Preschool playdates, how does it work?

[minipie]

DD1 has recently started nursery school (she's nearly 3).

There seem to be a few playdates being arranged from the conversations I overhear at pick up. I'd like to organise some for DD, I don't want her to be left out, but am not sure how to get the ball rolling.

Do play dates happen straight after nursery school ends? DD usually falls asleep on the way home so could be a bit tricky if so. Or do they come round for an hour or two in the afternoon?

Also I'm not sure who to invite... DD hasn't mentioned any particular children she plays with, I'm sure she plays with others as she's generally pretty sociable, but she can't seem to tell me who - I think she doesn't know their names. Maybe I should ask the teacher who she plays with? (there's usually not much time for chatting to teacher at pick up though).

I'm not particularly socially confident myself so do tend to worry about these things. Any pointers appreciated.

I suspect you'll find any parents you've heard, are parents who are friends anyway, who are meeting up for themselves. 2 - or even 3 - yr olds don't need to go round to play at other people's houses after a morning at Nursery.
Very, very, very normal at this age, to play with whoever happens to be standing next to you at whatever activity you are choosing (or, in many cases, still play 'alongside' rather than with ).

My advice is don't worry. Not necessary at all at this age

Thanks for replying You're right of course! I just had a wobble when one dad told me his daughter was already "best friends" with another girl and I thought, crikey, my DD doesn't even know who her classmates are and already they've got themselves paired up. (I have a history of being left out at school myself so probably over sensitive to these things). But you're right she doesn't need play dates at this age, and anyway much better that she is friendly with everyone than singling out one or two.