My son is 4 years old and has a playdate today at my home. On Friday I ran into other child's mom and child (mine was not present) they asked for a playdate and a time of today was set up. (at moms convenience). She just called to tell me that she is dropping her off and will pick her up about 1 1/2 to 2 hours later!! Is this appropriate at the age of 4? The last thing I wanted to do today is babysit!!

I must be missing something here. I'm assuming you accepted the playmate thinking that the mom would be there as well, is that correct?

Yes, but she just called and said she was just dropping her off!

By the age of 4, they should be able to play together (not parallel play as much any more). For only 2 hrs, as long as there are toys and activities available, you shouldn't have to do much in the way of babysitting. I taught 4 y/os in preschool for three years and they didn't need much encouragement to play with blocks, cars and trucks, tea parties, dolls, puzzles, etc. Good luck!

Sometimes mothers will hide the fact that they need a babysitter and call it a "playdate". I get children pawned off on me all the time by their mothers, but I don't mind much because it gives my oldest boy a chance to play and make friends and learn how to interact with other kids so he's ready by the time he starts school. It certainly couldn't hurt a 4 year old to have another kid to play with :)

Well I guess she goes in the "No playdate" book. :)
4 isn't too young but the sneaky way she did it doesn't seem kosher. You can't get around it for this time but politely refuse the next offers.

My main concern was they do not all the time get along. They have been in preschool for the past 2 years together. It's a love hate thing and am just anoyed to be imposed upon since this was not my idea and I had tons to do. I could not cancel and dissappoint my son,

my main concern was they do not all the time get along. they have been in preschool for the past 2 years together. It's a love hate thing and am just anoyed to be imposed upon since this was not my idea and I had tons to do. I could not cancel and dissappoint my son,


I would just file this under lesson learned. Now you know with this particular person when she says playdate, she means babysit. :)

Then make the best of it, and don't agree to another playdate (with anyone!) unless you make sure the other mom(s) will be there too.

I don't think it is too young, my son has been playing over at his friends house (in fact several friends) for about a year now, and he is four and a half now. I guess the mum involved assumed her child would be there without her, why not try inviting her in for a cuppa when she gets there and see if she wants to stay for a while. She probably won't but you never know.

To update you. She came and stayed with her child for only 20 min. it would have been less upsetting to him to have cancelled the date then to have gotten him so worked up. It was a real let down. Her mom had her in daycare all day, she was exhausted and did not want mom to lesve but she had to pick up other child.