9/10 parents feel pressured into splashing out as lavish kids’ playdates become more competitive

Letting the little ones watch TV and snack on cheap crisps and fizzy drinks no longer cuts it – as the majority of parents in a new study say children’s playdates are becoming more and more competitive

Children’s playdates have become more competitive, with 90 per cent of parents saying they feel compelled to keep up.

Meanwhile 88 per cent of caregivers say social media has made the art of hosting kids more high-pressure. Simply letting your children’s friends just watch TV, play hide and seek or dress up no longer cuts it in the modern world.

The new research found these activities have become less popular, but have been replaced by learning Tik Tok dances, trampolining, dance parties and making friendship bracelets. Playdate food has also gone up a notch, with cheap crisps, fizzy drinks, choc ices and sweets no longer seen as appropriate to serve.

Modern parents are now serving up fresh fruit, freshly-made popcorn, gluten-free products such as pizzas and homemade cakes and smoothies. The poll by firm Meatless farm found half of parents think the idea of what makes up a play date has changed over the last few years, resulting in them costing more money and children’s expectations of being entertained being higher.

It also revealed 43 per cent say children want to do activities, while a further 43 per cent think that they need to be entertained more. Lydia Brook, brand manager at Meatless Farm, comments: “The research shows that parents are under more pressure than ever to host engaging, enriching play dates with a wide range of food including meat free, vegan and gluten free options on offer.

“When you’re keen to host the perfect play date, making sure you have plenty of delicious food options and tasty, nutritious and convenient food you can rustle up makes life so much easier.” This half term, the average parent will host three play dates while their children will attend a further four.

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Modern playdate no nos

1. Letting kids watch TV – 39%

2. Games of hide and seek – 33%

3. Playing dress up – 31%

4. Sword fights – 30%

5. Play fighting – 29%

6. Cheap crisps – 26%

7. Jumpers for goalposts – 26%

8. Fizzy drinks – 24%

9. Choc ices – 23%

10. Sweets – 23%

Modern playdate must haves

1. Learning the latest TikTok dance craze – 40%

2. A trampoline– 36%

3. Fresh fruit – 32%

4. Dance party – 30%

5. Football goals in the garden – 29%

6. Homemade cakes – 28%

7. Friendship bracelet making – 27%

8. Freshly made popcorn – 27%

9. Trips to the zoo – 25%

10. Educational games – 24%

Are playdates getting out of hand? Have your say in the comments section below