Featured Author

Kelly Curtis, M.S., from Pass the Torch

I remember when my good friend first offered to watch my kids while I ran errands. The friend who would one day have four kids of her own, all under the age of seven. The friend I think should probably be sainted and who I see as a role model for myself as a parent.

She said, “It’s really no problem.  It’s easier when your kids are here.”

What?

I’m a do-everything-yourself-er. This was a huge step for me, partly because I was accepting help and partly because I felt completely responsible for returning a favor I didn’t feel all that confident about. It took me a few years to understand this logic, but she’s absolutely right. Play dates with good-match children make it easier on both caregivers, but I never would have believed it if I hadn’t experienced it myself.

Play dates create a different dynamic, that naturally separates squabbling siblings, and introduces a honeymoon period every time the play date is held.

I appreciate the fact that my friend introduced me to this idea, and that I’ve been able to reciprocate, though not nearly as often, and with only half of her kids. I love play dates now, and look forward to hosting them just as much as enjoying the free time I get when others do.

There are so many ways to parent with purpose, while being good to yourself at the same time.  

When will you plan your next play date?

Kelly Curtis is a Wisconsin school counselor and author of Empowering Youth:  How to Encourage Young Leaders to Do Great Things. To read more about Kelly, please visit her Weblog, Pass the Torch.