Playdates during school holidays offer an opportunity for children and parents to connect, build relationships, and grow in meaningful ways. According to Kimberley Beasley, lecturer and academic chair in early childhood at Murdoch University, these gatherings are not only enjoyable but also crucial for a child’s development.
Play is a fundamental aspect of childhood, helping children make sense of the world around them. Through playful activities, children can:
- Develop social and emotional skills, such as sharing and resolving conflicts.
- Enhance problem-solving and critical thinking by inventing new games.
- Strengthen executive functions like memory, self-control, and flexible thinking.
Beasley emphasised that play also fuels imagination, a critical skill for abstract thinking. For parents, playdates provide an opportunity to exchange ideas and support each other with challenges such as managing sleep routines and planning healthy meals.
Embracing diversity in playdates
Playdates can also introduce children to the richness of cultural and community diversity. Beasley suggests that parents think intentionally about who their children interact with, encouraging connections with peers from varied backgrounds.
“Think about how diverse your child’s world is now and if you are limiting their world to people just like you,” Beasley advised.
Exposing children to different languages, customs, and traditions helps build inclusive social skills and broadens their cultural awareness.
Engaging in activities like learning about local native plants can also enrich playdates. Beasley highlighted how understanding native flora can teach children environmental responsibility and even provide insights into Indigenous knowledge.
Planning stress-free playdates
Planning playdates can be daunting for parents worried about hosting, tidiness, or their children’s behaviour. Beasley suggests taking the stress out of the equation by meeting in public spaces like parks. She also recommends open-ended activities, which work well for a variety of ages and interests. Examples include:
- Drawing, painting, or pavement chalk art.
- Building blanket forts or constructing with cardboard boxes.
- Playing ball games or setting up scavenger hunts in nature.
For outdoor playdates, bushwalks or nature trails are excellent options, offering children a chance to explore while learning about their environment. Using apps like iNaturalist can turn these outings into interactive and educational adventures.
Avoiding milestone comparisons
It’s common for parents to compare their child’s development to others during playdates. However, Beasley encourages parents to steer clear of such discussions. While developmental milestones exist, children often reach them within a wide timeframe, and concerns should be discussed with a child health nurse or GP.
Instead, parents can chat about light-hearted topics, such as local parks, favourite books, or family-friendly recipes, while the children play.
Focusing on fun and connection
The ultimate goal of a playdate, Beasley explained, is to ensure the children are enjoying themselves and learning through exploration. A little preparation, combined with a relaxed attitude, can help parents create meaningful experiences for their children.