How many mums/dads take their children to a playgroup?

Question

Ive got a 2yr old son and joined a mums group when he was 6 weeks old, the mums group broke up into 2 smaller groups (the ones who bothered to organise and attend play dates and those who didnt). Then when he was 15 months old I joined a playgroup that was just terrible, the mums were so unfriendly and unwelcoming so I didnt bother going back after a term.

I was just wondering how many have their children in a playgroup and if your experience was better then mine? Im thinking of joining him up to a new one next year but am hesitant.

Answer 1

I take my daughter to a playgroup once a week and we absolutely love it. Granted with any sort of group activities there will be opinionational differences, but the playgroup that we attend everyone is very friendly and also with our daughter being an only child she gets to play with children her own age and has been doing very well in doing so. The playgroup she attends also do organized activities with the children as well as a reading group for them and things of that nature. It is just all a matter of doing research in your area and finding out what best suits you and your childs needs and wants out of this experience. Not every organization is the same, not all playgroups end up being bad and only creating cliches among the parents. We have had a very positive experience with ours. I wish you the best of luck. Try your phone book to find some local playgroups in your town and what not or do an online search  and call each and every single playgroup you find and do your research about the activities and things as much as you can before you go!

Answer 2

I fully understand you, when my family moved towns,  I thought I would start attending playgroup to meet other mums and to get my son out of the house, interacting with other kids... It backfired big time, the group was a clicky group of friend who had decided to start the group, they wouldnt make new members feel welcome, they just sat together while their children ran amok, hurting other younger kids, swearing etc. I only went three time because it made me wild that an organised group was actually like this. I dont think that particular group is still running, but it certainly put me off attending another.  

Answer 3

I go to a playgroup every week or thereabouts.  It started 12 years ago in the parish that I used to go to church in (we've moved a few more suburbs away into another parish, but we still socialise with our old friends and we go to church there every now and again.)  We take turns having it at each others' homes and it is just as much support for each other as for the kids.  Now I'm on my 5th child, I just don't know where I'd be without them.  They are such a great support.  One of the Mum's had heart surgery last year and the rest of us organised meals, picking up her children from school etc.  Similar things have happened when others are in need.  Every now and again a new face joins the group and it is great.  

If you have had a bad time with a play group, try looking around at other options.  You might have a few friends who would like to meet up once a week for a chat and a play-date.  Take turns organising some activities for the kids and bring a plate to share for morning tea.

Answer 4

My mums group became my playgroup and we had others come into it. We were pretty welcoming but others are not. Try a few and find a group that is right for you. They all went to kinder together and then split to two school (catholic and state school) We go camping together, have a girls weekend once a year and go out for dinner every second month and have coffee together every week. One of them is my kids Godmother. I amde some of my best friends through playgroup.

It is well worth trying a few. You will know the right group for you when you find it. Call your council and get a list of playgroups in the area and try a few. They are well worth it.

lol I just realised that I have made playgroup about me lol. But when it comes down to it, your child will be happy any where but you need to be happy.

Answer 5

I never go for the exact same reason as you stopped going. Because I'm a working mum and can only go on the odd day i felt like i was being judged for not being there for my son all of the time. And it is hard because i don't have a lot of children in the family for my son to socialize with. I'd try another one because they all can't be so bad. Tell you what, I will if you will. Ha ha.

Answer 6

i take my 2yr old daughter and 3 week old daughter to playgroup. ours is a younger mums group and she loves it. she loves to play with the leader of the group, the mums and the other kids. she gets to run around for 3 hours and make a mess. it runs her energy out and she has a good night sleep,lol.  it is really good for ur child to learn to play with other kids and share etc. all u can do is try another one and hope its better. if not, start ur own mums group. goodluck!

Answer 7

See if your local library has a children's hour/storytime once a week.  It's a great place to meet people of all ages and races and you are educating your child and introducing him/her to the wonderful world of reading.  My children loved storytime and the fact that they could check out as many books, dvd's, videos, cassettes, cd's  as they wanted, return them in two weeks, and get more and it didn't cost a thing!

Answer 8

I know what you mean but you have to remember that really the group is for the kids...not the mums...its called a PLAY group...not a Mums chat and make friends group....the kids are happy to turn up once a week and have a play around other kids and with different toys...if you want to socialise with other Mums then why not start your own group? Call it a "Mum's coffee morning" or something....put up posters and have the 1st meeting in a local cafe....

Answer 9

my wife said the same most mum are bored silly and only talk c**p about c**p just go to play grounds have a coffee and play with your child dont talk to them .thats wot she does .she said you have to be in the right click /etc wear the right clothers right school right doctor the list is end less  not to fat not to thin old man right job all thre right **** to fit in xxxx them