If you cannot find a local play group, consider starting one of your own.
When your baby is about nine or 10 months old, she may be ready for more interaction than you can provide. You may want to consider joining a playgroup with your baby. A playgroup can offer both you and your baby many benefits. When trying to find a playgroup to join, ask other parents or look for flyers at your church or local library. If you are unable to find a suitable playgroup, it is possible to start your own. Below are tips for starting and promoting your own playgroup.
Instructions
Structuring the Group
1. Talk with friends, family and neighbors. If you know anyone who has a baby who is around the same age as yours, see if they are willing to join your group. If you have a couple of other parents and babys to start with, it will make forming a playgroup a bit easier.
2. Decide what the age range of the children will be. All children in the group do not have to be the exact same age. However, children develop so rapidly that a range of a few months is far better than years. This way, they will be able to play with the same toys and related to one another in the same ways.
3. Determine who often the group will meet. Would you like the group to meet once a week? Twice a month? If you have other members, talk with them about their own expectations.
4. Figure out what time and day of the week are best for you and any other members that you may have. Once a day and time is decided upon, stick with it as much as possible. A set schedule is the key to a successful play group. Try to avoid typical nap times.
5. Decide where the play group will meet. Will you always meet in your home or will you rotate between each member's home? Perhaps you can meet at the park, weather permitting, or a community center.
6. Determine how many members that you want in the group. Will you put a limit on the number? Too many babies can make the group very chaotic. Too few and the group may not be very stimulating. Decide how many babies that you would like at each group and then allow a couple of more to join. Keep in mind that there will rarely be a group where all members attend.
7. Decide on the set up of the groups. Will there be snacks? Will the parent hosting be responsible for the snacks or will each member bring something? Discuss with the other group members if the snacks should always be healthy or if an occasional sweet treat for the babies is acceptable.
8. Think about if you want the group to be structured or free play. Will there be parental involvement or will the focus be on the babies playing with each other? If the children in the group are younger than four years old, the parents will probably spend most of the time peacekeeping and making sure that the children are playing together appropriately.
Promoting the Group
9. Pass the word around to neighbors and friends. Even if neighbors or friends don't have children themselves, they may know other people who are interested in your play group.
10. Advertise your group in the local paper. Be sure to include the age range, time and day of the group and a contact number.
11. Post flyers or notices at the grocery store, library, church, and community center. Again, include all of the appropriate group information.
12. Take the direct approach. Talk directly with parents of similar age children in the park or church.
Tags: play group, your baby, children group, community center, each member, group have