Play dates during COVID

[Chocolatedrops2]

Although the kids are back at school and obviously mixing with their friends I’m still a bit unsure about play dates where they are in someone’s house. My son has been asked round to a friend’s house and although his mum said she’ll keep them in the garden I doubt they will stay there! I haven’t had anyone round my house and only visited people in their gardens or at the park. I don’t feel comfortable with it and the friend isn’t my son’s favourite so I know he won’t mind. I just wonder if I’m being over the top?

My children have been having play dates. The majority have I think.

It doesn’t matter what other people think. If you don’t feel comfortable then you shouldn’t do it.

I agree that your whole life shouldn’t be put on hold now and if you are sensible then it’s ok to open up your life a bit.

There’s a whole lot of factors to consider. Some of my friends are acting like everything is normal and I have politely declined those invitations. I am fine with meeting up with friends who, like us, have largely kept themselves to themselves, have been out for a couple of meals but haven’t gone back to social drinking in the pub.

It’s ok to say no if that’s the way you feel. You can invent an elderly relative who is shielding and you do their shopping etc for them if it makes it easier.

Are they in the same class?
I’m fine with play dates, equally I’m fine with people not feeling comfortable

I agree with others that have said that, if you don't feel comfortable with it, it's ok to say no.

How old are your DC and how well do you know the other mum? Might there be another option such as you and your DC meeting up with the other mum and her DC somewhere for a walk after school, perhaps taking your own picnics?

Thanks everyone. My son has been seeing his friends but always outside and I just don’t feel comfortable letting him in someone’s house. Yes they are in the same class but he would still be mixing with the rest of the family. I think we’ll stay away from playdates for the moment!

my children are having play dates. Think we need to keep things as normal as possible for them

My son has been having a few play dates, but only with children from our friends’ families where I know they have been as sensible as we having during lockdown. Even then, I’ve still stressed no touching etc.

My view is that it comes to classmates, we are in a bubble with their families too, but I wouldn’t have a play date with a family that IMO hadn’t respected lockdown or taken it seriously.

You might want to think about doing a garden play date now before the weather turns and it's 6 months of no play dates (if you don't want indoor ones).