I have never been the type of person who eagerly makes new friends. I am someone who feels most comfortable with one or two very close friends, and I find it kind of hard to truly commit to the work it takes to add a new friend into my fold. All that changed when I became a mom. For the good of my child, I must make friends and plan play dates and be more social than I care to be, which I have found isn't so hard, and I like the connections I am making. This summer, I have been particularly active on the play date set, and I have made a few good friends in the process. When I host a play date at my house, I have a structured approach that allows lots of interaction for the kids, and also time for us moms to chat, drink coffee, and get to know each other. My play dates involve lots of play outside, some type of craft, and lunch or snack.
Recently I planned a pizza themed play date, and I thought it was particularly appropriate to write about it here. A good friend from work brought her two-year old daughter, and the girls played in the kiddie pool out front while said coworker and I caught up on our summer adventures. After a healthy amount of the outdoors, we brought the girls inside to make pita bread pizzas for lunch. I have been making pita bread pizza since I was in college. It is a go to meal that I almost always have the ingredients to make. It was the perfect nosh when I was pregnant and breastfeeding because it had all the good things my body needed to nourish Mia and me. Now I serve it to Mia on a regular basis, and the creation of it is something in which she can participate.
You begin with your favorite pita bread slice. I use a whole wheat version simply because it's healthier. Then you spoon out a desired amount of sauce (I use store bought spaghetti sauce). Next pile on your toppings. On this day we had red peppers, green olives, mushrooms, and chicken breast. Finally, sprinkle with mozzarella and parmesan cheeses. Bake on a cookie sheet in the oven (set at 350 degrees) until it is golden brown. These also do very well in a toaster oven.
While the pizzas baked, we had the girls create Paper Bag Pizzas. These are so simple, and they allow the kids to explore different types of artistic media. The supplies are basic: several paper bags that you have cut into large triangular pizza shapes, lots of pizza toppings cut from paper scraps, various small pom poms, and glue (I also use a sponge brush for the kids to paint the glue on to the paper). I prepared everything before the play date began so that it was ready to go, preventing too much down time. Paper Bag Pizzas are an inexpensive and fun craft that the girls really enjoyed.
Having a child has done many things to enhance my life, and I think the play date has taught me that making new friends is actually a fun experience. They also allow me to be creative with my child, which is always a plus.
