Playdate question

[jgenie]

Up to this point we've only had play dates with the families in our playgroup. Each of the families has a child DS1's age and then younger siblings as well. Play dates always include the younger siblings. DS1 has just started doing play dates with friends from school but both families so far have younger siblings so no different than the usual. I just received an invitation yesterday from one of DS1's classmates for a play date at his house but this classmate does not have a younger sibling. I don't think I'm ready to let DS1 go play at house that I don't know the family and I don't know if he is ready either. So, do I explain that I have DS2 and invite them to come play here or offer to meet at a park? I have no idea how this generally works. TIA

[ahisma]

Is there anyone who can watch DS2 for a bit?

If not, I'd just tell them the truth...something like:

"Thank you so much for the invitation. DS1 would love to play with Tom, I bet they'd have a great time! DS1 hasn't done any solo playdates yet, although I know that time is coming before I know it. He has a younger brother too - so would it maybe work better to meet at a park, or get together at my house?"

After the first time, maybe you'd feel better about a short solo playdate. My DS did start doing solo playdates at 3/4, but he's kid #2 and I tend to be pretty relaxed about playdates in general - partly because we live in a somewhat small community.

[ha98ed14]

I agree with PP. I would just be honest and state the above. I think I would lead off with, "Can we meet at the park because I have DS2..." rather than, "Great! Can my son and I come sit in your living room." Let her offer/invite you over. But it's a completely reasonable request.

[jgenie]

Unfortunately, I don't have anyone to watch DS2. Thanks for the wording suggestion. It's times like this that makes me wish we had family close by. It would be perfect to have Grandma come play with DS2 so DS1 could go with me.

[SnuggleBuggles]

When ds1 was my only, lots and lots of my friends had younger siblings. I always assumed that an invite to a 4yo was also an invite to mom and younger siblings. I highly doubt it's an issue at all.

[wellyes]

Originally Posted by SnuggleBuggles

When ds1 was my only, lots and lots of my friends had younger siblings. I always assumed that an invite to a 4yo was also an invite to mom and younger siblings. I highly doubt it's an issue at all.

Me too. If she knows there is a younger sib, I do not think she means "get him a sitter while we have this playdate". Most preschoolers (no dropoff for playdates) have younger sibs and it's just normal to expect them to come along in my experience.

[KrisM]

Originally Posted by SnuggleBuggles

When ds1 was my only, lots and lots of my friends had younger siblings. I always assumed that an invite to a 4yo was also an invite to mom and younger siblings. I highly doubt it's an issue at all.

And now that I only have 1 preschooler with no younger siblings, we often have playdates that include younger siblings still. When we have them here, I do make sure they know my house is no longer trully 'baby proofed' and I don't have baby or toddler toys any more.