I don't really like the term playdate. Isn't it just having a friend round to play? Playdate makes it sound so much more important. But, hey, what's in a name?
I notice that those of you saying that not having friends round doesn't matter talk about your children (in plural) and cousins and other friends. Not all of us have more than one child/local cousins or other children that our onlies can play with. So please stop making massive assumptions there.
"I am also rapidly growing to understand why some people grow to be socially awkward, shy, can't cope in social situations, freak out at the thought of a work "do" or an unfamiliar situation."
I kind of agree with you there. I mentioned upthread about DD's boyfriend not knowing how to host. He really doesn't have a clue. DD, on the other hand, has always had friends round and is known for having nice friends' get togethers and parties among her friendship group. In fact she is having a Halloween party and sleepover at half term.
"This modern engineering of play appointments is truly awful."
I think it because people lead busier lives these days, and more and more parents work, often full time. When I was at school very few of my friend's mothers worked in paid employment.
"As kids get older they don’t just want to have ‘family friends’. They want their own friends"
I very much agree with this ^^
"Once every half term??? God I am so sad for these kids that get a social life as a treat once in a blue moon"
And this^^
How many children of parents who won't let them have friends round grow up resenting them when they are older? And how many grow up to be shit hosts?
Basically not letting your child invite any friends round is rather mean spirited.