A sure sign your child is growing up is when they start asking to go to a friend’s house or begging to invite one home. Gone are the days when the idea of a playdate originated with you. And, certainly gone are the days when a playdate was more about grown up time than child socialization-oh, how I fondly remember going to playgroups with my baby at a time when she didn’t yet know she had hands, let alone understand the concept of play.

Whether your child goes to a friend’s house or one comes to yours, safety is no doubt a key concern.  This is probably especially true when your child receives a play invitation that doesn’t include you.  When you’re the one leaving a child at another’s house, particularly a home that you haven’t before visited, you may want to ask these questions before you make the drop off:

• Is my child emotionally ready for a playdate without my presence?
• Who will be supervising my child?
• Who else will be in the home at the time of the playdate? (e.g., if your child is intimidated by “big” kids, he may feel uncomfortable if his friend’s older siblings are also having friends over at the same time).
• Are there firearms in the house? If so, how are they stored?
• What type of safety-childproofing exists in the home? Are there gates on the stairs–toddlers aren’t the only ones to be concerned about on stairs?).  Are doors equipped with safety latches or alarms, like sliding doors that open to balconies–curiosity can get toddlers and preschoolers alike into trouble.  Are hazards, like matches and chemical agents, safely stored?
• Are there pets? If so, what kind? (this may be an especially important question if your child has allergies, or if you have concerns about a particular breed of animal).

When it comes to your child’s safety at a friend’s house, you simply can’t underestimate the value of asking questions.