First Playdate

Yes - I like the old school way of doing things. let the kids entertain themselves, instead of you feeling like you have to have something planned - kids like to make up their own games, and you can actually do something for yourself. Remember being a kid? Did your mother entertain you, mine certainly didn't! And we became more creative when that was the case. just be sure to show this little one where the bathroom is before you let them play.

Why not just let them play together? Dolls, games, stuffed animals, whatever.

I think you have a great idea by planning a craft to do. Sometimes the excitement of having someone over they just dont do anything.

As far as a general guideline... I ALWAYS do this when my child has a friend over. Have a firm time with the parent to pick up the child. Get any and all phone #s to reach the parent(s) in case of a emergency, and the other thing I do is this, I ask them " Does (name) have any allergies or anything I need to know about while (name) is at my house?"

Just to make sure you dont feed them anything they shouldn't have etc...etc..

They will have fun and this will just be the begining of playdates!!!!

I usually just watch initially how comfortable the kids are with each other, and how comfortable the visitor is with being in an unfamiliar home. If they're OK with each other, they're likely to just "take off" and go on their own. If there's hesitancy, I usually start by having my daughter give a tour of the house, making sure to show the significant rooms like play room, bedroom, and bathroom, and if any rooms are off limits. Also, if you have any rules-like no TV- make sure you tell the friend that from the start. Pets can also be a great ice-breaker. If, after a tour of all the fun places, they're still having a hard time, then introduce your craft. Plan for there to be a snack/drink break, too. Some playdates go smoother than others. Try to let them find their own things to do. Kids at this age usually like to explore their friends stash of toys, to check out what they haven't got. Good luck, and have fun!

My biggest suggestion is to keep it short & sweet!! If it's the first time these girls have had a 1-on-1 playdate, you really don't know how they're going to play together. Even if they play great at daycare or school, they might bicker a lot when it's just the two of them. I'd say a couple of hours is PLENTY for a first playdate. That way you won't be committed to a LONG day if it's not going so well. Also, a craft is great, but I'd let them just play together for the most part! HTH!
~S. (mom of a 7 yr old boy and 5 yr old girl).

My 4-year old has playdates all the time. Don't worry they'll find enough stuff to do. They like privacy, but do keep an eye on them. They have the funniest ideas, like putting on make-up with markers, or switching clothes... I try to give them space, but doors have to stay open.

sounds like you have it covered...keep it simple and a short time frame for the first date, like 2 hours.

before picking out the snacks ask the parent about any food allergies and contact info.

for the first date i would have the other parent stay, its nice to have the contact of someone else with a child the same age as yours to chat with/great friedships can be had by this

hi S.!

a craft activity sounds great, depending on what they like. they could also help to make whatever snack they are going to have, to feel involved in that. only thing i would recommend is to be very clear with your daughter about rules for the playdate: sometimes when two of them get together they seem to think that regular house rules don't apply! i might particularly talk about sharing, since your daugher will have to share the things that are normally just hers...
good luck!