Back in the day, parents were relaxed about their children playing video games, dressing up and eating way too many unsuitable treats when their pals came over to visit.
Now, it seems, the modern playdate has become a far more staged affair – with educational games, healthy food and screen-free activities on the cards.
So with half term coming up and parents set to host an average of three playdates and their children attending a further four, the pressure is on. A survey has found that 88 per cent of parents say that social media has made playdate hosting even more competitive.
The biggest no-no is letting children watch television, with 39 per cent frowning on this as entertainment.
Dressing up is ruled out by 31 per cent of respondents, using jumpers for football goalposts is barred by 26 per cent, while fizzy drinks and sausage rolls are banned by 24 per cent and 20 per cent respectively.
The modern playdate has become a far more staged affair – with educational games, healthy food and screen-free activities on the cards
Old favourite foods to get the thumbs down from the adults include crisps (26 per cent), choc ices (23 per cent), and sweets (23 per cent)
As well as the fruit, homemade cakes, freshly made popcorn, homemade smoothies and posh veggie crisps feature on the parental menu to be provided for their children
Other old favourite foods to get the thumbs down from the adults include crisps (26 per cent), choc ices (23 per cent), and sweets (23 per cent).
And 78 per cent agree the idea of having a few friends over for nuggets and a movie is no longer considered good enough, as the expectation is for better quality and more nutritious food – as well as more diverse options.
Parents are now far more likely to expect a trampoline (36 per cent), fresh fruit (32 per cent) and friendship bracelet making (27 per cent) to be laid on.
And as well as the fruit, homemade cakes, freshly made popcorn, homemade smoothies and posh veggie crisps feature on the parental menu to be provided for their children.
Nearly half of parents think that the idea of what makes up a playdate has changed over the last few years, resulting in them costing more money and children’s expectations of entertainment being higher.
Lydia Brook, of food firm Meatless Farm, which commissioned the survey of 2,000 people, said: ‘Parents are under more pressure than ever to host engaging, enriching playdates with a wide range of food including meat-free, vegan and gluten-free options.’
