Before the playdate, it's a good idea to talk with the other parent about household habits, rules and expectations. — Oksun70/Dreamstime/TNS
PLAYDATES are a fun way for children to develop friendships and learn important social skills. Visiting another family’s home will also expose your child to a new environment.
Before the playdate, it’s a good idea to talk with the other parent about household habits, rules and expectations. It’s also a great opportunity to share any important details about your child – like a food allergy, pet allergy or other health issues.
Here are a few important questions to ask:
Who will be watching the children?
Will a parent be home, or will another adult caregiver be home? Will older siblings, other adults or relatives be there?
If it’s a sleepover, it’s a good idea to understand who will be in the home when your child is there, including other relatives or adults.
If you feel uncomfortable with the situation, you can suggest your child have a “lateover” (sometimes also called a “sleepunder”), with fun pajama time, games or a movie, and then come home when it’s time to sleep. This is considered perfectly fine playdate etiquette.
Do you have a swimming pool or trampoline?
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends pools be surrounded by a 1.2m high, four-sided fence with a self-latching gate, so that kids can’t easily enter without supervision. If swimming is planned, ask who will supervise.
Whenever children under the age of five are in or around water, an adult – preferably one who knows how to swim and perform CPR – should be within arm’s length, providing “touch supervision.” Older children and teens who know how to swim should also have an adult supervising them.
Trampolines are popular among children and teens, but cause thousands of injuries every year, especially to children under age six. Injuries often happen when more than one person is using the trampoline.
Because injuries are so common, The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that trampolines never be used at home, but if they are used, supervising adults should limit jumpers to one at a time.
What are your rules about screen media use?
Families have different rules about what kind of movies or video games are allowed. If you don’t want your child to watch movies that are rated higher than PG or PG-13, or to play a video game rated higher than E (Everyone), let the other parent know. You can explain you don’t think your child is ready for more mature content yet.
To research whether a particular movie or game is OK for your child, use a site like Common Sense Media, which offers detailed reviews and ratings on movies, TV shows, apps and video games.
What pets are in the house?
If the family has a pet, ask if it’s friendly. Let the parent know if your child is nervous or scared around animals. More than any other age group, children are the most frequent victims of animal bites.
Remember that it’s OK if the conversation feels a little awkward. The other parent is likely to be glad you asked – and you can volunteer the same information about your home for the next time the kids get together. – American Academy of Pediatrics/ Tribune News Service
Dr Jennifer Shu is a paediatrician and author based in Atlanta. She is passionate about educating patients and parents on all child health topics. Dr Shu serves as medical editor of HealthyChildren.org and is the co-author of Heading Home With Your Newborn: From Birth to Reality.
