Finding play dates SO hard

[Babybay]

Ok name changed as this is pretty embarrassing.

I have pretty bad social anxiety. Really desperate not to pass this onto kids.

They've both got friends over today and I find it so hard. I worry they'll run out of things to play which tbf if they do I have plenty of craft ideas we can do or they can play PlayStation or watch movies.

But I just cannot relax am I the only one who gets like this?

Just back off. Are you a hoverer? How old are the children? Would it matter if they got bored?

How old are your kids? I was also not great socially at school and hated the thought of play dates but forced myself to do them every week or two. It gets easier! And when they each have a favourite friend who comes more regularly you’ll find it easier to, as you’ll be more familiar with them. You’re doing the right thing - my two are 17 and 19 now and incredibly sociable with loads of friends, so it was worth it!

How old?

My eldest is six. I tend to just usher them upstairs to her bedroom for indoor toys, or out to the garden. Snacks chucked at them at intervals. 2/2.5 hours max.

They are 6 and 8.

I'm not normally a hoverer but think I project my feelings onto how they might feel!

Boys currently playing some sort of floor is lava type game and girls are on the trampoline. They are all fine it's just me who gets wound up

Leave them too it.

If they run out of things to do they will have to use their imagination- which is a good thing.

I get wound up with it too although always glad when I’ve done it. Don’t get me started on parties though!

I'm exactly the same OP, so no advice, just solidarity

Honestly? Get on with your tax return (or whatever it is that you have to do). Don’t hover - it’s reasonable if they are three but once they’re a bit older, it’s boring to have a parent hovering.

Hate parties! I would rather do an ad hoc speech to 1000 people wearing a bikini than host a kids’ party 🤣

My child had a friend around... We have about 60 board games and so much else... The playdate complained he was bored and all he wanted to do was watch our TV. I said no, TV not allowed on playdates.