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Original poster

How to ask for toddler play dates at nursery?

10 replies

mailpal · 02/12/2021 18:53

This might seem like a silly post but my son has been asking for 4 particular kids to come play 'at our house' which I'm more than happy with! He's only been there 3 months - I don't know the parents as we literally drop off and go, same for pick up no one chats much and I don't know who's who...

What's the etiquette asking for play dates for your child with someone you don't know? Lol

He needs more social stimulation as only attends 3 mornings a week at the moment..

I'm guessing I just find out who's who and go from there.. tricky when you're a bit shy/introverted like me..

OP posts:
MizzFizz · 02/12/2021 18:57

I just chat up whoever is around, and eventually I have started to meet different kids' parents. They probably hear about your son too and would be happy to meet you and set up a playdate. A simple "who's your little one?" usually does the trick to break the ice.

Rainallnight · 02/12/2021 18:58

Yeah, you just have to start chatting at pick up/drop off etc. Is there a parents’ WhatsApp group? You could ask there if so

RedskyThisNight · 02/12/2021 19:00

Alternatively ask your son to point out his friend's parent and go from there.

Rainallnight · 02/12/2021 19:02

And then once you locate the parent of the right kid, you just have the bite the bullet and say, ‘Little Maipal has been talking about X and would love a play date. Would you like to come round one day?’

If having them round feels like too much pressure you could suggest a trip to the park instead.

It’s worth starting to get a bit more comfortable with this sort of thing now because it helps if you can support their friendships in the early years of primary.

Peabody25 · 02/12/2021 19:03

We couldn't always guarantee that we'd be there for pick up at the same time as other parents so I just used to write a note with my number on saying DS had asked for a play date with XXX and nursery used to pop it in the other child's bag for the mum/ dad to contact me.

BiscuitLover3679 · 02/12/2021 19:04

When you drop off can you ask the staff member who lets you in about it and get her or him to give a little note to put in those children's bags?

gogohm · 02/12/2021 19:04

Asking in person is best. Those in part time nursery are more likely to be able to have play dates though so don't be worried if they say know

Original poster
mailpal · 02/12/2021 19:08

@Peabody25 I love this idea!

I might try, but I do agree in person is probably good too!

OP posts:
Original poster
mailpal · 02/12/2021 19:09

@Rainallnight how to find out of a WhatsApp group for the parents? Ask the nursery? Thank you x

OP posts:
lebkuchenforxmas · 02/12/2021 19:10

I don't know if it's allowed with Covid but will the children be giving out Christmas cards? If so, can you use that to send a note? That's what I did as I knew I'd never see the parents as DD was always one of the first to be dropped off & last to leave. I think it made DD's Christmas that year meeting up with her best friend in the park.
They're still best friends 10yrs later and the mum is lovely too.

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