Argh i hate hosting playdates... how can I make them less stressful?

[PancakesMum1]

My 4.5 year old has just started school and loves (the idea of) having friends around to tea. I also think it's A Good Idea because I think it will help her to make friends.

BUT i absolutely hate hosting them. I find it SO STRESSFUL. The kids need to be constantly given new games to play, new toys to play with.. they don't seem to just pick up a game and play... I seem to have to manage the entire process.

And at the same time my 18 month old wants to get involved, but grabs toys, wrecks games, has tantrums.

When I pick my daughter up from playdates elsewhere it's clear she's had an amazing time. When parents come to pick their kids up from me it's clear that the kid can't wait to leave, and that we all look a bit traumatised.

I'm NOT a natural host anyway, hate hosting parties etc.

How can i make playdates more fun, and less stressful?? Tips please...!

the area where the toys are!

I know this thread is a few weeks old, but my god it's nice to see that it's not just me that hates wretched playdates!

My issue is that I have 2 DC's (4 and 7), and whichever child has a friend over, there is squabbling/tears/he/she is being mean/won't play with me blah blah...

I have thought of inviting a friend over for each, but don't think my stress levels would take it! Plus we live in a maisonette, so whereas most of the PD's my kids have been on seem to be in big houses with lots of rooms/big garden/upstairs and downstairs, mine is all on one level, with a rubbish, child-unfriendly strip of garden.

My DS has a friend over at the moment and he has already been inters as DD (4) is not being nice and is getting in the way etc..

Have tried numerous times to find her something else to do, but she will not leave them alone..it's the same thing every damn time

The 3 of them are playing on tablets at the moment. Not ideal (massive mum fail I know), but they seem to be interacting and not fighting so I'm reluctant to take them away.

Sigh...sorry..just needed a vent.

You are not alone. I was always crap at play dates and found them really stressful.
Agree outdoor time and short length.

My kids are teen and Pre teen now and I love it, they don't want my input at all. You'll get there op.

My people. I love you. I do not love play dates. I have pretty much given up on them. I feel massive guilt but hey......

I always end playdates at 5. No need to tangle with someone elses child’s eating pickiness until you know them really well. I also try to organise a friend coming for one of my children with my other dc going to their friend’s house so they dont mess with each other. Sorry that wont work yet for the 18 month old.