I'd Make A Mighty Fine Houseplant
Riddle me this.
Who is a play date for? The child, the mom or both? And is it wrong to not attend it if YOU aren't McLovin' it?
At a past play date, I made a mighty fine houseplant since I choose not to debate (a) politics, (b) religion and (c) homeschooling versus public/private education.
A good discussion is effective and essential. Shouting profanities WWE style; not so toddlerific.
I'm fairly certain one of the women wanted to arm wrestle me.
Recently one of my college roommates and I started weekly play dates. We both drive 40 minutes to meet halfway. This houseplant loved it. The heaviest topics we debated were what to eat and where to meet. And can you believe the skies were all like this when we met?
On an unrelated note, I missed my 1 year blogiversary by 3 months. I know, I know - whoop de doo. But, I do want to say I sincerely appreciate every single one of you. Yes, YOU.
I apologize for taking 15 months to publish a blogroll and give YOU link love back. If you link and/or subscribe to my blog, let me know if you'd like to be added to my Blog-Rolodex. Like myself, it's a work in progress. Sorry, not taking removal requests.
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So glad it is not just me...some of those playgroups are just plain painful! I politely quit one once and the head demon...uhm I mean Mommy actually called me to discuss why I did not want to attend anymore. I had given a fake reason upon quiting. Oy! Gotta love the craziness that goes with Mommyhood!
Happy bloggyversary! Mine is this week and I was actually just getting around to writing the obligatory post.
Playdates are meant for gossip not politics and religion! ;)
Happy Belated Bloggiversary ~ thanks for adding me to the blogroll!
Same reason I don't do the big organized playdate thing!
And Happy Blogiversary!
happy blogathingamajig! nice one!!! you are 4 months older than me. neener neener.
a playdate? that sounds like something that should only be done with people you know and like. otherwise, the killing might ensue.
chick you are so totally on my reader. and if you ask me in five minutes, i'll say yes you're on my blogroll too.
just sayin'. . . ;)
Happy Blogoversary!
Thanks for the add to the blogroll...much appreciated!
I subscribe, MG and I'm pretty sure you're on my roll!
And, I agree. Playdates are play, and maybe catch-up for mom, but not heated, foul-language "discussions"!
And, happy blogoversary!
The group I belonged to in FL was awesome. No one ever discussed politics or religion in any form, maybe that's why. But the playgroups were definitely more for the moms!
I attended one playdate like that. They talked about how horrible the south was and how they wanted to go back up north. I left 20 minutes after I got there, because I didn't want to have to slap anyone. :)
Happy bloggyversary!
Happy blogoversary, quite a bit late. ;)
I don't like playdates. They just don't make much sense to me. We have 12 boys in this neighborhood and I have 3 boys in this house. We are not in short supply of playmates.
Those are some happy skies!
I am not into the combat playgroups either. I have debated even trying to find one here. The kids will be in preschool 4 mornings a week. But when you find a good one, it makes it all so much better!
Happy blogaversary!
Here's to blue skies wherever you and your little man go. Happy anniversary!
I've never been to such a play date. And I'm thankful. Doesn't sound like much fun.
No. It it not wrong to boycott playgroups where the parents need more time outs and sassy sauce (coming for you, trust me, that toddler mouth will turn into one of the sassiest things you have ever heard) than the kids.
KEEP BELIEVING
Ah, playdates. Avoid them until you can't. And I'm going to e-mail you my blog address to get me added (it's invite only). I puffy heart ya!
So...you're not supposed to shout profanities at a playdate? Who knew?? ;)
Sounds like you have a great alternative with your friend. Great capture, too. Love it!
Happy belated blogiversary, too. :)
I hate playdates. We don't do them. You forgot about the husband-bashing part. All of it turns my stomach. I did it twice when I had a 1-year-old and realized it wasn't for me. I just sat there, miserable, thinking about all the much more interesting, fun and productive things I could be doing.
Glad you found a good one with your college friend, though.
I find it amazing two people have to drive 40 minutes to split the difference so they can all play (kids too). You guys must really get along! I wish my sky was always that way!!
Happy late bloggy day! Thanx for putting my on your blogroll, hope it's ok that I added you to mine a few days ago. :)
40 minute drive for an actually enjoyable playdate is so worth it
Thank God my kids have outgrown playgroups. I'm a subscriber and would love to be on your blogroll. Love you site even if I'm not great at commenting!
I totally agree with everything you wrote and I love the style and humor that you used to write it.
Good for you to having fun the way you want to.
Happy blogversary!!
you would be a lush houseplant ;p
Don't be fooled. Playdates are for YOU.
And I only go to playdates where I can be my catty self and talk about celebrity fat or hags at the preschool.
You are so funny! I don't do playdates, as I have a hard time making myself sit and chat with a bunch of women I don't know and don't necessarily want to get to know. I offer to have the child come over - when my kids reach the age - like 6 - and their parent is okay dropping off a child at my house for a while. Then, they reciprocate and we do that - no mommy interaction necessary. It's worked so far.
Have a good week, girl - see you soon - Kellan
Eek-Gads! I think my one year anniversary is coming up! Knowing me, I probably missed it! Better go check...
As for play dates mommies with agendas - can't hang there. The only time those three things come up on a play date is with someone who shares the same view I do, or has known me long enough that we can constructively discuss our opposing points of view. IF these things come up at all.
Shouting profanities - FOUL!!
I have a couple "30 miles away" friends I see for play dates, their the best.
In four years time I have only attended one or two playdates and hated it, so I never joined another. I preferred to take Emma out on our own to the libraries and parks and shopping. I don't do well with large groups of women.
I was part of a play group too. And the Mommy in charge started making all sorts of rules like how this group had to be our primary friends. Ummmm- excuse me? I'll pick my own friends. Needless to say, we don't go anymore.
I wonder where halfway between you and me would be? I definitely don't talk politics or religion. As for schooling, I just like to hear what other people are planning. I have no idea what I'll do given that we live here in Palembang.
I hear you on the debates. I so don't partake. I don't blame you for not wanting to go. Sounds like a good deal with your friend though. Love the picture. Beautiful!!
Still have never done a playdate. Can you believe it?
Happy Bloggoversary to you!!
I was a total playgroup dropout. My children didn't like it either. Happy belated anniversary! Keep it going!
I get uncomfortable any time politics or religion come up in conversation because no two people *ever* have the same views and people only bring it up to ruffle some feathers. I'd much rather talk about food or something fun!
Happy bloggiversary! Sorry I haven't been commenting much lately (I'm afraid I'd get buried among the multitudes), but I'm still following!
I so know what you mean about playgroups. I conned myself into thinking it was for my toddler, but really it was for me. And I just didn't meet anyone I could have stood to talk with...
My kind of playdate! Deep stuff is not what I'm looking for in playtime. Parks and food - sign me up.
Oh and Happy Bloggiversary!! I'm so sorry that I missed you missing it.
Play dates can be really tense. Someones kid always seems to hit someone and then I always feel like the mom may retaliate. Its scary
Happy Blogiversary! No idea what play dates are.
How did you manage to get a sky like that? That made me stare at it for few seconds. :)
You need to meet my play date friends. Oh, we don't bring the kids anymore, just the wine. :)
Blogroll. You've just reminded me to update my own.
Happy Bloggyversary!!
I think up to the pre-school age, playdates are mostly for mommy's sanity. It is a bit of adult time in the midst of diapers and spit-up.
My kids started getting their first "best friends" just before Kindergarten. When they have a distinct preference of playmtes, that is when the playdate is for the child. (But by then you can just have the child over to play and you don't have to worry about debating anything except what snack to have for the playdate!)
I don't mind debating certain topics, but I have to know the person well. It looks as if that one person was looking for a fight rather than a debate. You were right not to play along!
(I love the cloud picture!)
happy belated 1 year!
And I HATE playdates. I despise them. Nasty things.
Because I work during the day, playdates are usually out of the question for me, but even thinking about them makes me nervous. I hate chit-chatting and feel so out of place.
So, for this reason I'm glad I work. Otherwise I'd rather be home with my little one. *sigh*
I agree with Amy Y, playdates are for gossip and smalltalk, not religion and politics. Geez, those mommies obviously don't know the rules!! Great picture!
CONGRATS on your blogiversary! LOVELY!
Happy Belated Blogiversary!
I totally agree with you -- I would never want to be forced to play with someone who wants to fight the whole time. Ugh.
Happy bloggerversiry! I hear you on the debates. Oh brother!
I always cuss like a sailor on playdates. Geez.
I agree with who ever said it before me. Playdates are for gossip. Not major debate.
Happy Anniversary three months ago!!
Cool. I like that smile.
I don't know much about the blogroll thing yet. I am still learning the blog whole thing.
Ok. Where did you take/get/find that picture? That is too good!
Happy WAY BELATED bloggiversary!!!
As far as the debates during playgroups goes, not my style either. Glad you've found someone you can get together with who doesn't want to go there, so to speak!
Thanks for havin' me on your blogroll. Color me honored (not sure what color that is...) : )
Happy blogiversary!
Thanks for putting me on your blogroll. You're the best! I've linked to you, too.
Happy belated blogiverary!
Your blog is highly enjoyable, my friend.
I think it's completely acceptable to not attend the playdate if it sucks. Your son is young enough that he really won't have an opinion. I used to drive an hour to hang out with my sister when our kid's were that age. I like her, she likes me, we both like coffee and pastries. End of story.
I am loving the fact that my son is old enough to be dropped off at playdates...
I have issues with playgroups as well. The one I joined most recently is ok. I never get to talking with anyone. I don't know. I'm just not that outgoing and it seems like in this group you all just get together for the kids and there isn't much talking between moms unless they know each other. There are 60+ members.
Anyway I understand the houseplant thing and I feel if YOU aren't enjoying it then leave. It isn't going to matter either way to your son...especially if you are doing other interactions with kids for him to play with. He'll be just fine (sometimes better off) without the playgroup. Now I may have to take my own advice. ;)
Ooooh and happy bloggiversary. :)
Playdates to me=work. I only go because the kiddos seem to have fun. I have one tom., wish me luck!
Woo hoo for play dates for plants! That was me today.
I played with bubbles, pushed the kiddies on swings, at tacos, played chase, watched J WALK *SNIFF*, listened to the entire last season of Lost as told by another mom (I was riveted and I don't even watch).
Lovely, lovely day . . .
Happy Bloggiversary!!!
BTW, you were one of my very first (nine months ago!). That sounds weird, doesn't it???
Playdates are like dating- there are a lot of bad ones.
I have a small circle of friends with kids that I actually enjoy hanging out with and I leave it at that. I don't need any more headaches in my life, thankyouverymuch.
I hear ya mama - We don't "do" play dates EVER because I refuse to do the same things - I mean, ugh - are we adults or children...I miss other mom's though...I really do! :)
I LOVE the smile - OMG LOL TOO neat!
happy belated blogaversary - did i spell that right? ugh - i'm so gald my kids are beyond mummy-required-to-be-present age of playdates!!!
A religion/politic discussion at a playdate? C.R.A.Z.Y. I have been to many a playdate and usually it is spent talking about kids, husbands, shopping, etc. That was a really weird get together! I wouldn't do that to you- it'd be all food and drink at my place, baby....;)
Happy Blogoversary!
I hated play dates with a vengeance! Glad that's over. ANd those topics????I avoid those three too- exactly those three!!! Very interesting.
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I think the other mom's need to see your smiley face and lighten up at play dates. I would have made a lovely wallflower myself. It's amazing how I avoid those confrontational subjects right now.
You'll take me off your rolo if I darned well ask you to. And, if you don't, you're a houseplant with thorns - a cactus, yeah, that's right. A dead one.
OK. That was really stupid. I need a rest...Step away from the computer.
I can't be a houseplant. No green thumb.
Happy belated bloggiversary. And, well duh, I'd like to make it on to your blogroll. Whenever you find the time.
Have you really only been blogging this short time. What a natural you are.
Playdates.... I just don't know that I get them or fit with them. I joined a mom's club for a bit and I just never felt like I fit in! I am soooo much more about talking food. Obviously ;-) or fashion or lack thereof.
I'm the anti-playdate.
Honestly, there is one mother who I'm certain is calling so that she and I can get together. I think she's lonely. I am not.
Just call me "Fern". haha! I totally do not get into topics like that. Play dates are for just that...PLAY! Light conversation while keeping an eye on the kiddos. Although, pretty much everytime I've gone to a playgroup, I end up watching everyone else's kids including my own. Now how fun is that? (I'd rather drive 40 minutes too to meet up with a college friend too.)
P.S. Love the smiley face pic and in honor of your bloggyversary, I'm adding your picture-taking, talented-ness to my blogroll! :)
okay, my brain is not working yet this morning...I commented under the wrong account. This one should link back to me! Sorry!
What a neat picture! Sounds like you had a great time. And happy belated blogiversary!
I definitely have been steering clear of play dates for reason like those and/or kids with bad manners. I think playdates are for both parents and kids!
Thanks for the linkage!
I love that cool smiley face!!!!!! and I'm with you on light fun topics. Playdates are for ME gosh-darn-it!
So are you gonna "wrassle"? My vote's on you to take her. Gas can't get too expensive & commute time is never too long for playdates with those you really connect with.
Is it wrong of me to admit that I quit doing the play date thing about a year ago?
I'm with ya on this one.
If you can't be you, don't go, yo.
oh, yeah, those hostile mammas need to join a debate club and leave the anger at home. Ya know?
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