3 yo and asking for friends coming to our house to play, how long?

[Caneel]

My DS asked if B could come to "his house" to play. This the first time he has specifically asked for a friend to come over.

We aren't a play date type of family just because we both work full time and weekends are filled with family activities.

I know B's parents in passing and we share joint friends. We live in a small town and B lives out in the country. Point being the family would likely be coming into town on the weekends for shopping, etc.

I thought about putting an offer out to her parents that if they are coming to town, Cooper would like B to stop by for a visit.

We live close to the shopping area and it would be ok with me if B's mom did her shopping while B played at our house.

What would be an appropriate amount of time for 3 year olds to spend together?

[octobermom]

honestly thats really hard to answer. At 3 DD could hang out all day on day and the next I really had to enforce seperation after about 10-15 mintues and all inbetween. Since it would mean not being able to just send the other home if needed I'd deffiently suggest a parent come too. Plan some netrual ground activites where they can play both on there own and together like a park.

Deanna

[CookieMonsterMommy]

I think, IME, that 1.5-2.5 hours is a good amount of time. 3.5 max, unless you've seen them interact wth only eachother for long periods of time.

That's usually enough that they can do a variety of activities, yet not get sick of each other. Even good natured children who get along tend to get into
"I don't want to play legos anymore! C'mon--lets go outside"

"Nooo, I don't wanna go outside. Mom! B keeps asking to go outside but I don't want to! Tell him to finish playing w/the legos!"

"No, I want to go outside. Now!"

..of course this will happen sometimes no matter what, and can be a good spring board to compromise and sharing and all that. Just be prepared.

[Caneel]

I forgot to add, DS and B are in the same daycare and they have been together since they were infants.

I think an hour would be my limit for a first time visit.

I am thinking to telling B's mother that Cooper would like B to visit sometime and next time they are in town, stop by and it would be ok if you would like to leave B for an hour (or less) to do your grocery shopping. Maybe in December and we could do a holiday activity.

Of course, if B's mother prefers to stay, I understand that too. It will be very difficult for me to leave DS at someone's house.