Parenting Advices

Good guest manners don’t end with your kids. Some things to remember:

GOODBYES CAN MAKE OR BREAK IT

Remember that other parents run a tight ship! This means that picking your child up at the previously arranged time is as important as your child thanking the parents for having him over.

DON’T SEND SIBLING OVER

Treating the other mom’s house like your daycare center by sending your entire caboodle over to crash the playdate is just wrong. No buts about it.

BE READY WITH SOME CASH

If the family plans a movie and restaurant outing with your child, offer to pay for your child’s share of expenses.

ASK HOW IT WENT

It’s always good to ask for feedback, so the host parent can tell you what went well… and what didn’t.

RETURN THE FAVOR

Reciprocating is an unwritten rule. You don’t want the other parent thinking playdates with your child are a one-sided arrangement. Do it already, as soon as the playdate is over.

It happens quite suddenly. You spot her across a crowded room, walking as if she’s gliding, the kind of woman who looked so gentle, she probably didn’t leave footprints. You just try to soak her in, trying to hear her voice over the pounding of your heart in you ears. She looks your way, your eyes connecting. Was that a nod and a smile? Boy, she gives a great nod. You feel flushed, and try to settle yourself down before approaching. Eventually, you try a cute opening line, and she smiles at how hokey it sounds. But she smiles. Man, I can’ believe she’s talking to me. And that smile!

You actually get up the nerve to ask her number, and she gives it to you. A couple of days later (so as not to appear too eager), you ask her out, and she accepts. You actually don’t need to, since you spend hours on the phone. She likes a lot of the same things you do, surprisingly laughs at your jokes (an even bigger surprise). She even has a funny little smile. Everything about her is great.

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