Strategies for Family Facilitation of Play Dates

Play dates can serve several functions for young children, including children with social difficulties, such as developmental delays, behavioral disorders, autism spectrum disorders, and shyness. Play dates provide children with additional opportunities to be around peers and to practice skills associated with peer play interactions. Play dates also give children an additional environment, beyond group-based early educational settings, to engage in and practice peer play interactions with the assistance of one of their top supporters, their families. The family, if knowledgeable of play-facilitative strategies, can play a key role in promoting opportunities and ensuring that positive peer play interactions occur during their child's play dates. This article describes a variety of important aspects and strategies for families to consider when planning play dates for their child, particularly as they consider taking a more active role in facilitating peer play. Specifically, information about (a) understanding types of peer play interactions; (b) preparing for successful play dates; and (c) facilitating peer play interactions are presented. (Contains 1 table.)