SAHM Seeks PCD (Play Date Companion)

I feel like I am sneaking in a post as type quickly, hurrying to get my thoughts out before they are abruptly interrupted with a scream or a cry. I'm on a race with the clock. It is 7:30 in the morning and surprisingly enough, all the kids, including the baby are fast asleep and my house is very quiet. As you know, a quiet house can't be taken for granted or ignored, it's usually the calm before the storm.

It's almost the end of May and I can't believe my son's first year of elementary school is almost over. Next year he will be a big Kindergartner, attending school all day. With summer on our heels and the list of possible activities to embark upon, as I try to decide whether or not to send the kids to summer camp, begins a line up of play dates with old friends and new and what I like to call, the "Play Date Dating Game".

I have had my luck with "mom" friends, but getting a new PCD (play date companion) for you and your kids can be nerve wrecking. And I often feel like a contestant in a "Speed Dating" event. Within a matter of seconds, of seeing a new mom and her child, the mom has already sized you up to see if you and your little one could be a likely play date companion. If you're not a match, they quickly move on. And after the initial approach, exchange of phone numbers, and first call, it often feels like the luck of the draw, you never know what you are going to get.

But what are you supposed to expect?

Friendship or just someone to go on play dates with? It's nice to get a play date where not only your kids are having fun but you do too. We don't have to be best friends, but having someone there with similar interests, that you can relate to and carry on a conversation with is a big plus. The kids always get along, but a bad play date between moms can often feel like a bad date, forced and complicated, with uneasy breaks in conversation and uncomfortable silences because when it comes down to it, it's not just about the kids, it's about the mom's. Much like a date, it's especially about the approach, who is going to be the first to bring up the play date discussion, similar to first date jitters, you really have to step out on a limb, be the first to make a move and set yourself and your kids up for rejection.

And I'm afraid of rejection.

What if I'm just not that mother's cup of tea? After all, I'm not just the plain blend, neither are my children.
We come with a little sweetness and spice, shall we say an exotic blend? I think I just have to suck it up and take play dates for what they're worth, great experiences for my children to develop and grow socially. And if a new mom friend comes along with it , I'll just take it as an added bonus.

Maybe I should take out an ad:

                                                              

                                                               SAHM seeking PCD

Energetic, outgoing, friendly, married, suburban,

African American Stay-At-Home Mother of 3 beautiful

interracial children seeks another mother for play dates
and possible friendship. Ethnic background not important.

Must be outgoing, flexible and spontaneous, able to experience

new things with toddler in tow. Be willing to share

motherhood experiences similar but not limited to potty
training, temper tantrums, and sibling rivalry.
Friendship not necessary, but is a welcomed
bonus. Weekly play dates preferred but

not necessary and can be rescheduled and canceled

due to necessary parenting, family mishaps, not limited to

weather, sickness, flat tires, temper tantrums, or just plain

old mommy tiredness. Most important just be willing to

have a great time, leaving the

competitive, petty BS at home.