Is this level of anxiety normal?

[baconandeggs2]

I’ve organised a play date at my house this weekend for my young son with his new friend from school and his mum. I’ve met the mum a number of times in passing and she seems nice.

Now it’s in the diary though I have what feels like a constant rush of anxiety running through me. I feel sick and am absolutely panicking that she won’t like me for some reason (I’m quite dull and boring company) or that she/her son won’t have a nice time. I just wanted to do something fun for my boy but am massively regretting it now.

How can I calm down?!

i hate play dates myself they can be a bit anxiety inducing try to relax and make sure its short eg 2 hours or less. GoodLuck!

i hate play dates myself they can be a bit anxiety inducing

So it's not just me then!

Try to remember play dates are all about the children. Concentrate on giving ds and his friend a fun time. You don't need to be 'entertain' his mum. If the boys are getting on well you could suggest she leaves her ds for a while. Once the parents are comfortable with each other they tend to just leave them for play dates. If she would prefer to stay offer a cuppa and have a chat about the boys, school etc then just get on with your day putting the washing out or whatever.

It’s probably not normal but I’m the same.

We have a bday party coming up and my stomach has been churning since my son got the invitation. Doesn’t help that I know 25 (!!!) kids will be there, and the kids are too young to be dropped and left.

I think this is pretty normal.

Look at it as being like performance anxiety - you're doing a new thing and that just triggers the primitive bit of your brain to anticipate danger.

So just sooth yourself by reminding yourself it's a play date - not a parley with a hostile tribe.

And that the thing is the kids have a good time. It might be good, great or just OK - it may well be a bit awkward at times. Any of these is fine and normal. She might be a bit nervous too!

I think this is pretty normal.

That's so interesting to hear. I really thought most people just breeze through situations like this!