The Simplicity Parenting Podcast with Kim John Payne #45: Avoiding Play Date Leaving Drama
Jun 4, 2019
Leaving playdates can often turn into dramatic meltdowns. Addressing the awkwardness of transitions, Kim shares strategies to plan ahead with clear start and end times. He highlights the power of a host-led goodbye, making farewells smoother for kids. Tying the end of playdates to everyday routines, like dinner or bath time, can also help. With practical tips for host parents, he emphasizes the importance of consistent planning to ease these transitions, creating a better experience for everyone involved.
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Pre-Plan The Playdate End
- Pre-plan playdates with the host parent and agree on a clear end time and who will close the visit.
- Ask the host to transition their child to a new activity so your child has no reason to stay.
Host Signals Remove The Incentive
- Letting the host parent signal the end removes the child’s incentive to resist leaving.
- A shift in the host household removes the ongoing fun and reduces meltdowns.
Use Daily Rhythms To Transition
- Use predictable daily rhythms (like supper or bath) as the new activity the host moves into.
- Time playdates to align with those rhythms to make transitions smoother.