Organizing a Playgroup

You're parents, so it goes without saying that you're busy! You're probably feeling a bit isolated and may miss hanging out with your friends. Guess what? Your kids probably crave some peer interaction as well. The good news is that playgroups can enrich both parents and children by injecting stimulating social opportunities into their lives. So you get to catch up with your pals (or make new ones) while your kid gets some social stimulation.

Of course, there are lots of different kinds of playgroups and some are a lot more formal than others. Playgroups may be geared to facilitating socialization such as play through one or more of art, music, nature or reading; they may emphasize a particular parenting technique and provide education and support for parents who share those goals. Playgroups are also available for a multitude of ages from infancy through preschool as well as more specialized playgroups for homeschoolers and children with developmental challenges.

Usually, playgroups are organized into parent-involved and free-play sessions that meet once per week. During the parent-involvement segment of the gathering, a group leader (which could be you!) will lead parents and kids in cooperative activities such as singing or games. Following the parent-involved activities, parents may separate from their kids (hooray! Time to get errands done), leaving them in the care of a group leader, and gather to discuss a specified topic while the children engage in free play with their peers. Other playgroups are more casual and may not involve organized activities at all.

Many a playgroup has been formed through casual meetings at the park. You can also find playgroups through parenting associations, internet playgroup directors, or bulletins at churches or community centers.