Play Dates

Remember when play dates were a time for kids to pop out of their house, knock on your door, and ask if Suzie is home? "Can Suzie come out to play.?" Well that was the 60's perhaps. But times have changed. Dates are no longer dates, they are arrangements. Appealing to the mom's sense of urgency to have her child at play, includes planes, trains and automobiles. No kidding,. And with the price of gas, we better get the age level reduced so the kids can transport themselves. Perhaps on their tricycles.

When my first family was being raised, we lived ten seconds from Johnny and Mary. Now we live ten miles, and consider that a short stop.


My granddaughter will be celebrating her fourth birthday next week. Yea! I no longer have to refer to the almost four year old. She's so excited that she no longer holds up her 3 crooked fingers. She proudly announces that she is older now. She's keen on the princesses party.



Her mother phoned, eager to find out what her baby wants for her day. This child held my hand while talking to her mother long distance, chuckled and said,"I want you." She smiled and then quickly turned to her Nana and poppa for reassurance. She added,"Do you think my mommy and daddy can make a play date. ?"

My grandchild makes me stop dead in my tracks. I look at her with the kind of amazement you would imagine when you view the many wonders of the world. Her curious mind extends warmth through words, giggles, memory games about being a baby, and sharing some of her favorite play date stories.

Her fourth birthday brings a wisdom beyond her years. The long distance phone call from her mother brings initial excitement. She dances while talking and thinks her mother can see her.We do not have her on video. This dance continues, and she is unswayed by the the silliness. No matter!

Her mother asks, "Are you playing well with others? Who are your friends?"
Her mother has the good sense to tell her how her Nana and Poppa love her soooo much. How lucky she is to have them love her and care for her. We agree. But we see how lucky we are, After all, everyday is our special play date with her.


Officially, I don't have a "REAL JOB." I respectfully think that the real job will get in the way of the play dates. Who will do the transporting, social engagements, making sure the kid is picked up , dropped off, playing fair, and kiss the boo boos. Play dates are important! If the granny can't be there to fuel the social activities, how's the toddler going to swing into a social life. On the other hand, if gas prices continue to sky rocket past the $6.00 mark, what's a Nana to do?

The only play dates we'll be having will be stay dates. Ooops that means we may have to play with our neighbors kids.

Ding Dong! "Can Suzie come and play?"
"There is no Suzie here."
" Emma and Kylie are so excited to play."