2 yr olds- stuff to do- playdates etc

[Orangeflower7]

I am thinking of having a friend and her 2 yr old over to play sometime, but have been putting this off. Mainly, as i have another school age child and remember it being a bit of a nightmare at this stage, bickering etc. Find playgroups stressfu though, just seem to all want the 'car with the roof' or somesuch...so at the moment, it seems 'lonely and calm' or 'sociable but stressful' anyone any tips? Oh and the stiener group, although tries to be calm I just find too structured for this age and therefore stressful. It may be that both of mine are boys and sitting to do craft for quite a long period just does not apeal unless they have chosen to do it at their own pace. (rather than at the group's pace) Anyway just wanted to speak to someone else in same position for ideas.

I just take DD to the playground where she can run around and interact with other kids.
I haven't got friends with toddlers and I could not possibly go to any playgroups- just a thought of it makes me feel a bit ill.

Will your dc go to the pre-school in September?

Toys to hide:

toy vacuum cleaner
remote controlled cars
ride on toys
anything very conspicuously noisy (possibly includes hammering benches)

That said, we do well with a big basket of musical instruments because I have lots of similar ones.

Playdough is also good but only if everyone sits down together and does it (hopeless if you try to leave this agegroup to it). Similarly,you can do craft or painting or all manner of things but all the adults have to be in there and engaged or it won't work.

One thing you can be sure, it won't be calm and restful. But if you have some nice eats and you're in the right mood it will be fun.

the more you do playdates, groups etc the more they can get used to it though?
i just let my 2 year old get on with it if there is another toddler round, obviously intervene if there is an argument over toy or something but would just make sure there are toys available and sit and chat with the other mum while the children play?
but playground suggestion is a good one as long as whether not too cold, or going together to softplay that way noone can really get too possessive over any one toy if thats an issue, also trips to city farm etc?

Hi there thanks- will be much better when spring is here I think, love going for walks in the park etc when warmer, picnics could be quite good i remember with a few balloons or bubbles to share. Thanks again yes he does a bit of nursery which is nice x

We go to baby rhyme time at the local library which is a free singing/movement session. Both the youngest love that. We also meet friends in a baby friendly cafe and they play with lego and colour while we have a drink and chat. We sometimes meet at soft play - it's quiet in the day with no older kids bashing them out of the way, knocking them over etc and we also have a baby gym close by so we meet friends there sometimes too.

We do have playdates here but we tend to keep all toys in bedrooms and just bring down one box (no favourite toys) to share with whoever is visiting. There are tears and tantrums sometimes but ultimately they have to be exposed to it in order to learn. One play date a fortnight, with the other activities in between is usally enough for me though!

Oh also, what about swimming - mine love that!