Play date question

My granddaughter is 6 and in first grade. The kids are starting to have "playdates" and my daughter isn't sure what to do. My granddaughter also has food allergies and must have an epi pen nearby at ALL times. Her friend told her that most moms just drop their kids off and leave and come back to pick them up later. My daughter doesn't know alot of the moms in the class very well, and doesn't feel comfortable just dropping her off, but she doesn't know what to do should the time come when she's invited to play at someones house. My daughter first of all would have to make sure the parent is comfortable learning how to use the epi pen if God forbid it's needed. My daughter doesn't know if it would be right to ask if she could stay, at least for the first play date. Get to know the mom, see how the kids interract, etc. Any feedback? She doesn't want to keep her in a bubble but isnt comfortable leaving her at someones house who she doesn't even know.

Play date question

Why not just have play dates at her house?

Re: Play date question

I would have at her house or simply explain to the other parent she has allergies and if you feel more comfortable,she would stay too

You never know what people can do. Meaning my children do not have allergies but my niece does. So I know how to use a epi. Maybe she does too

Re: Play date question

My kids need to have an epi pen with them all the time due to food allergies too. I understand the concern! I'd probably try to have play dates at her own home as much as possible if play dates are drop off only. I feel at 6 that's still young enough for parents to stick around & hang out while the kids play so it would be nice if they'd do that so you can be there, but if not just have play dates at her own home. With severe food allergies I don't know if I'd trust a parent I don't know well to avoid giving my child the wrong foods.

Play date question

My DS also has food allergies and I never drop him off at a playdate (or drop off for bday parties). The only time I've allowed a drop off lately is a mom that used to be an ENT and knows how to give the epi-pen. I also pack all his snacks and he's not allowed to eat anything of theirs. I'd love to find another allergy family to have a playdate but I don't know any in DS' class.

Re: Play date question

Host or go along with the kid to play dates (befriend the moms).

I wouldn't trust a parent with an epi pen. When it comes to stabbing a kid with it, people may freak out or pass out.

Re: Play date question

I would say try to do outings at neutral places so you get to know the parents and then take it from there.

Also maybe if invited to a friend's house just explain that she would be more comfortable hosting bc of the allergies and epi, this will prevent her daughter from feeling left out/ open a dialogue with the other parent .
Maybe you will find out their child has allergies , or they are a nurse , or trained through their job to use an epi pen (any teacher in my school who was comfortable was trained ),etc.
Then keep it short and send your own snack just in case !

Play date question

Whether my child had allergies or not, I would definitely attend the first play date at the other child's house. Get to know the mom, make sure if id be comfortable leaving my child alone at this persons house.

Re: Play date question

Your daughter can host first or do a public outing.

I have a 2nd grader and kindergartener. Ever since older child has been in kindergarten, play dates from school have all been drop off.

I stick around for kindergarten birthday parties and I did for 1st grade for older son. Now everything for 2nd grader is drop off whether it is a play date or party.

I hang out with our family friends and their kids but none of them are actually from elementary school.

Play date question

Your daughter should offer to host.
My son is ASD. Play dates come up all the time. We host because it is his environment and things are better controlled. Parents can stay or not, I don't care but my son is 5. I never drop off unless I know the parents extremely well and know that they can handle anything my son may throw at them (literally and figuratively).

Play date question

We have allergy kiddos in our house and I always offer to host so I can monitor what's going on and what being eaten.

Play date question

Unless I knew them well I would do a public playdate like the library or park or open play. Then I'd consider doing an in-home playdate as long as I knew they could be trusted to use an Epi or control exposure to an allergen.