Entertaining your toddler is no easy task! The ages of 1-3 are difficult because your toddler may not be old enough to attend preschool but is often ready to play with other children. Even though you have done your best to entertain your one-year-old with online toddler games—nothing beats the companionship of other toddlers.
There are programs that offer interactive playgroup environments—for a fee. Instead, why not get to know other mothers in your neighborhood instead? With a small amount of computer savvy and a little bit of bravery you and your toddler can form friendships that can last a lifetime.
Starting the Group
Christine Louise Hohlbaum of Mommy’s Helper Online writes, “Organizing a playgroup can be simple, if you follow a few ground rules.” Perhaps a once per month playgroup is all that you can commit to hosting and organizing. If that is the case – be honest with yourself and don’t take on more than you can handle.
Aim for parents and toddlers in your local area to join your playgroup. Why local? Eventually, your toddler may end up in the same preschool and even in the same elementary school with these playgroup companions! This may be a great way to get to know your child’s future playmates (and their parents).
Finding Playmates
Not sure where to find toddlers to join your playgroup? Try the following tips:
- Place an Ad:Try Craiglist.org, your local newspaper, church newsletter or print publications or local bulletins
- Mom’s Groups: momsclub.org has an international listing by zip code of moms clubs in your area. Additionally, you can find local parents by seeking out parent groups through places such as meetup.com or even city web blogs.
- Babysitters: Don’t forget to ask your current childcare provider if there are other parents in the area that might be interested in getting a playgroup together.
Organizing the Group
Before you jump in with both feet first – take some time to think about what kind of toddler playgroup you are looking for. Here is a list to consider before forming your toddler playgroup:
- Size: Once the word is out that you are starting a playgroup, you may be surprised by the number of responses you receive! A good size for a group of toddlers all depends on age, location and generally how the playgroup host feels. Remember however that not every toddler and parent will show up at every playgroup meeting.
- Age:Toddlers of all ages get along well and can learn from one another. However, if you have a twelve month old, you may want to advertise a playgroup that is geared more towards 12-24 month olds. The same is true if you have older toddlers.
- Frequency: Do you want to host all the time or alternate with other parents? Do you want to have it at one set location? How long should the sessions last (two hours is a good length usually)? What time of day? What day of the week?
- Equipment: Kids need stuff to do at any age. You may have a lot of toys, but remember, what one toddler likes, others may like as well. Organizing a craft or something all kids can participate in together is a great way to keep the toy territory neutral.
- Contact Lists: Think about how to stay in contact with everyone. It is no fun starting a playgroup only to have nobody show up. How will you communicate cancellations, sick days, bad weather or changes in local? How will you discuss future meet ups or express to other Mom’s that you were dissatisfied with an event? This could be through an e-mail message board, a phone tree or even text message. Either way – decide in advance.
Making Friends Takes Time
When you start a toddler playgroup expect it to have ups and downs. You may start out with a big bunch of enthusiastic parents one wee,k only to find one or two parents and kids show up the next. Do not despair! You may have to cancel a meeting because your little one took an early nap.
Making new friends for your 1-3 year old is going to take time. The benefit of starting your own toddler playgroup is that you can play a big role in fostering a sense of community. Most importantly, you will show your child by example to overcome shyness, reach out and make new friends together!
