Playdates offer more than just a few hours of fun with other kids. The opportunity to interact with other preschoolers and adults in new and exciting settings builds important skills.
Preschoolers who regularly attend playdates benefit from improved social, emotional and physical development.
Social Development
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Gathering with other preschoolers gives kids a chance to learn how to communicate. It also teaches other social skills such as sharing, taking turns and respecting personal boundaries.
Playmates are often a preschooler’s first friendships, introducing them to the fundamentals of all relationships.
Mixed-age play dates give preschoolers a chance to learn from older children and set an example for younger kids.
Playdates that include visits to museums, ethnic restaurants, festivals or holiday celebrations teach preschoolers about other cultures and traditions.
Emotional Development
Playdates at another child’s home provide an opportunity for preschoolers to learn to separate from their parents.
By scheduling play dates in different settings and environments, preschoolers learn to approach new situations with curiosity and an open mind.
Preschoolers develop trust and affection for peers and other adults. In turn, preschoolers feel valued and appreciated.
Playdates allow preschoolers to share their unique abilities, skills, and personalities. This teaches preschoolers to be proud of themselves while accepting differences in others.
Physical Development
Exercise is part of good health, so preschoolers benefit from regular opportunities to run, jump, hop, skip, dance, spin, and move. It also helps burn off some of their boundless energy.
Playdate activities give preschoolers a chance to master fine motor skills (writing with a crayon, manipulate buttons and zippers, etc.) and coordination (riding a bike, skipping, etc.).
Older preschoolers (4- and 5-year-olds) begin learning the rules of games and sports such as baseball and soccer.
During the preschool years, children are growing inside and out. Participation in play dates gives preschoolers a chance to enhance their social, emotional and physical development while having a great time!