Playdates in reception when you don't really know the parents that well

[13lucky]

Hi, not sure whether this is a silly question but here goes. My dd started in reception in September. She is my eldest so this is all new to me (also have a ds who is just over 2). Prior to starting school my dd had not been to play at anyone's house without me also being there as the situation hadn't really arisen. We'd normally all been invited. So now she is in reception and obviously playdates are happening and she has been invited back to a couple of friend's houses to play and for tea. She is quite a timid child anyway so I wasn't sure whether she would go on her own, but she got on fine on these two occasions and I felt happy sending her with these mums as I had got to know them at drop off and pick up (although I had never been to their houses).

So this has now got me thinking - what do I do if another mum invites her round who I don't really know and whose house I have never been to? I'm not sure I feel comfortable letting her go on her own if I don't know much about the people/houses. Am I being PFB here? What do other people do? I could just say she is a bit worried about coming on her own and can I come with her the first time...but then again, I don't want to invite myself (!) or risk my dd always needing me there. I also don't want her to miss out on these opportunities.

Just wondered what others thought/did.

I tend to invite the child and parent around first of all or I'd probably suggest I tag along for a quick cuppa. I think a lot of parents are aware that parents might be a little nervous to start with.

You could say "I'm not sure she'd feel confident to come on her own, so is it okay if I come along with her the first time?" Entirely reasonable.

Although, ime, most parents will simply blow you off if they don't already know you. The other possibility is to suggest all meeting up in a public place, like a playground or park right after school.

I had the same issue...I was just honest and told them that she was nervous around adults she' didn't know...usually they offer for you to join or if they dont you can suggest they come to you.

Wait until Feb half term - arrange to meet a few children and their mums for a couple of hours at a soft play, let the kids play, chat to the parents, and then everyone knows everyone, or at least gets a feel for whether you're happy with her going to their house. Be the one who invites everyone to your house, invite the mum for a cuppa too then in no time you will know everyone!

It gets easier but I remember feeling the same way.