Health

Talking point: How to help your kids get the most out of playdates

Thirty years ago, children engaged in what today’s experts refer to as “self-directed free play”. In other words, kids arranged their own social events, playing with peers in the streets or the local park. But times have changed and opportunities for such freedom, especially in the wake of Covid lockdowns, have declined. Now, more structured forms of interaction — AKA ‘playdates’ — have taken their place.

Lorraine Wylie assesses the ways to maximise enjoyment for everyone involved Edith Bell, senior cognitive behaviour therapist Thirty years ago, children engaged in what today’s experts refer to as “self-directed free play”. In other words, kids arranged their own social events, playing with peers in the streets or the local park. But times have changed and opportunities for such freedom, especially in the wake of Covid lockdowns, have declined.

Now, more structured forms of interaction — AKA ‘playdates’ — have taken their place. “Kids learn through play,” says Edith Bell, senior cognitive behaviour therapist with over 27 years’ experience working with children and adolescents..