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Behaviour/development

play dates - 7 year old dd

7 replies

mother1234567 · 17/03/2014 13:44

Hi there

My 7 year old daughter started at a new school in September, and seems to be well liked, but has yet to make a 'best friend'. I'm not overly concerned and she doesn't seem overly bothered. But I thought I'd try and help by having more play dates (She never really had any at her old school).
When one or two girls have come in the past, my dd never seems to know what to do with them.
I cant really say she's into dolls, but she has taken an interest now in her appearance, e.g. playing with her hair etc. she is happiest outside in the garden.

So my questions are:

  1. what does an average 7 year old girl play with
  2. what do they usually do on play dates (is there much parental involvement)


Thanks
OP posts:
ZuleikaD · 17/03/2014 14:19

TBH if your dd isn't fussed then I wouldn't bother.

itiswhatitiswhatitis · 17/03/2014 14:23

Does she need a "best" friend? As the weather is getting nicer can you offer to take a friend with her to the park?

itiswhatitiswhatitis · 17/03/2014 14:24

I don't do anything when kids come to play just let them get on with it.

crazy88 · 17/03/2014 22:00

It's nice that you want to help her to make friends. I don't do much for play dates either, I would prob take them to the park or maybe swimming if your dd is an active sort of girl. At their age they will probably just take themselves off to her room and get on with it. Dressing up clothes always go down well, bought ones or your old clothes/shoes/jewellery is even better Smile

GoAndDoSomeWork · 17/03/2014 22:11

they tend to happily get on with their own imaginary games ... but icing fairy cakes can break the ice and provide a bit of much needed after school energy. Be prepared to start them off e.g. provide stuff for picnic in garden, den building, ball games or get a few favourite two player quick games out, or lego, marble run etc

OhSoVintage · 18/03/2014 11:39

My youngest is also 7 and flits in-between friends, she does have a friend that she plays with daily but Im actually trying to encourage her to vary as she gets very regimental about it and upset when this girl is not at school or doesn't want to play with her. The girl she plays with daily is an adorable little girl very kind and mothering to my daughter however both her and my daughter have sensory issues and they can sometimes feed off each other and make it 10 times worse. So Im really trying to get my dd to branch out a bit or include others in their play.
I think its much healthier to have a group of friends that you can get on with at that age.

I tend to eye it up when children come over. If they are getting along fine I tend to just leave them but I like to have a back up plan so that if theres an issues or they get bored we have something in mind.
Our firm favourite is building a den in the playroom or outside if its a nice day with lots of blankets and pegs!
My dd attends clubs outside of school which a school friend also attends, this helps as I find shared interests give them a whole new playing platform.
She plays ponies with her horse riding friend and makes sound of music puppet shows with her drama friend.

gabbybaby · 20/03/2014 15:18

I have a 7 year old girl and I also tend to leave them to it on a play date. They usually like to make up show or dance / do karaoke / arts and crafts. All go down well.

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