Reception and play dates

[Hapideo]

Just wondering … my son is in reception but has never been invited on a play date. He’s been to class parties (his class is small only 17 kids).
Do play dates start in reception or older?
i have never invited one of his schoolmates either but mainly as I thought they were quite young.

Playdates in reception were usually with parents in our case. One parent would initiate then another reciprocate whenever convenient. Some children in DC's class didn't have many because much harder to facilitate with siblings and activities.

They're not essential, just go with what works for you

DD also in reception. We've had a few but these have been with parents that I have naturally gravitated towards and have things in common with!

DD is in reception, she’s had a couple with one particular friend but that’s it. We live near the school so see a lot of her friends at the park though

I think it depends on the child and how well you know them. I have had my daughter's best friend over for play dates alone and she is 3! However, they live 2 minute walk away so easy to return if need be lol. When my older dc were in reception play dates were with parents attending as well.

Just wait to see if he starts forming close friendships then perhaps invite over with parents. Someone has to initiate so don’t worry that he hasn’t been invited - neither did my dc but I didn’t want to do a play date for the sake of it and force my child’s friendships so just left it. Now we are a year in I have started to invite a couple of friends I know he really gets on with. Agree with pp that we gravitate to the parents we get on with also though!