Hi Amma, Papa! I love meeting my friends, but sometimes playdates can be a little tricky. Here’s how you can help me have a fun and peaceful time with them.
Choosing the Right Place
A playdate can be at home, in a park, or even at our colony’s playground. If we meet in a neutral place like the park, it’s easier because no one must share their favourite toys or space.
Practice Makes Perfect
Amma, let’s practice before my playdate:
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How to Invite Play: Teach me to say, “Come play with me,” or “Let’s play with my cars.”
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What to Say if I’m Upset: Show me how to say, “I didn’t like that” or “Please don’t do that.”
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Using Smiles: You can teach me to smile and point if I want to share something with my friends but can’t find the words.
Read Together Beforehand
Can we read some fun stories about friends and sharing? Like those in Amar Chitra Katha or simple picture books about playing with others? These stories will help me understand how to share and how to handle emotions during playtime.
Hosting a Playdate
If my friend is coming over to our house, you can help me prepare:
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Put Away My Favourite Toys: Please keep my most special toys safe in the cupboard so I don’t feel worried about sharing them.
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Make Sharing Easy: Let’s keep out toys that everyone can play with, like my cricket bat, cars, or building blocks.
When We Go to Someone’s House
Before the playdate, teach me how to respect other people’s things. Say things like, “You can play with their toys gently,” and remind me to say “Thank you” before leaving.
Handling Big Feelings
Sometimes I feel shy or nervous when I meet new friends. Tell me it’s okay to feel like that and I will soon feel better after playing for some time. If I get too excited or upset, I know you’ll be there to help me calm down.