MarloElaine

Every parent needs a good support system, especially stay at home moms. In addition to our family and friends, we have a weekly playgroup that we have grown to love. I look forward to our playgroups just as much as the kids, if not more. They add some structure to our week and provide adult conversation with someone other than my husband!

I first met the other families at my local libraries. My suburban library has a weekly program called “Wee Read for Infants.” A neighboring library has a similar weekly “Baby Time” session. Both are free, with no registration required. They had a similar format of singing songs, reading books aloud, and then free play with library toys and books.

My son Sammy and I were regularly attending both of the baby story times every week. Sometimes I would strike up conversations with other parents by asking about pediatrician recommendations, where they went for their children’s haircuts, or the always popular, “He/She is so cute! How old?”

A small group of moms tended to gravitate toward each other every week. For a while, we would see each other every Monday at one library, then every Friday at the other library. We decided to meet on Wednesdays as well.

First we met at public places like the park, the pool, the zoo, or even the shopping mall. Once we got more comfortable with each other, we started inviting each other into our homes for lunch and play time. With four families in the group, we each host about once a month. We still meet at outside locations when the mood strikes us.

We ended up changing our regular date to Mondays, since most of our kids were starting to outgrow story time. I still try to take Sammy and Sophie to the library for Friday story time as much as possible. At 7 months old, Sophie is starting to enjoy the stories and the other babies. Sammy and I still enjoy meeting new people in a familiar environment.

If you want to start a playgroup yourself, I recommend starting with the local libraries. Other good places to meet fellow parents are: La Leche League meetings, park district children’s classes, local parks, kiddie play areas in shopping malls, or any place that children like to hang out.

Ideally, the playgroup will consist of children about the same age, but that does not have to be the case. As long as the kids play nicely together and the parents get along, it could be the start of many beautiful friendships!

Once a playgroup is well established, it can branch off into a monthly Mom’s night out for movies, restaurants, game nights, or any kind of grown up activity! It could even turn into a babysitting co-op, where families take turns watching each others’ kids, avoiding costly babysitting fees.

Do you have your own playgroup? We’d love to hear your suggestions for meeting other parents or playgroup activities!