Now that I’ve settled into suburban life, I’ve become a member of the local MOMS Club International. For just $25 a year, fellow moms in my area are required to invite both my child and me to picnics, storytelling sessions, holiday celebrations, and weekly playdates. It’s the only club I know where casually breastfeeding in the middle of a conversation is considered completely acceptable. Well, perhaps besides the local gentlemen’s clubs.
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What I enjoy most about the MOMS Club are the weekly playdates, which are organized by the children’s birth year. My son belongs to the 2013 group, and most weeks, we have about 6 or 7 moms and just as many kids joining us. That’s a lively crowd — a dozen or so people in one room, and not just any crowd — a bunch of energetic toddlers!
Until recently, I managed to avoid hosting a playdate. Despite my ever-present mom guilt, I couldn’t bring myself to take the plunge. What if someone got hurt? What if a child was allergic to our cat? What if no one showed up? What if everyone did? What if all the kids began shrieking and crying at once, and I accidentally shouted, “I can’t take it anymore! I hate all of you!”?
Ultimately, however, guilt won out. I signed up to host a playdate, and to my surprise, I survived to tell the tale. In fact, I might even say I aced it. There was minimal bloodshed, and my carpet remained free of any unfortunate accidents. So, for those moms wondering what it takes to host a successful gathering, here are my tips:
- Stock Up on Snacks: If the kids’ mouths are full of store-bought cookies, moms won’t notice that your house resembles a chaotic toy store.
- Get Your Partner Involved: Have your husband join you in erasing any trace of your child’s mess. This includes scrubbing oatmeal from the highchair, milk from the floor, and who knows what else from the walls.
- Brew Some Coffee: The aroma will help cover up any lingering smells from the Diaper Genie.
- Stow Away Stuffed Animals: Hide them away; in our home, they are affectionately known as “the snot rags.”
- Post a Note on the Door: Something like, “Moms, please come join us in the basement for the playdate. Don’t mind the barking dog; she’s just having a ‘moment’ in the bedroom.”
- Greet Your Guests: Immediately offer them cookies. Playfully suggest they might like a drink from a mug. “Just kidding… or am I?”
- Observe the Chaos: Watch as the kids flock to the play table, using toys as makeshift weapons against one another. Witness the hair-pulling, cheek-scratching, and the great Cheerios heist unfold. Just sit back and let the wildness ensue; this is all part of the experience.
- Wrap It Up: After a while, it’s time to send everyone on their way.
- Check on Your Child: Retrieve your bewildered little one from a pile of toys. Settle him into his crib for a nap, while pondering why he’s sticky, missing a chunk of hair, and holding a random tooth in his tiny hand.
- Clean Up: Gather all the toys outside, spray them down with disinfectant, and consider burning them for good measure.
There you have it! If you followed these steps, you’ve successfully hosted a playdate or perhaps a toddler brawl! Be prepared for the inevitable flu, pink eye, or fleas to show up within the next couple of days.
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In summary, hosting a playdate can be a delightful yet chaotic experience filled with laughter, spills, and a bit of mess. With a few snacks, some help from your partner, and a solid plan, you can survive the day and create lasting memories for both yourself and your children.