Play dates are the best.
I love them because my children get to practice sharing and putting others first. It’s also funny to see the deep appreciation that develops for their own dusty toys now that someone else is playing with them.
I also love play dates because, although a little work on the front end, they always tire out my toddler with little involvement from me… and when that nap comes… it’s a doozy.
Finally, I love play dates because I enjoy giving my mommy friends a break and helping them.
So, when I get a chance, I invite toddlers over to help give my mommy friends a break and to, in a way, give me a much needed break as well. Have you ever tried to pick up a 32 pound 22 month old several times a day? Well if you have, then you understand the elation you feel when your sweet tot isn’t standing at your feet saying, “up, peeez” every two minutes and your back is screaming, “NO PEEZ!”
Planning a day with a friend’s toddler can be a huge mistake, mess, headache if you don’t put any thought into it. What I’ve done here is lay out a simple plan and some ideas to encourage you to step out there and love your MOMMY neighbors more!
First, set your time. I would highly recommend choosing the hours before nap time. I always choose 9:30-11:30. Two hours is, in my opinion, the optimal length of time. Just long enough to have a good time, but not too long that you NEVER want to do it again.
Next, come up with a list of ideas of fun things to do. (Hint, this is not a time to be Superwoman. The more activities you can plan where you don’t have to helicopter around saying, “No, no, hold your scissors like this!” the better. This is supposed to be not that stressful, so don’t plan stressful activities unless you’re ready for it.) Always plan for more activities than what you actually have time to do. This doesn’t mean that everything you plan is a huge event, but you want enough ideas so that if they are bored with chalk in 2 minutes they have something else to do, and you’re ready for it. My husband is the creative one, so he severely helps me when I make these kinds of lists.
Starter List of Ideas…
Color
Finger paint (I made edible paint because my toddler eats anything)
Going to Krispy Kreme for a doughnut and get a hat!
Going to the park
Snack
Chalk on driveway
Picking flowers
Going for a walk
Building a fort
Hunt for easter eggs (Trust me. They love this even MORE when it isn’t Easter.)
Play with flash lights
Play in the sprinkler
Blowing bubbles
Stringing fruitloops onto yarn
Make paper airplanes for them to throw
Read a book
Dance
Once you have your list, choose 5-6 of those ideas and prep for them. Have the crayons and paper set out on the counter, know where the bubbles are, and go ahead and hook the fun sprinkler head up to the hose. This may seem silly, but you’re dealing with toddlers. The quicker and more smooth the transition between activities the more fun they (and you) will have and the more sanity you will keep. This is also for safety. Leaving two tots alone for any amount of time while you go search for the sidewalk chalk can spell trouble.
Finally, set aside some time to EAT. Making a small snack for the kids ahead of time will save energy, stress, and will even allow you to enjoy your time with these miniature tornadoes. It also gives a break halfway through your time that will allow them to catch their breath 🙂
Simple Snack Ideas…
PBJ or the less well know but just as awesome PBH (honey:)
Cut up fruit
1/2 banana
watermelon
cookies
carrots
pretzels
The list goes on and on… seriously
Okay, so that’s it! Not that bad right? All that’s left to do now is call up one of your mom buds and have that tiny tot of hers dropped off… or better yet go pick ’em up!
When I was pregnant with my second I had to drop off my son at a friend’s house on a regular basis. It was always a huge help and blessing to have friends who were willing to love my toddler while I went to check-ups or ran errands or just took a nap. Now once a week I have a “trading toddler” buddy. My son goes to their house this Tuesday, and next week their daughter comes to ours. It has served our family, and hopefully theirs, over and over again.
What a sweet encouragement we can be to others just by sharing their load!
John 15:12 “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you…”
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