Question on parents and playdates?

Question

This is regarding parents with 8-10 year olds.

When your child has a playdate come over how hands on are you with the playdate, do you constantly play with them? sit in the same room as them? sit in a room so you can hear them? How often do you interact with them?

I take the stand back approach, I like play dates because I get a little extra time to clean around the house. If they are outside I sit outside with them and read a book but if they are inside I like them to go in the playroom and check on them every so often with the option of them finding me if they needed anything.

Ive never asked the other parents what their approach is with the play dates, or observed what they do durring them so I was just wondering.

Answer 1

If a friend came over to play with my 7 year old, I'd leave them completely alone until it looked like they had run out of things to do.

Answer 2

I'm sorry this isn't in your age range, but my daughter is 7 and just started playdates with her friend from 1st grade.  I sit back in the kitchen and read or something.  If they want to go out front, I'll sit out there with them.  But I don't play with them.  The playdate is for 2 hours.  

Answer 3

At 8-10 years old I think you have the right idea.  

Answer 4

I'm not  a parent, but i showed my mom this question because i thought it was very interesting. She said that she sits in a different room like the kitchen if their in the bedroom, she doesn't allow them to lock/close the door. She checks on them like every 20 minutes.