Playdates

[DM29]

My daughter is 6 and has been invited for a play date during the summer holidays. However, it’s an invitation to drop her off and pick her up later. We’ve never been to the child’s house before and I’ve only spoken at length a few times to the mum but not like besties or anything. I’m inclined to decline if I cannot stay with her. However, I know my daughter would enjoy it but I’m not comfortable leaving her with a parent I don’t know well. Any thoughts? Have you done a drop off play date before? The ones I have done we have stayed and have hosted parents who stayed also.

I wouldn't be inclined to do this either if I haven't been to the house before, didn't know the parent well. I'm not sure that my child would feel comfortable with this at your DD's age either.

Yes that’s what I am thinking also. When I was reading other Mumsnet threads on play dates it seems as though I was overreacting. So, thanks for sharing your thoughts on it.

Can you set up a couple of other playdates at yours/at the park in advance so you get to know the mum a bit?

I'm not sure on the general MN view but I prefer to be cautious. You could ask the parent if you can stay with your daughter since it's the first time that she's going over?

I couldn't do it Op. I would ask the parent/s whether I could stay . Hopefully they will understand and allow you to.

I would probably say something like “as DD hasn’t been before, is it ok if I come in for a cup of tea just to make sure she settles ok before I head off” - you can drag it out if you want to stay longer but generally if all seems well after a 20 min cuppa and chat then I’d be comfortable leaving.

I am overly cautious now, but I have a bad past. I was on a play date, and my friends father sexually assaulted me. Better to keep your little one safe rather than hurt. Sorry if this offends anyone.

It’s due for Wednesday so not time enough to do that, I was asked yesterday but haven’t responded as yet. That would be a sensible option though.

Thanks for the tips, I too am cautious especially these days. It also doesn’t help that out of the mums I have met since we started the school she hasn’t been the most friendly a little off at times. So, I think it’s definitely a request from her daughter.

Thanks for sharing, doesn’t offend me at all. Sorry that you went though that, beyond horrible.
I will either decline or ask to stay. Too many unknowns, don’t know who is at the house, we don’t have any real rapport and still need to find out if it’s a one to one play date or a group from the class.