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How long is too long for a playdate for a 6 year old? When the other mom dropped her child off at our house, we agreed to "a couple of hours" and she said to call her when we were ready. I did, and then 1 1/2 hours later, she came to pick her child up. It was 5 1/2 hours!”

Asked by sarahbuz on 30th December 2008 | 9 replies

9 replies so far...

Sounds like you were a defacto free babysitter.

Flag as inappropriate Posted by Uhura on 5th January 2009
It depends on the other Mom's character. Apparently you did not like this lady or she has done something in the past to make you feel she is irresponsible. Right? If so then talk with her about this instead of resenting her.

Flag as inappropriate Posted by Rene Rogers on 4th January 2009
I disagree with most, simply because our house works out a lot better when each child (age 6 and 10) has a friend over...including meals and sleepovers. We typically have two extra kids all weekend, or one or both of my kids are at a friends for most of the weekend. 5 1/2 hours is not too long (at my house) but 1 1/2 hours to come pick up is too long. Sounds like you'll need to set expectations up front.

Flag as inappropriate Posted by Karla E on 2nd January 2009
With all of my son's play dates, I set the time frame up front. Usually 2.5 to 3 hours for a play date. This is for ages 4 to 7 in my house. Every parent's perception of "play date" is different. Learning from past play date nightmares of parents not answering cell phones to "forgetting" to pick up their child, all date details are done in advance. The fact that it took the parent 1 1//2 hours to get to your house is disrespectful to you and your time. I would think twice about having a play date with this child again unless a pick time is firmly set. I know this sounds tough, but I have learned there are parents out there that will take advantage of play dates.

Flag as inappropriate Posted by Lisa M. Nolan on 2nd January 2009
I think that a few hours is open even at age six (could be 2 hours or 6 hours). BUT It should not take 90 minutes to pick up child when you call unless she tells you emergency situation (like stuck at doctor's office or car isn't working and trying to get it fixed and ride to you). It is different when kids are older since they may play for hours and stay for meals too (if ok with both parents). But six and it didn't seem from note that you and mom were "best buddies" means respect to your time when you call. I would make time fixed next time with this mom/play date buddy.
Renee

Flag as inappropriate Posted by Renee on 2nd January 2009
Did you find out WHY she took so long to come and pick up her kid?
Next time have an end time for the playdate - it saves confusion for everyone and you feeling used.

Flag as inappropriate Posted by Nickel on 31st December 2008
two hours 1/2 is long enough. you dont want to overwhelm or take advantage of a mom because we all know how that feels.

Flag as inappropriate Posted by momoftwo on 31st December 2008
I agree. You were used for free babysitting services.

Flag as inappropriate Posted by marathonmom on 31st December 2008
Request payment or don't do it again. That's a long time. She abused your kindness. Unless she is a good friend, but does not sound like it.

Flag as inappropriate Posted by on 30th December 2008