After school playdates

[Cami]

If a child comes to your house for a playdate after school (like 3:30/4:00ish)~~

*how long would you expect him to stay?
*would you feed him a snack, dinner, both, neither?

Assume you didn't really address these questions with the other parent (mistake, I know).

I think I messed up on this recently and was curious. I just invited the child over to play and then sort of as an afterthought, invited the mom to stay too, which she did. So we hadn't talked about how long they'd stick around.

And if the child's parent is there, would you offer the same food you'd have if it was just the kids?

[Jillian]

I'd feed the kids a snack...

As for the mom...I'd offer a drink...like water/pop/juice

[Clare]

When we have after school playdates, they come straight from school at 3.15pm and normally go home by 5-5.30pm. I offer them snacks, normally fruit, cheese and crackers, maybe popcorn and cookies. If the mum comes too, we have tea or coffee and maybe cookies unless I've been inspired to bake muffins or something. I only offer the child dinner if they're staying for a sleepover.

[Alyssa]

Aidan gets out of school just before 2. We've had a few playdates where the kids come around 2:30-3, for a few hours. I've offered a snack when I've been here (I haven't asked Joe if he's offered when he's been home).

[Cami]

I found out after that first playdate that it's kind of an unwritten "rule" around here that you make dinner for the kid when he/she comes over for a playdate after school. I assumed that if the child was picked up by 6 pm, she'd have dinner at home. But apparently a lot of kids eat dinner earlier here.

So now I will always make sure to discuss with the parent ahead of time!! :)

[Clare]

Now that you say that, Cami, I do remember when I was a nanny in London that the children ate early - around 5pm. I still wouldn't expect someone else to feed them though, I'd pick them up before their dinnertime!!

[DarcyT]

I'd feed the kids a snack...

As for the mom...I'd offer a drink...like water/pop/juiceThis is what I would do as well, just as I would for any other guest at any other time. :) But most likely I'd still ask the parent ahead of time or call and ask them while the child is there.