Table 1.

Summary of themes

Theme	Description
1: Play date norms	Describes common play dates norms, including reflections on the homogenization of children’s play. Also describes common practical barriers to access.
Prototypical play dates
A proper ‘do’
Practical barriers
2: The play date community	Explores the community of children and parents likely to be involved the play date network, including families perceived to be ‘like me’. Also explores the social networking purpose of play dates to enhance and expand children’s social status.
Families like me
The nice kids
Extending networks
Classmates
3: Parental Ambivalence	Explores parental ambivalence about play dates, including parents’ perceptions of the value of play dates in supporting children’s social and emotional development and outlines perceived costs for parents.
Social and emotional benefits for children
Benefits for parents
Parental stress and anxiety
4: Types of Play	Describes the range of play typical during play dates, in particular the extent to which play tends to be child or parent led. Also considers significance of screens and technology
A unique play environment
Unstructured free play
Parent-directed play
Screens and technology
5: Play date management	Explores variability in play and parental involvement in play dates during the transition from pre-school to primary school.
Frequency and initiation
Parental supervision
Play styles