Play dates can be fun or stressful. Hanging out with moms and kids that you don’t know very well can lead to uncomfortable moments. Here are some suggestions to reduce friction:

Taboo Subjects

Don’t talk about any of these until you know the other moms well:

• Religion
• Politics
• Sex
• Other Moms
• Medications you are on

Neutral Spot
Try to meet in a neutral spot - park or mall playground. This gives you the freedom to leave when you want. You also don’t have to wait for a “lingerer” to go. Not having it at your house means, you don’t have to worry about anyone else’s snotty-nosed kids getting into your things. You don’t have to enforce discipline on someone else’s child for jumping on your couch. Not going to someone else’s house means you don’t have to worry about your kid doing the same thing there.

Snacks
Bring enough healthy snacks for EACH kid. I know you aren’t responsible for feeding the other kids - but they always want what your kid has. The other mother will give you a pleading look and you will be the hero.

Confirm
Confirm by e-mail or text. Always have it in writing. It saves the confusion of “did she say 2 at this park or 3 at that park?” This way when they show up at 2:50 and you show up at 3:50 - you have something to fall back on.