Playdates? Not a fan. If you’re thinking of inviting my kids over for one, I might consider it—just don’t expect me to return the favor. I know that’s not the norm these days, but hear me out.
When I was a kid—and probably when you were too—playdates didn’t exist. If you wanted to hang out with a friend, you simply showed up at their door and asked them to come outside. Play was spontaneous and unstructured; whether it was tag, hide-and-seek, or riding bikes, there was no need for parental coordination.
Now, it seems like we’ve gone overboard with parenting. Beyond school, kids are inundated with mountains of homework, which has skyrocketed compared to our childhoods, plus a barrage of extracurricular activities. So, if kids want to play today, it has to fit into a meticulously planned schedule, and parents feel they must oversee every second of it.
I long for the days when children could just venture out to play with whoever was around—preferably outdoors. Sure, a generous mom might hand out popsicles to the kids, but there was no expectation for a fancy snack or for parents to socialize just because their kids were together. I mean, I want to ensure you’re not a serial killer or anything, but we don’t need to be best buds if we’re not already.
Let’s be honest—I’m swamped with my seven kids, so the likelihood of me inviting your crew over is slim. I’m not a glutton for punishment! And even if I had a wild urge to host a playdate, my scattered brain would probably forget to follow through. Plus, I tend to raise my voice more than I’d like to admit.
It’s just easier if your kids come over to knock on our door and ask if mine can come out to play. Just know that organized crafts and gourmet snacks are off the table. They might leave our house with a few bad habits or a new swear word, but hey, at least you’ll get a break!
While our kids play outside, I’ll be enjoying a cocktail inside, grateful for the brief respite from the chaos. If you’re looking for more insights, check out this post on cervical insemination for additional parenting perspectives. And if you’re considering at-home insemination, Make a Mom offers reliable kits for that purpose. For more information on pregnancy and home insemination, the ACOG is an excellent resource.
In summary, let’s bring back the good old days of spontaneous play, ditch the overly structured playdates, and embrace the beautiful chaos of parenting.
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