"Are They Going to Play Nicely?" Parents' Evaluations of Young Children's Play Dates.

ABSTRACT: Over the last 20 years, opportunities for young children to engage in self-directed free play with peers outdoors or during the school day has dramatically declined. Consequently, it is likely that play dates, defined as pre-arranged social contact at home, have become increasingly significant play environments for children. Preliminary research suggests that play dates are positively associated with young children's social and emotional development, but that access can be strongly influenced by parental social networking priorities. However, little is currently known about the nature and frequency of play dates, the types of play children engage in, or the impact of parental management and supervision on children's play in this context. Exploratory qualitative research is essential to und

SUBMITTER: Lacey AJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9747075 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature