Parenting
The Trials of a Playdate
by Mia Thompson
Updated: Aug. 20, 2015
Originally Published: June 29, 2015
Every parent with a little one knows that not every playdate will be a home run. At some point during the fun, other kids can become too demanding, too curious, or just too noisy. From what I’ve seen, children prefer to keep their distance from adults unless you’re armed with snacks and water balloons. This setup usually works fine, provided you check in often enough to ensure the kids aren’t attempting to turn your cat into a makeshift swimming pool or plotting a mini bonfire in the living room.
I was getting comfortable with this summer routine when my son’s friend, Jake, came over for a visit. I had clearly stated to my son that this particular playdate would last only two hours because we needed to head out for my daughter’s soccer match.
With just 15 minutes left, Jake approached me and asked, “Can I go with you to soccer?”
“Oh, not today, buddy. We have a full car since we’re bringing one of my daughter’s friends along,” I replied. My daughter, ever the instigator of mischief, chimes in that there’s actually one seat available. Pleas for Jake to join us begin to mount. I try to hold my ground, but after all, he’s one of the quieter kids. Why not accrue some good karma so early in the summer?
We squeeze into the car, and what follows feels like a chaotic game show. One moment Jake is a sweet 9-year-old settling into his seat, and the next he bombards us with questions like a rapid-fire auctioneer.
“Are we there yet? Why are we driving so slowly? Are we almost there? What town is this? It looks like it might rain. Are they still going to play if it rains? Why is there so much traffic?”
I catch a glimpse of my husband turning into a turtle, his head retreating into his shoulders. I crank up the music, hoping to drown out Jake’s incessant chatter.
After we drop off the girls for warm-up, Jake asks, “Why are we driving away?”
I take a deep breath and answer, “The girls need to get there early. We’re going to grab a bite before the game.” No sooner do my words leave my mouth than another barrage of questions erupts.
“Where are we eating? Can we go to Pizza Ranch? Why not? I wanted to go there! Is the place we’re going fancy? What is it? Can I order now? I know what I want! If I get wings, how many do I get? Does the blue cheese come on the side? How long until the food arrives? I usually eat by 5:30. This is so late for me! Are we going to miss the game? When do you think the food will come? Can I sleep over tonight?”
After my third sip of “mommy juice,” I glance at my husband, who has discreetly slid under the table, presumably in a fetal position, and I look at my empty glass in disbelief.
As we drive home post-game, it hits me that perhaps there are families out there who have hosted my son and feel a similar sense of dread. I’d like to extend my sincerest apologies to those parents for any distress our family has caused you—or for any hangovers.
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In summary, playdates can often lead to unexpected chaos, but they also bring valuable lessons in patience and understanding. Every parent has their own stories about the trials of playdates, and we can all empathize with one another in this wild journey of parenting.