Child Play Dates with a Purpose – Learning to Play with Others

By Kelly Filson, Developmental Specialist

child play dates, learning to play with others

A Play Date is an important way for your child to learn how to interact with others. Here are some things to think about when scheduling a Play Date.

  1. Choose another child who is easy going and won’t mind if your child picks all the activities first.
  2. Schedule at a time that is good for both children. Start with about 30 minutes of play time and increase as the children can tolerate more time together.
  3. Choose 3-4 activities your child enjoys and have all parts and pieces organized to help make the play date run smoothly. Eventually you can have the friend choose one activity once you have observed that your child is comfortable and both children can play alongside one another.
  4. You will need to be present to help guide the play. Sit on the floor and play along.
  5. Make sure there are plenty if supplies, parts, and pieces so you don’t have to expect sharing.  You can help them hand/ receive materials back and forth.