As my son has grown, the frequency of playdates has increased significantly. Initially, I found the idea of meeting other mothers and organizing playdates quite daunting. What if I felt judged by another mom? Or worse, what if her child exhibited bullying behavior towards mine? Thankfully, we’ve had a fortunate experience in this area, as my son has developed friendships with several delightful little companions.
Hosting these playdates doesn’t bother me at all; in fact, I enjoy it. We have a dedicated playroom filled with an abundance of toys, providing ample space for children to explore their imaginations. The joy of preparing my home, brewing a fresh pot of coffee, and laying out snacks gives me a sense of fulfillment. I cherish the idea that as my children grow older, our home will become a welcoming hub for their friends.
Most of my son’s playdates occur at our residence, which I genuinely appreciate. I don’t mind having multiple kids over to play, snack, and, yes, sometimes create a bit of chaos. Given that my son and his friends are all around two years old, we all know how messy toddlers can be. Within moments, a tidy room can resemble a disaster zone, with toys scattered everywhere.
At this age, many toddlers haven’t yet grasped the concept of cleaning up after themselves. I understand this reality all too well, as my son often requires reminders to tidy up after his playtime. However, I make it a point to encourage him to clean up, and I find that he usually complies. Interestingly, he often tidies up better at his friends’ houses than he does at home.
What truly frustrates me, however, is when a mother neglects the fundamental playdate rule: cleaning up after her child. It is quite disrespectful to leave someone else’s home in disarray. After hosting, providing snacks, and offering a welcoming atmosphere, I believe it’s only courteous to ensure the space is left relatively organized.
Whenever we visit other homes, I insist that my son help clean up the toys he played with before we leave. More often than not, he obliges. It’s not about achieving perfection—just a simple effort to respect the space of others. It pains me to see wrappers from snacks left behind, as it shows a lack of consideration. Ultimately, I remind myself that my son enjoys playing with their child, and I am doing this for him.
No one wants to be that parent who disregards the effort others put into hosting. More importantly, we don’t want our children to grow up emulating that behavior.
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In conclusion, fostering an environment of respect and responsibility during playdates starts with us as parents. Encouraging our children to clean up after themselves is not just about tidiness; it’s a life lesson in consideration for others.