Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Playgroup playtime!


Playgroups are a great way to reconnect with the world after having a baby. There are so many benefits to joining a playgroup, for babies and tots it aids in social development. For moms and dads alike you have a chance to talk, share ideas and experiences with other parents. It also gives both parent and child something to look forward to each week. If you are not part of a playgroup here are a few basic steps in forming and finding one:

* Determine what kind of group you will have. Will it be only infants, or just toddlers or preschoolers?
* Consider the number of participants. Most playgroups range from five to 10 parents.
* Decide what you want to do with your group. Will it be playtime for the children, will it offer structured activities or will it be a series of field trips?
* Choose a day and time most convenient to you and group members (once you know who they will be).
* Where will you meet? If you choose to have it at each others homes, have a calendar showing the rotation. And to add variation, if the weather is nice, suggest a park or beach or for tots maybe even a museum!
* Find the people in your group. Perhaps you have group of friends with kids the same age or maybe you have met some parents at the hospital when you had your baby. You may even try joining a newcomers group in your area which more than likely will have playgroup coordinators.

Good luck and happy playing!

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