• Initially, it is best to schedule as many playdates as possible (One-on-One) before your child determines who he or she wants to hang out with.
   
• Playdates at home are most desirable as they provide a sense of comfort, security and sense of close relationship.
   
• One-on-One Playdates are the best i.e. not a group playdate but only one friend at a time. Classes, sports, and scouts do not compensate for a one-on-one playdate. They are just a means of meeting. Siblings should not be around during a one-on-one playdate.
   
• Why? Your child may be left out in a group playdate. It also tells the child that he or she is so special to have an exclusive play time, a feeling which enhances self esteem.
  Tip: Make sure that the children play without interruption. The children should be completely responsible for the entertainment while the parents or caregivers are responsible just for transportation, snacks, and their safety.
   
• Conflict, boredom, and frustration between children are the major causes for a playdate to go sour. Much of what children argue about is what activities to do together. This can be avoided by planning ahead by determining common interest and activities. If the children cannot find a common interest then they will have no idea what to do if they ever have a playdate.
   
• A parent’s job is to set the date and time, and to arrange transportation and snacks with the other child’s parents. Many parents never ask the children or discuss what to give for snack.
   
• Many parents don’t reciprocate playdates or acknowledge a great one.
   
• An age difference of more than 1 year between friends at this age is not ideal. If your child plays with a child one year younger, that is fine but playing with an older child should be avoided.
   
• Same sex friendships among children are more enduring and dependable.
   
• Many parents never think of dropping some of their child’s activities that do not add value. Tip: Think of using this time for a playdate and drop (a) few hours of television (on average, children watch over 25 hours of television per week.) or; (b) playtime with a child of convenience i.e. friend’s child, neighbor’s child who your child does not like or (b) sports activities where your child is better off at a playdate than being overly pressured by a coach.
   

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