Living in LoCo
Play Dates and Happy Hours: A Safe Mixer?
Erica Garman at 1:51 p.m., May 5, 2008 (6 comments)
Got little ones? Then you’re probably familiar with the play date scene—an organized get-together of mommies (sometimes a dad or two) and their crawling or toddling offspring.
Experts say that socialization is key to every child’s development, but let’s face it—most parents need it just as much. If you’ve ever spent eight hours alone with any child under three, you know this to be true.
Play dates can be held indoors or out, and in addition to kids and parents, there are typically lots of toys, sippy cups, Goldfish crackers, maybe a Barney video or two and sometimes, wine for mom.
[cue needle scratch sound effect as Barney song suddenly stops playing]
Yes, I admit it. As my children were learning valuable social skills, my friends and I occasionally socialized over a glass or two of “mother’s little helper.”
Is that wrong? Maybe so, but Mama sure did look forward to those play dates!
An article in today’s Metro section by Petula Dvorak takes drinking and play-dates to a whole new level, methinks.
“Baby Loves Disco” tours are cropping up in D.C. and around the country aimed at the hipster parent crowd. Held in venues that are dance clubs and bars by night, Baby Loves Disco features cool music (think “Brick House”), disco lights, hoola-hoops, “chill-out” rooms for diaper changing and breast-feeding, organic juice and… wine, beer and mixed drinks for mom and dad.
All sorts of disturbing visions came to mind when I read this piece—but maybe that’s just the paranoid parent in me and, er, the hypocrite.
I’m wondering if something like “Baby Loves Disco” would work here in Loudoun? There are certainly enough young families here to support such an event. How do you feel about this clubbin’ with the tykes model?
Please note that I did not operate a vehicle, other than a stroller, to and from these play dates.
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Nothing says you care about your child more than knocking back a few Seven & 7s then driving home.
Posted by blarf (anonymous) on May 6, 2008 at 7:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I remembered reading this story not too long ago, so I searched on the WP web site and found a similar article from March 14. The paper didn't even wait two months before recycling the story. It's not as if there were anything newsworthy to add to the content. I rolled my eyes the first time I read it; nothing has changed in a few short weeks.
Posted by jleete (anonymous) on May 6, 2008 at 11:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)
don't like the idea at all of ENCOURAGING drinking while watching your kids- recipe for tragedy. sounds like the perfect place for cops to set up traps to catch folks who would otherwise drink and drive. if a single parent shows up with the kid, it's obvious THEY intend to drink- not necessarily to excess, but that WILL happen, and then whose gonna get them home?? bad juju. stupid idea. a shuttle service would be even worse- now mom can have 5 cosmos with baby on her hip, then be driven home to pass out. or dad with 5 masculine drinks. same thing. booo, hiss!
Posted by tttrenee (anonymous) on May 6, 2008 at noon (Suggest removal)
We just moved (last week) from Capitol Hill (which is immediately south of the H Street 'hood where the R'n'R Hotel is located) to Ashburn, and I had a completely different reaction when I read this story! It made me a bit heartsick for our old 'hood.
But a little explanation is probably in order. Capitol Hill, like Ashburn, is home to lots of well-educated hyper-parents. It is also very walkable (and strollerable) with sidewalks and crosswalks on every block, so I doubt there were any DUI issues among the parents. Besides, there's no place to park on H. Walking is definitely easier than driving. (I can only imagine the crush of strollers at the door).
And remember, bars and clubs in DC are smoke-free now! There is a ton of excitement about the H Street area, which many Hill parents avoided until a few years ago.
I think the idea is great, but I'm not sure it would work in Loudoun. (Are there clubs here?) Maybe the outdoor neighborhood block party/community barbecue might work better here!
Anyway, we're completely thrilled to be here in Loudoun now, even if it means we won't be taking our kids to a DJ night any time soon! I look forward to reading your blog as we make this area our new home.
PS I'm still getting over at the wait at the Leesburg DMV last week. Less than an hour to get tags! In DC that takes at least four hours! I'm already getting used to life in the burbs!
Posted by tdail (anonymous) on May 6, 2008 at 12:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)
To the naysayers... should you put your lives on hold until your child reaches a certain age?
I am not saying go out and get snockered but what is wrong with a little RESPONSIBLE adult social interaction? Some people may not want to pay through the nose for a sitter and this could allow them some "adult interaction". Get a designated-driver!
And is this much different than having a BBQ at your house and your friends (with kids) having several alcohol beverages?
An IRResponsible parent will take advantage regardless of what the circumstances are.
Posted by t8erman (anonymous) on May 7, 2008 at 12:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)
t8er- we actually DID mildly put the brakes on going OUT out for the first 3 years of our son's life. when he was that young, we chose to limit the partying until he was old enough NOT to need the constant care infants and toddlers require. we got occasional sitters and went to the movies and dinner, and yes had a few drinks now and then, even had a few romantic hotel overnights, but we would never have considered taking him with us to a bar even if it WAS an option. not b/c of what WE would do, but all the total strangers who may be one of those irresponsible parents you referred to! take him to a bbq at a friend's house while having a beer or two, sure. smaller, controlled atmosphere where we knew most of the other people. now that he is older, sleepover swaps with his buddies' families get rid of the cost of a sitter. we started that when he was four years old.
Posted by tttrenee (anonymous) on May 8, 2008 at 11:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)
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