Hurray for the playdate. I never really gave the play date the kudos that it is, a play date for mom and for their kid. Honestly, now that my kids are getting older, most play dates are drop off, and you get to run errands and get some things done until pickup time.  When they were smaller you would usually stay to make sure no one was hitting, biting and acting on their most polite behavior. You would get to chat with the moms and chat over coffee and it was a great way to spend the morning or afternoon. A much needed break.

Now that the kids are older we recently have had a few playdates where the adults stay and chat- usually at the playground or some other outdoor event. I have to say that this is pretty good, I realize how much I miss the “female bonding” time that we have when we get together. We are not rushing to get anything done, and its a time where we can compare notes. Is your kid picking their nose and eating it? Do you think its weird that my daughters feet smell? Do you have any short cut dinner ideas? Is it normal not to feel like sex when I’m tired? Whats wrong with me?

I love the validation of my craziness and know that its not just me who over thinks everything in the world. Other times, its a plain ole bitch session, about how your husband and kids are driving you crazy. How you were up all night with a sick kid, your husband is away for work, your dishwasher broke and $140 later you are told you need a new one. These “events” in our daily life are better shared, some how just talking lifts the fog that you are in, and lets the sunshine in.

Kid play dates are a mommy play date. Sure lets go to the playground, great we have two hours of relatively free girl talk time. You never get to chat on the phone for more than 5 minutes without someone needing your attention, so the playground is the perfect place for moms. Of course there are the usual, I am thirsty, I hurt my knee, can you watch me on the monkey bars, but I tell you there is nothing better than sitting back and talking with a friend.

Playground play dates have become one of my favorite things ( I sound like Oprah). So next time your kid is begging for a play date, call a friend and make it a mommy play date instead.