Before dropping your child off for a playdate, make sure the supervising adult knows how to reach you and whether your child needs any special care.

You also need to know what is planned. “Who will watch them if they swim?” is more useful than a general question about safety.

Ask about the afternoon

• Supervision: Which adult will be responsible, and are you expected to stay?
• Swimming: Will children have access to a pool? Who will actively supervise, and how is it secured when not in use? Explain your child’s swimming ability.
• Outings: Where might they go, who will drive and what car seat or restraint will be used?
• Pets: Mention any fear of animals and discuss supervision.
• Collection: Confirm who will fetch your child and when.

ChildSafe advises giving children your full attention around water, even when they can swim. Flotation aids do not replace supervision. 

If an arrangement makes you uncomfortable, discuss it before leaving. You can agree on no swimming, stay for the visit or suggest another activity.

Explain allergies and care needs

Tell the host about relevant medical conditions, food allergies and medication your child may need. Explain what they should look out for and what to do.

For a child with a severe allergy, provide their prescribed emergency medication and clinician-completed action plan. Show the host where the medication is and check that they understand how to use it.

The Allergy Foundation of South Africa’s anaphylaxis action plan includes warning signs, treatment instructions and emergency contacts. It must be completed and signed by the child’s doctor or nurse practitioner.

Discuss snacks and ingredients beforehand. If the host is unsure about managing your child’s care, arrange to stay or make another plan.

Send the essentials privately

Leave the supervising adult with:

• Your child’s full name and date of birth.
• Your number and a backup contact.
• Relevant medical information and written care instructions.
• Medical scheme and dependant details, if applicable, including the emergency contact number.

Keep your phone available and let the backup contact know they may be called.

Talk about medical arrangements before they are needed

Explain the family’s usual healthcare arrangements, whether your child has medical cover or not. If they belong to a medical scheme, check its emergency procedures beforehand.

For a non-urgent problem, the host should contact the parent before arranging treatment where possible. Ask the provider about charges and understand any payment undertaking before signing it.

Urgent help should not wait while adults discuss payment. The National Health Act prohibits refusing emergency medical treatment, but this does not mean all private treatment is free. 

If an emergency happens

1. Call for help: Dial 112 from a cellphone or 10177 for an ambulance.
2. Give the location: Provide the exact address, access details and what happened.
3. Follow the operator’s instructions: Stay on the line until told to hang up.
4. Notify the parent: If another adult is present, ask them to call while you remain with the child.

Save these numbers before the playdate. For more information on calling for help, see City of Johannesburg emergency guidance

A message you can adapt

“Thanks for having [name]. Who will be supervising, and is swimming or an outing planned? Their care needs are [details]. I’ll send relevant medical information privately. My number is [number]; the backup contact is [name and number]. [Person] will collect at [time]. Please let me know if plans change.”

The Bottom Line

A message is a useful reminder, but talk through anything the host may need to act on. Before leaving, check that they understand the arrangements and feel comfortable caring for your child.