Not many parents seem to suggest home play dates

[whatuth]

My DD has been attending preschool, most of her class is staying on for reception, which starts in September.

Lots of play dates being organised through the year. I have noticed people don't suggest hosting play dates, ever really. There's only been one invitation so far. I have a little one who's 2 and a husband who works away a lot, so sometimes I also have my 2 year old to look after. I feel that for me, in those circumstances it's just easier to invite people to my place but I feel awkward because no one ever suggests their place. Of course I don't expect to take my two year old to their home too. It's not really about that.

It's more just that it's easier for me to host when I have both kids. The only other person who's ever suggested to host is a mum who also has a younger child. Everyone else doesn't have a younger child.

I don't mind doing play dates at the park or playground sometimes but even when I don't have my two year old as well, I do get pretty tired and stressed out if it's somewhere I haven't been before. I suffer from health problems and if I'm not having a good energy day, it's tough for me to go somewhere new with my DD. I also get anxious in those massive soft plays where you can't see your child. I end up having to climb in after her and just tiring myself out massively.

I don't mind going to smaller soft plays or parks I'm familiar with, but again, only if I don't have my younger one with me and I'm having a good day, I have a big house with big garden and all the garden toys you could want. AIBU to just prefer to invite people ? I don't expect an invite in return as I don't mind hosting at all. However I do just feel awkward as people just don't ever suggest it.

At the beginning I thought people were cautious because we weren't familiar with each other but we really do see each other regularly now so I don't think it's that. I think people also don't want to host, which I understand, but I do worry that they think it's not appropriate for me to suggest home play dates and that I'm weird or something. Am I overthinking it ?

I love having people round to play, it’s so much easier (and free!) and everyone has always offered to help tidy up. Especially prefer it with very young ones – anytime we’ve met friends at a soft play or similar you barely get to say two words to the other parent, one’s usually hurling themselves into a ball pit or chasing a wayward toddler away from the swings. We’ve been invited to quite a few playdates by people we’ve met through toddler groups and it’s been great when the weather is rubbish. Safe environment, tea on tap, what’s not to like?! Our place is tiny too, I’ve never worried about being judged and I absolutely don’t judge anyone who’s been kind enough to invite us over.