Mom Confessions: I Don't Set Up Play Dates for My Kids

It's time for a Mom Confession — because, let's face it, we're real mothers and sometimes it doesn't work the way the parenting books say it should.

This Week's Confession:

I don't make play dates for my kids.

My husband and I work full time, and my kids are in school/childcare full time. Both the kids get lots of social interaction with other kids at school and their childcare facilities. We attend church, and they do some extra activities like sports part of the year. However, I can't help but feel badly for not setting up additional play dates with their friends. Between work and busy weeknights and weekends, it just seems impossible. At the same time, I'm worried my kids (and maybe my husband and me) are missing out a building richer friendships with other families. -- anonymous

Poll Results

Question: Do you feel badly for not setting up play dates, outside of daycare, school, and other activities, for your kids?

No, they get plenty of social interaction without them.

23%

No, I prefer to spend our time as a family.

30%

Yes, there's simply not enough time in the day.

4%

Yes, I have trouble meeting people and making these connections.

38%

Other (describe below)

4%

Total Votes: 90

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Poll

Do you feel badly for not setting up play dates, outside of daycare, school, and other activities, for your kids?

No, they get plenty of social interaction without them.

No, I prefer to spend our time as a family.

Yes, there's simply not enough time in the day.

Yes, I have trouble meeting people and making these connections.

Other (describe below)

Only CafeMom members can vote on polls.
Sign up for an account or Click here to log in.

Total Votes: 90

View Results

We all have secrets and opinions — so thanks to this brave mom for sharing her honest thoughts, and thank you for keeping this conversation non-judgemental!

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I Wish I Had a Fulfilling Career Outside the Home

I Use My Kid's Flushable Toilet Wipes

I'm Going to Disney Without My Children

I Bribe My Children

I Hate Reading Children's Books

I Sleep Naked With My Toddler

I Hate My Neighbor's Kid

I Don't Like to Play

I Sleep While My Kid Is Up

My Kid Watches TV Up Close

I Let My Toddler Play Outside Alone

I Turn My Kids Over to A Mom I Just Met

My Toddler Wears Crude T-Shirts

I Let My Toddlers Climb Play Equipment Unassisted

My Kids Go to Sleep After Midnight

I Let My Toddlers Go Naked in Public

I Throw Away My Kid's Artwork

I Paid $22 for My Son's Haircut

My Toddlers Eat Pizza for Breakfast

I'm Dying My Toddler's Hair

I Leave My Toddler Alone in the Bath

Our Children Aren't Invited to Our Wedding

I Scold Other People's Kids

I'm on Vacation, But My Kid Is Still Going to Day Care

I Favor My Older Child

I Let My Toddler Eat Food Before Paying for It

I Find Excuses to Send My Kids to Bed Early