Playdates

When I was much (much, much) younger and living in Maryland, my two best friends lived in the houses right behind mine. I remember running out the door shouting, I'm going to Kelly's or I'm going to BreAnne's, and never looking back. I don't remember organized playdates. Ever.

Nowadays, that's all there is. Playdates are fine. There's someone other than me to entertain my child. It's even better when they go to a friend's house. I can get stuff done. I love playdates, except for one thing. They have to be reciprocal. If I'm hosting playdate after playdate with the same kid and not getting the reciprocal invitation, we've got a problem. I am super conscious of returning the playdate invitation. I hate having it hanging out there...like I owe them. Of course, there are parents who don't feel the same way. If I thought my kids were misbehaving, then I'd understand. But they're not. I always ask.

One of my neighbors has it right. Two of her kids are Ella and Kyra's age, they come to my house for a couple hours and she gets some down time and then we switch. It's fabulous. The kids have a blast because they get a "double playdate" and the parents both win.

So, what happens then, after a few unreturned playdates? Your kid doesn't get invited to my house anymore. Sorry. I'm not here to provide free babysitting while you do your grocery shopping or get your nails done.