Even early friendships have ups & downs – Around the 18 month mark that toddlers begin to have altercations with their peers source

Sharing

‘Share’ is a one-way concept to a toddler. As in ‘what’s mine is mine, and what’s his is mine too’. source

Getting to the playdate

When another family is hosting the play date, offer to drop off and pick up your child whenever possible. Source

cleaning up

When picking up tot you are responsible for your child. If there are toys to put away, insist that your child help pick up. Source

playdate snacks

When hosting playdates, plan to have a few simple snacks. Bring out a plate of snacks & let the kids know it is available. Source

Feed kids before playdates

Feed Your Child a Meal before a Playdate. Hungry children often become cranky children Source

playdate parents

Hosting a playdate? Your little visitor may dash in the door, but mom or dad will appreciate getting a lay of the land. Source

end of playdates

Children may argue for most of the playdate but if it ends while they’re having fun, that’s what they’ll remember. Source

Practice good behavior

When at home playing with your toddler, practice sharing and turn-taking. Source

How kids play

Babies play side-by-side, but older tots move beyond parallel play to really interact with classmates & playgroup buddies more info

Mastering Playdates

Now that your tot has her own friends, it’s up to you to manage her social calendar – including mastering playdates. more info

Find a playdate

Interested in finding a playdate meetup group. Check out the official list. http://playdates-for-toddlers.meetup.com/

Playdate and age

For toddlers ages don’t matter. Kids find value in spending time w/ other kids even if ages don’t match perfectly. http://bit.ly/Pu7ODo

Limiting playdate interaction

Interacting with just one other child is a big deal for a toddler – inviting more than that may make it impossible for them all to have a good time.
From: All Good Articles.com

Timing of playdates

Don’t agree to a play date at the time of day when your toddler is usually cranky or overtired, at nap time or just before meals.

Ideally toddlers should be well fed and rested beforehand.

From: All Good Articles.com

Playdates can be a drag when kids haven’t mastered the art of sharing. When it’s your turn to host, go through your kid’s toys beforehand, asking her to pick a few special things she’d prefer not to share.
From: Parents Connect.com

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