Hosting a Playgroup- Need Advise ASAP!

I'm really impressed that you are so involved! Keep in mind that part of his develpment is to learn how to entertain himself. It would actually be very good for him to have to go to his room and play by himself. It would force him to be creative and use his imagination and not always depend on you to "entertain him."

Homemade playdough is cheap and keeps kids busy!

Bake something with the kids AND moms (or frost cookies.)

Can you hit up a couple garage sales this weekend??? Find a few more CHEAP toys that you can just keep in a bin (in the garage or basement) for when you have to host playgroup!

Wow-no toys? I think it would be a worthwhile investment to buy a few. Sorry-but you have 'convinced' yourself that your son does not like toys...but the thing is-he would probably really enjoy at least a few. And research shows that unstructured play, with/without toys, is so key in childhood development. While it is nice that you have given him so many structured activities it sounds like he really needs some unstructured moments as well. Why don't you hit garage sales this weekend in neighborhoods with lots of kids?

I wouldn't be too worried about the quantity of toys it's the quality of the experience that matters most. Whenever I host playgroup for my young sons, I find the kids to be very destructive. Especially the boys. This is no reflection on their mom/dads parenting skills, at all. This is about the fact that they are young, and very active children. I purposely lock up most of our best toys before the kids come over and put out toys that are fun, but if they get destroyed my kids or my husband (because the cost of things) won't be traumatized later.

So out comes the *generic* wooden trains (not the high buck Thomas), out comes the cheap plastic dump trucks, lawn mowers, and playground balls (not my kids' favorite Tonkas and Matchbox) and I preselect some good games and have crafting supplies on hand that a group can play and do with little parental involvement (in case I can't get to everyone or have no help). This is usually plenty for the kids, because their primary goal is to run! Their second goal is to tackle! Their third goal is to make a ton of noise! No one seems disappointed to play with the old and cheap stuff.

I also always plan a couple of easy to do crafts that don't make too big of a mess, using supplies you already have on hand. Our boys and their friends are crazy for Star Wars/Clone Wars stuff. I found a bunch of free crafts you can print online, and they loved it. Masks, coloring pages, 3-D ship and people/robot/creature models, and more. Just google star wars crafts.

Sometimes I plan an easy to make recipe (keep food allergies in mind) and have the kids put it together, then eat it.

Some games we have that are always a hit with the boys when they come over include:

Hyperdash
http://www.amazon.com/Wild-Planet-46001-Hyper-Dash/dp/B00...

Hide n' Seek Safari
http://www.amazon.com/R-Games-###-###-####-Safari-Monkey/...

What's In Ned's Head?
http://www.amazon.com/Fundex-2460-Whats-Neds-Head/dp/B000...

Beware of Dog
http://www.amazon.com/University-Games-53102-Beware-Dog/d...

Gassy Gus
http://www.amazon.com/Gassy-Gus-Board-Game/dp/B003DKUF1S/...

I love this book for game and activity ideas with groups of kids. It's a life saver for things like playgroups and birthday parties. See: http://www.amazon.com/Great-Big-Book-Childrens-Games/dp/0...

Some of our best playgroups are when I let the kids just play in the backyard on the wooden playset/jungle gym. There's no prep needed..,.and you can just pull up a chair and watch! If you don't have one, it is well worth the investment! My oldest is 10 and still loving our play system.

Prior to our wooden one, we had a metal swingset...that the boys did love. But they wanted a clubhouse, so we switched to a wooden set a bit later. We've had no regrets, though they can be pricey. But don't discount the more affordable old school metal swing sets ...when a large number of kids come over they are a lifesaver. You can get one for anywhere from $100 to $250 (with all the bells and whistles) brand new at Toys R Us. And you can find some for less or even free on sites like Craigslist. Walmart, Sams Club and Costco are a great place to save money on an actual wooden playset with clubhouse and more if you're up for making a more significant investment. Once again you can also find these on Craigslist, the only downside is you have to move it and reassemble without instructions or a warranty...so sometimes labor nixes the good prices.

see:
http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3424132

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Adventure-Play-Sets-Atlantis-Wo...

If you don't want to do that, or can't, just get or make a couple of soccer goals, get some playground kickballs, a croquet set, bocce balls(lawn bowling) some whiffle balls and plastic bats and have them do drills or actually play a game.

Pray it doesn't rain. Toys aren't just for fun and placating a child-they're used to develop cognition and other important skills.

I agree with Michelle M. Go to the $1 store and get chalk, bubble and maybe a few big coloring pads with crayons. Have them play outside and they will be fine! Every home is different. Its ok that yours isn't completely toy filled. :)

I would really consider getting more toys!!! Kids are shaped and molded by creative play and toys! You can get toys inexpensively at Ross, Target, Walmart and garage sales, ebay, overstock etc. I know you don't want to fill the house with toys, but it would GREATLY benefit your son! Do it for him!
GL!
M

I ditto the suggestion to pick up some simple things at the dollar store like sidewalk chalk and bubbles. You can also get some play-doh or even make your own (I have a recipe if you are interested). Invest in some Lego sets and/or building blocks. If they are able to play outside, get some more outdoor toys, like a beginner t-ball set or basketball hoop. There are lots of kids out there that have way too many toys, but there needs to be a balance between too many and hardly any. And it's good to have your child learn to play independently from you, and not have structured activities all the time. Unstructured play is how they develop their imaginations and learn to entertain themselves so they don't feel bored or lost when you're not coming up with something for them to do.

Tape a huge sheet of Kraft paper up and buy paints & brushes. Ask the moms to bring smocks & let them paint away!

You might want to rethink your "we're not buying any more toys because we're not having more kids" theory. Kids NEED toys. To play, to imagine, to thrive...and the toys need to be replaced as the child grows for optimum development!

A couple things come to mind. You can make sugar cookies and have them decorate them- easiest icing ever: powdered sugar, water, food coloring- and they can paint the icing on. I did this before with a play group i hosted and it was a huge hit. Which you could always go buy some paper and paint and have them paint as well.
As for the toys. That's great that you son doesn't really need them, i guess. But I really think you should get him some. Its great for his imagination. My son is with me a lot of the time too, but he also like to go in the other room while i am cooking and I hear him come up with all sorts of scenarios of what is going on in his play land. Its great for his imagination and also for him to know how to entertain himself. Get some dinosaurs, puzzles, imaginext makes great play toys. You don't have to go crazy but i really think your son is missing out without any toys.

If it's nice out, send the kids outside to play. If it's going to be rainy, try getting some crayons for them to color with. Or turn on some music and make it a dance party.

The other thing that you could do would be to collect a bunch of different sized boxes over the course of the next couple of weeks. Put those out with some blankets and pillows and let them build forts.

Do you really not have any other toys besides a toy train and some cars? No playdough? No building stuff? It doesn't have to be fancy.

Good luck.

Go to the dollar store and get some sidewalk chalk, bubbles, play dough markers and coloring books. I bet they even have things like match box cars there that you could scoop up for cheap. $20 and you can have a lot to entertain the kids and leftovers for your own kids.

Play musical chairs or hot potatoe.

Buy some ready to bake sugar cookies and some white frosting. Put frosting in 4-5 bowls and add a drop of food coloring. Let the kids decorate their cookies with frosting and maybe some sprinkles. Have plastic knives and paper plates and let them go to town.

Make a scavenger hunt. Cut out foot prints from construction paper and make paths around your house....some paths will lead to something fun and some will lead to nothing....the something fun could be the emply pastic eggs from easter...ALL kids love to go on an easter egg hunt-even if it's not easter.

Make some homemade playdough, get butter knives, cups, cookie cutters, etc and let the kids play. I love the idea of the boxes/blankets. You could also let the kids make their own "pizza" with either cookies or if you want a healthier choice, bread cut in circles with all the fixings.

I also like the idea of hitting up the garage sales in your town. Your child could probably use a few toys, they are inexpensive and if you find that your child doesn't really use them (although I can't imagine that!) you can always donate them to a local shelter.

I think those other mom's will see a different way to be when at your house, and that's not bad. (Or maybe this group isn't a good fit for you)
Do you have playdoh and coloring stuff, too, and bubbles for outside, maybe sidewalk chalk (just trying to think of stuff you probably have that aren't really "toys")? Maybe you could set up some goals in the yard and kick balls in. I'd plan maybe 3 stations of things to do and then you can move through them as needed. And maybe a snack too.

We too have minimal toys. I hate them, and my kids are happy with their favorite toys rather than the hundreds that are unnecessary. When I walk into other homes and see the ocean mess of toys, I'm basically looking at the thousands of dollars wasted. A few bins of good quality toys, a ton of books, and puzzles are all we need.

As far as play dates, we have a good swing set, and great water table with lots of boats, and squirt toys. Next to that we've got a barbie swimming pool for the girls! If it's nice, plan it outside. That alone keeps them busy for an hour. Bubbles, chalk, and a plastic bat and ball would be cheap for you to go get! Also kids love food/snacks. Pop some popcorn, and sit out bowls of goodies and that will keep them happy.

Enjoyed reading all the suggestions for myself too! Here are some things I recently did for a big playdate with nearly 20 kids (ages 2-5) and a small backyard. It kept all the kids entertained and busy.

Rock Box: filled a big plastic, shallow bin with a bag of gravel (could also use beans if done inside) and add small plastic dinos, etc and cheap diggers or plastic cups and big spoons to dig. Obstacle Course: put out tunnels to crawl through (could also use big boxes), cones to run around, and had a start/finish line. Fort: Put out 4 folding chairs and threw a sheet over them. Pinned the sheet in place so it didn't become an issue with it falling or getting pulled off. 2 art tables: One with crayons and paper another with playdough. And of course the standard sidewalk chalk and bubbles.

You may be surprised by how much fun those kids will create without all of the toys! You could take some household items and make an obstacle course or do some "classic" outdoor games like water balloon toss, egg and spoon race, pin-the-tail on the donkey, etc. Target has large bins of sidewalk chalk for $1, you could have them create their own snack with yogurt and different toppings. There's nothing wrong with not having a toy explosion house (we have tried to avoid it too).

Kids don't need toys to play together, just get creative about guiding some activities for them and let them have fun together! If the other moms would prefer to sit and chat while the kids are playing, then have some folding chairs outside with a pitcher of lemonade and ask one of them to take pictures while you help facilitate!

Can I just tell you how jealous I am that you have so few toys at your house? I hate how many toys we have here. Everyone keeps buying my kids toys, and I think it is actually overwhelming to them. I grew up with very few toys, but I used my imagination and played with the few toys that I had. I could also turn any normal household item, rock, stick, and mud into a toy :-)

Anyway, if you don't want a lot of toys at your house, you could send an e-mail to the other moms suggesting that each kid bring a toy to share. Of course, they'll take them back home after the play date. We did this for one of my friends who had just had a baby. A bunch of us who had toddlers came to visit her, and to keep our own children entertained, we each brought a toy or two to share. It worked out great!

Good luck! I'm sure the kids will have a great time.

I don't think that you need to worry about this. The kids will entertain themselves with what you have. I would just make sure that you have simple snacks/drinks for the kids and adults (though most parents I know bring their own snacks or bring pot-luck snacks for the group). You could put some music on and the kids could have a dance party if it rains or play sports or outdoor activities in your yard if it's nice.

Have fun!

I see some people suggest you need more toys - no way! If your son is happy without them why spend your money, even if they are second hand. We have a room full of toys - a lot don't get played with. Good on you for being more sensible than we are! I didn't read all the posts, but maybe blow some bubbles, hopefully the weather is good - use a sprinkler or the hose, get them some chalk for the concrete. Plan a treasure hunt or obstacle course using household objects. Pull out the books. It's your playdate - they can do as the Romans do when in Rome. I'm sure the time will whizz by, and there will be lots of laughter and giggles. Don't stress, playdates are supposed to be fun - you don't have to outdo each other!

I wouldn't worry about the toys. I was a professional nanny was twenty years and have been in homes that have built playrooms to store all the toys and then we would go over to play and the kids would fight over the same toy or say we're bored. Simple things usually entertain kids for hours. I went to the dollar store bought a small bucket and two packages of paint brushes, then when we got home filled the bucket with water and let my then two year old son paint everything outside. The kids down the street came by to help paint, they stayed for 1/2 hour, they are between the ages of 5-9. If you go and buy anything bubbles, chalk, play doh and spray toys are good for any age.

I agree with some of the other moms about hitting some garage sales, thrift stores, etc. to get some toys. I was an educational consultant for Discovery Toys for two years and if there is one thing I learned is that toys are important to a child's development. I think a child should learn to play by himself as well and having some toys in a playroom or his room will help him to learn free play.

That being said ... for the playdate you can always do what others have suggested - get some sidewalk chalk, bubbles, etc. When my daughter was younger I belonged to a playgroup and had many playdates at my house. At that time, we invested in one of those small bounce houses, which is the best thing we could've done. My daughter is now six and we still have playdates from time to time and the kids spend hours in it. Also, a small pool or water table is also another great investment as well, especially if you plan to host more playdates at your house.

I agree with some of the other posters....you really need to consider getting more toys. Your house doesn't need to be filled with them but kids need them for reasons listed below...for using imagination, cognitive skills etc. I honestly think they are necessary and yes, children definitely need unstructered play. He shouldn't be by your side all of the time. Alone time is great for them!

I like some of the ideas listed below though. Bake and decorate sugar cookies would be tons of fun and chalk and bubbles are great ideas too! Let kids be kids and have fun...they are only so little for so long. And some of my best memories are playing She-Ra and He-Man with my brother and sister!

I am sure it is past your playdate now, but we have a fraction of the number of toys that many of our friends do, and when we have their kids over even our small amount seem amazing and way more fun than the ones at their own houses just because they are different. I am sure it was a success!!

I see a couple of options - you could bow out of hosting, you could ask everyone to bring a toy with them to share (not to give to you, but for use during the playgroup), or you could start collecting "free" things for the kids to play with - maybe have an arts and crafts time with "recycled" materials like paper towel and toilet paper rolls, egg cartons, etc. You could purchase a few things of paint and some pipe cleaners and let the kids go to town. You could ask the other parents to also save and bring with some of those recyclable items.