How to Host a Playdate in Your Home: Fun Activities and Ideas for Kids

Hosting a playdate in your home is a great way to get to know other parents and their children. It can also be a lot of fun for the kids! In this blog post, we will provide you with some tips on how to host a playdate, as well as some ideas for activities that the kids can enjoy. Let’s get started!

First and foremost, you will need to decide on a date and time for the playdate. Once you have that figured out, send out invitations to the parents of your child’s friends. It is usually best to invite around six or eight kids, so that there is plenty of room for everyone to run around and have fun.

When the day of the playdate arrives, make sure that you have plenty of snacks and drinks on hand. You may also want to put together a few simple activities for the kids to do. Here are some ideas:

Crafts: Provide the kids with a variety of materials, such as construction paper, markers, stickers, and glue, and let them go to town creating masterpieces.

Puzzles: A good old fashioned puzzle is a great way to keep the kids entertained.

Board games: Classic board games like Candyland or Chutes and Ladders never get old.

Toys: Make sure to have a variety of toys on hand, including balls, dolls, and cars.

Outdoor activities: If the weather permits, take the kids outside for some fun activities like playing tag, riding bikes, or going on a nature hike.

Make sure the kids stay hydrated and take breaks often to eat some snacks. And most importantly, have fun! The kids will love getting to know each other and spending time in your home.

By following these tips, you can be sure that your child’s next playdate will be a success! Have fun!

Tips For Dealing With Both A New Dog And A New Baby

Dealing with a new dog can be challenging enough on its own, but when you combine that with a new baby you’ve got a perfect storm. If you can avoid this mix of circumstances then it should be advised, but unfortunately, sometimes life offers you a mixed bag and you’ve got to take it! With that in mind, here are some top tips to help you navigate this bizarre new set of circumstances!

Never let your dog play with your baby unsupervised

This should really go without saying, but some people do need to be reminded. You may think that your new dog is the cutest, most harmless creature in the world but you must remember that it is still an animal with a very limited understanding of the world. Unfortunately, it could turn and indulge its base animal instincts at any time, and if your baby is at the receiving end of this then the results could be horrible. Always be around when your baby and new dog are in the same area. Allow them to become familiar with each other, and bonding sessions are to be encouraged, but you should always supervise the interaction closely. If your dog gets used to playing with the baby then it might become too rough and cause the baby injury inadvertently, even if it just thinks it is playing.

There are downsides to the dog as well. A baby or toddler can easily wear out a puppy, especially if it too is just getting used to the new surroundings. Crate training also helps for your dog to learn to stay in their space.

New babies and new dogs need rest

This is vital and is often overlooked. Your baby may need up to 20 hours of rest a day, and your new dog is also likely to need a lot of peaceful rest time. Make sure you keep them separate for this time and make sure that neither disturbs the other during this precious time of peace.

Keep your baby away from the dog food

Babies love to experiment and try new things. One of their favorite means of experimentation is by putting new things in their mouth. This is one of the main reasons why you need to keep your dog’s food (and water) far away from your baby. This will not be healthy for your baby and could lead to an upset stomach or worse. As well as that, anything your dog puts in their mouth, including any chew toys, is likely to be full of germs that could be harmful to your baby. Make sure you disinfect any item or space shared between your dog and baby.

Obviously, your dog could eat the baby’s food either, but this is not usually such a serious issue!

Do some bonding activities together

Your new baby and dog neet to get acquainted with each other in a safe and controlled manner. You should do shared activities together, such as going for a walk. This will help build a strong bond between baby and puppy, and in many cases, the dog will grow up to be very caring and protective of their young charge.

Cooking for Large Parties Doesn’t Have To Be Stressful

Hosting a party is not an easy task. With all the preparations for your guests’ needs, it is overwhelming at times. Add to that the preparation of food, you would want to be special and fitting for all. 

How would you go through it? Here are some tips that will help you to be less stressed:

1. Plan Ahead

Having a party is supposed to be planned ahead of time. With the decorations, needs, and people, everything should be considered. This will definitely include food. You will have to know what your guests will prefer and what would please them. You should also know about important things such as their allergies and lifestyle. With that, you might have to consider alternatives or plan something that is suitable for all. You will be able to know what to buy and when to start.

2. Cook Ahead

Planning ahead will let you know when you will need to start cooking. That way, you will also able to schedule your cooking time. It could be two days or a day before the party. You will also able to know what would be needed to be prepared on the day itself yet also not hassling yourself in one day. And for the party itself, you can just keep the food warm for your guests to continually enjoy it.

3. Make It Simple

It can be overwhelming to cook for a lot of people. With that, all you have to do is to keep your menu simple and easy for having a complicated one might just stress you out and not to mention might also just squeeze your schedule out. You can opt for classical ones yet well-loved. You can also prepare some snacks, appetizers, and drinks that are not time-consuming. It can be those that are already prepared and cooked. It will be just something they will have while socializing and waiting for the main course. 

4. Have An Assistant

You do not have to do all those things by yourself. You can definitely have some help. You could either hire someone or ask for your friends’ or family’s help. It will be your decision to have them in your kitchen or have them prepare for other things such as the decorations and tables or for both. With that, it will be less stressful for you and also make things faster and easier.

These are the tips that will make your cooking less stressful. The reason for this is not just for everything to be easy but also for you to enjoy the party as well. Being a good host means to be attentive and to mingle with your guests. Staying at the kitchen will surely hinder that. Also, one way for your guests to enjoy your party is if you are enjoying it yourself. So at that time, just sit back, relax, and get to know your guests. It is your time for a break, and you all surely deserve to have it.