date go ahead can include:
Make it clear to your child that play-dates just won't happen if you are put on the spot. Being asked for a play-date in front of other people's children or parents can create pressure for parents who may find it uncomfortable for their children to play with children they don't know.
Sit your children down and explain that play dates can be arranged but there are conditions.
You may wish that your child only has play dates on certain days due to other commitments or a busy schedule.
Make your child aware of any circumstances that might preclude them from playing at someone else’s home.
You should inform your child about how to look after their own safety in other people’s homes. It’s your decision about what you feel is necessary to teach your child about how to stay safe while on a play date.
Have a discussion with your children about what your values and standards are. Explicitly setting out standards will help them to make their own decisions when spending time in other people’s homes. Your child should know what acceptable behaviour is and should be taught how to deal with any difficult situations if they should ever occur in their friend’s houses.
Make it clear to your child that if they are ever in difficulty or feel uncomfortable, they should always call you straight away. Make sure that your child knows how to contact you and if she feels uncomfortable while on a play date, that she should do so at once.
Some other ideas that may influence your decision about letting a play date go ahead can include:
- Talking to the parent of your child’s friend and discussing your values and standards with them (particularly regarding computer and television use)
- Considering whether you should stay for the duration of the play-date, especially when it concerns younger children.
- Knowing where you are most comfortable having the play-date's, at another home or in a public place like a park.
- Asking who will be in the home and watching the children.
It can be difficult to broach many of these topics but doing so with a smile, direct approach and a self-depreciating laugh about what a protective parent you are will certainly make things easier. Most parents will happily accommodate your wishes and do what they can to foster friendships between your children and theirs.
Sleepovers
A lot of parents feel very uncomfortable with sleepovers: Others feel pressure to allow their children to take part despite their discomfort while some parents think they are a great idea. As a parent, it’s your decision about whether to allow your children take part and again discuss the issue with your child so you make up your mind ahead of time so you’re not put on the spot.
Sleepovers can be wonderful fun, but they can also present significant risks as children are less likely to be supervised during them. They can be exposed to unsuitable media imagery and are more susceptible to abuse. These scenarios are unlikely to occur in most homes but communicating your concerns to your children will usually result in understanding.
Sleepovers
A lot of parents feel very uncomfortable with sleepovers: Others feel pressure to allow their children to take part despite their discomfort while some parents think they are a great idea. As a parent, it’s your decision about whether to allow your children take part and again discuss the issue with your child so you make up your mind ahead of time so you’re not put on the spot.
Sleepovers can be wonderful fun, but they can also present significant risks as children are less likely to be supervised during them. They can be exposed to unsuitable media imagery and are more susceptible to abuse. These scenarios are unlikely to occur in most homes but communicating your concerns to your children will usually result in understanding.
