... to wonder if I'm doing playdates wrong?

8 replies

ThreeGoMad · 05/08/2013 17:10

Nearly 5 yo DD has two friends over this afternoon. This is our second playdate. The WHOLE POINT, from my POV anyway, is that they play together and leave me alone so I can Get On With Things, but in fact they seem to need nearly constant interaction and keep coming and telling me things (so and so isn't sharing, I don't like this biscuit) or demanding snacks or drinks or items of clothing.

Am I doing it wrong? Or do I have unreasonable expectations? Should I actually be playing with them or something? This is exhausting.

OP posts:

MammaTJ · 05/08/2013 17:12

Two friends is where you went wrong. There is always going to be someone left out, so someone coming to moan. Just have one over next time.

LimitedEditionLady · 05/08/2013 17:13

No in my experience this is normal.You are under the magical illusion that another kid occupies yours....nah theres just more kids asking for stuff and triple mess.haha

LindyHemming · 05/08/2013 17:14

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Jenny70 · 05/08/2013 17:15

Depends on children - at 5 a trio seems to be more trouble than pair - one seems to be left out. My DS (5) will play with 1 friend if I leave toy out for them (marble run, lego)... but some children want (need) the adult to join in.

It is tiring, but the payoff is the return invites when you do get peace!

Goldenbear · 05/08/2013 17:22

I have found that it is dependent on the child but 50% of my DS's friends who are age 6 expected me to be involved with their games, cooking the food of their choice, asking me to deal with, remove my 2 year old DD from their games when they where playing them in the lounge. It is exhausting!

MrsLouisTheroux · 05/08/2013 17:27

No, you're not doing it wrong! DD and her friend/s did the same up to the age of about 7.

Original poster

ThreeGoMad · 05/08/2013 17:29

Glad it's not just me! LEL your ha ha made me laugh

The visiting two are twins so hard to pick a favourite

On the plus side, it's going to seem so peaceful afterwards!

OP posts:

popperdoodles · 05/08/2013 17:37

until about age 10 playdates are exhausting in my experience. maybe because I don't do them very often but they get so over excited and place gets trashed! ds3 gets really upset when friends aren't gentle with his precious stuff or gets upset when friends are more interested in his older brothers. It's hard work.

Flip