Say Say My Playmate!

Come out and play with me! Ah, the playdate.  A noble concept, the pairing of two or more children, more often orchestrated by the mother than the child.  We mothers plan these playdates so as to entertain our children, thus providing a fun-filled afternoon for them and a low-maintenance afternoon for us.  Brilliant.

Kids love playdates.  They love having them, but even more, they love going to them.  It's all about what's at the other person's house, what they ate there, what their mother said and/or did during lunch - it's like a whole new world, regardless of how many times they've been there.  It never fails that a myriad of new discoveries unfold after every afternoon spent at a friend's house.  "GUESS WHAT WE ATE FOR LUNCH?" And funny enough - is it likely something that you have made a hundred times, but somehow it was way better because it was served on an unfamiliar plate. 

Moms love playdates because there is someone else to play Barbies.  That someone else fits WAY better in the dress-up clothes than we do.  And they certainly have the same "OMG" response to the Hannah Montana/Miley song.  It's not that we don't love playing with our kids...but once in a while, not having to act like we are super pumped to play Pretty Pretty Princess for the fourth time....pretty priceless.

Now, the one person (or people) who don't get the most out of playdates is the younger sibling.  It's kind of like a huge buzz kill.  They get so super excited to see the friend who has come over.  They jump up and down thinking it's going to be their playdate too, only to have the door slammed in their face.  More than once.  And we feel bad for the little ones, yet can't quite figure out how to handle it.  We don't want to "impose" on the older kids, yet the little sister in all of us just really sympathizes with the little one.  So we try think of a clever game that includes everyone. Sometimes it works, sometimes it's a loss.  What can you do?

Miss A is having a playdate today and I must say, Little E has hit the jackpot.  They have generously included her in nearly everything - even if she does have to play the weird parts in the plays they put on...and always has to be the sick person when they play doctor kit...or is sort of their gopher when they need something.  She think it's fantastic.  She has been absolutely tickled all afternoon. I've even postponed her nap to allow this fun to continue for her.  And that's huge.

We are reaching the end of the playdate, as Little E does need a nap and I simply don't think she'll go down with the friend here.  And at this time I am reminded of the one part of the playdate that I despise...the disaster it leaves behind!!!