- Image by Alyzande via Flickr
We are incredibly lucky in that we have a wonderful, small playgroup of three moms and three little boys. The boys were all born within in six weeks of each other. It is fun, supportive group, and all of the different personalities mesh. The boys are even fond of each of the different moms, which makes it so much easier for everyone. Why does this playgroup work so well? We have developed an informal set of rules that seem to keep everything together. Here is what works for us:
1. Never stay more than two hours to two and half hours;
2. Remember that what is ok in your house (e.g. jumping on the couch) may not be in someone else’s;
3. Look for active teaching moments during the playgroup, especially for lessons on “sharing”;
4. Plan to bring/serve food: playgroups are always enhanced by simple snacks such as veggie straws and goldfish;
5. Listen: it is often so exciting to see and talk to other adults that it is easy to forget to listen to them too;
6. When hosting, try to have the toys out and spread out before the other kids get there;
7. Talk to your child about the fact he/she is a “host” too and that people are coming over to “share your toys”;
8. Recognize that while a child under one year of age does not *need* to play with other children, their moms’ might need to talk to other moms;
9. Keep in mind that a playdate can work between children of different ages, but in smaller numbers; a playdate of more than two works best with similar ages.
10. Make sure you have a good time too! If the group just doesn’t work for you, find another one.
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What works for you? Do you find playgroups to be important? Have you ever left a playgroup? How did you do it?
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