Playdate rules?

Question

I'm going to be watching a friend's child and she'll be watching mine once a week, so we can both have some alone time and the kids can play. The kids both just turned two.

How long should these playdates be? I was thinking two hours would be good.

Anyone else have a deal like this with a friend? Does it work pretty good?

Thanks!

Answer 1

Two hours was what I was going to say.  Enough down time for you and for the two children to play together.

Answer 2

I did this once and I had a bad experience - do not let that deter you though...it was an issue that my friend and I never discussed and she took advantage of me watching her daughter. We agreed for 2 hours for each of us a week...I watched her daughter and she would call 30 minutes before the time was up and extend out her evening or afternoon....the last time she was gone for 5 hours and then she would cancel on me ALL the time.  Do not let this deter you - but be upfront and forward with your intentions and do not let anyone take advantage of the situation....I will probably do it again - but it may be a while! :-)

Answer 3

It would depend on what time of the day and how long you are willing to watch kids for.  If it's during the day, I would say 2-3 hours is long enough (movie matinees will last 2 hours and then you have to get back to pick up kids). If it's set for an evening out with hubby, then I would say 4-5 hours because I know where I live all the nice eating places are an hour away; so there's 2 hours out of the evening date.

Just set your hours and don't let them extend.  Also, just as a percaution, I would suggest that you ask your friend to write down some rules(no's, unaccepted behavior and such) and consequenses and then you do as well. After each of you have you list written down, then get together and discuss you lists.  Then decide on how you will discipline while your watching each others children.  If you have this worked out in the beginning, then there is less likely of a chance of arguments about the subject.

Answer 4

I did this with a friend so we could both go to college during the day. The kids were about one at the time. Depending on class schedules, we watched each other's kids for three to six hours, a couple days a week. It worked beautifully. The babies got along well, they entertained each other so the time flew by, and when the one of us came to pick up her child, we usually ended up chatting for awhile so I got to see my friend even more than usual. I would definitely recommend it to anyone.

Answer 5

Two to three hours would be great.  This would give you enough time to drive somewhere, do a little shopping, have some lunch, and possibly grab some groceries.  I would try to go first thing in the morning while everyone is "fresh".

Answer 6

My friend and I each have three kids the same age, and we have an arrangement like this.  On Wednesdays we switch off.  It's from 10 to 12:30, so we give the kids lunch, and they are home in time to take a nap.  Works out pretty well.  I put away any toys that my kids don't want to share, and have activities out ahead of time, and clean everything up about 15 minutes before it's time to go.  My kids are 3, 2 and 4 months, and her kids are 4,  2 1/2 and 8 months.