Tyler Homeschool

Play Date

If you’re a homeschool mom you probably know how important it is for your child to have time with friends. Setting up a play date or two every week is a great way to encourage your child’s social development. But what if the play date goes bad? What if you have to keep separating them and putting them into time out? What if they’re just not getting along time after time? If you’re reading this to find the answer I’m afraid I haven’t quite figured this out. My son has recently gone from parallel play (playing beside his friend but in his own world) to socializing and interacting with his friend. This is great because he is making friends, working on communication skills, and learning how to share, but he also has been starting to take things and fight. My son has both been bullied and been the bully. When my son and his friend are in my care and are not getting along I put one or both, depending on the situation, into a time out or separate them with the baby gate. They are usually sad that they’re not able to play with each other and usually change their attitudes pretty quick. However, that doesn’t always work. If it gets out of hand it’s best to call the parent of the friend, if she is not present, and talk with her about the situation.  Good communication with the friend’s parent is essential.  I think it’s best to work with the other parent and see what helps the children get along unless you feel that there is some major bullying going on that puts a child in danger or if the child is an extremely horrible influence on your child. Keep in mind that it is impossible to find two children that are at the same maturity level. Homeschool moms have gotten a bad rep that they’re too controlling and not letting their child have interaction with other kids, so remember as your child matures to slowly let him choose what to play with his friends, and don’t be overbearing. Make play dates fun by going on an outing to the park or somewhere out of the norm every now and then. Play dates can be a great way for moms to get a break. You can swap every other time whose house the children play in and one mom can watch the kids as the other mom can do some shopping, run errands, have some alone time with her husband, or whatever. Play dates are usually lots of fun and a huge blessing. If you have any play date advice, feel free to comment below. Thanks!