Benefits of Playdates For Kids: Here’s What To Know

The simple joy of getting together with friends as a kid—it’s that wholesome feeling that probably no one ever forgets. Whether it's the excitement of sharing toys or maybe even a little mischief. Playdates for kids today serve much the same purpose. They are fun and turn out to be an important aspect of social and emotional development. 

But what exactly are playdates, and why are they so important?

You must surely know the feeling of watching our child laugh and run around with their friends—it’s priceless. However, playdates are more than just burning off energy. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, unstructured play helps develop problem-solving skills, improve emotional regulation, and build confidence.

Read below this article to learn about the benefits of playdates for kids and why you should encourage it.

Playdates teach kids how to interact with others. With this, the kids are able to learn essential skills like sharing, taking turns, and resolving conflicts, which play an important role when it comes to future relationships, whether with friends, classmates, or coworkers.

So, the next time you ever had to referee a toy tug-of-war between two kids? That’s their learning negotiation skills. According to studies, children who regularly engage in social play are better able to handle conflicts compared to kids who don’t.Room for emotional intelligence

Playdates help children identify and express their feelings, besides learning to manage frustration when things don’t go their way. In fact, they also come across the experience of the joy of collaboration when things do. After all, emotional intelligence (EQ) is just as important as IQ, if not more. Several studies have suggested that children with high emotional intelligence are more likely to succeed academically and socially. At the end of the day, by engaging in the highs and lows of playdate drama, kids are learning valuable lessons in emotional regulation. 

Imaginative play is one of the best aspects of playdates. According to the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), imaginative play enhances cognitive flexibility. In simple words, it is the ability to think outside the box and solve problems creatively. By building forts and pretending to be superheroes, kids are actually getting creative, opposed to the structured play that doesn’t allow their creativity to show up.

This age is where screen time seems to dominate; however, playdates often encourage kids to move around—from playing tag, building obstacle courses, or simply running around the yard—it's the natural part of playdate. This helps in keeping them active, healthy, and developing gross motor skills. The Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC recommends at least 60 minutes of physical activity per day for children.

It is obvious that when kids are engaging with others in a playdate, they are constantly testing the waters of their own capabilities. From learning how to organize a game to adjusting to the social dynamics, playdates play a big role in developing the confidence. And every small success adds a boost to their self-confidence.

Playdates are not just like the other usual ways to keep your child engaged. These are beyond fun—and come with a lot of health benefits and learning along the way. It’s the opportunity for kids to make unforgettable memories, build friendships, and hopefully come home exhausted enough for a good night’s sleep!