For stay-at-home dads or moms, joining a playgroup is a much needed reprieve from the everyday grinds of parenting. Playgroups are gathering of parents with the common goal of allowing the children to come together and play. Mostly with children of common ages, the parents meet weekly or twice in a month to let their children interact and play with each other while they chat, bond, and socialize with other parents.
Beneficial for both parents and children, joining a playgroup can enhance child development and can provide social interaction for parents who feel contained in the confines of child rearing. The children are exposed to other children through play time and games, a plus factor for social development. On the other hand, stay-at-home parents attending a playgroup can enjoy adult exchanges with other parents. This is the time when the parents get to talk about anything. A relaxing break from the everyday parent-child conversation. Also read: Give yourself some break and save money with this sitter promo code.
Parents can choose from two kinds of playgroups. First is the informal playgroup which consists of parents with kids of similar ages who gather in a public area like a park or may be even in a home of one of the parents. This gathering has no strict plans or agenda, playgroup time is spent on children playing and adults casually socializing.
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Second is the formal playgroup established by community organizations, churches or other structured associations. This type of playgroup is advertised online, local newspapers, or community bulletin boards. The membership is bigger and the child-parent activities are more varied.
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Whether informal or formal, there are advantages. Both the child and the parent benefit from such social interaction. Children learn to play with other children and develop people skills at an early age. At the same time, the parents get to interact with other parents, exchanging light conversations or may be notes on child rearing. It is, nonetheless, a win-win situation for both the parent and child. Also read: Learn what makes Sittercity a great sitter resource.
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Do you let your kids join playgroups? What are the best playgroup activities that you have been a part of?ย Come on and share your thoughts.
A nerd at heart (haha), I have been following and analyzing the world of online sitters for a couple of years now and have seen a lot of innovations and changes in this market. In between taking care of my loving (and demanding ๐) family and writing, I also do a lot of “traveling” on the Travel Channel and Discovery Channel. Read More
A playgroup is certainly a meet-up place for child to gather with others and have fun; while lightly learning. An atmosphere out-of-home plotting your child to interact, bond with same ages, always so social; grabs them courage, independence. Sorts of two playgroups, good sources; should be approached defining oneโs comfort and purpose!
My son has two play groups. One group from his school and one from our neighborhood. This gives him more exposure which I thnk is really important.
We just moved into a new town and I’m hoping to find a play group for my son soon.
My kids look forward to their playtime. It’s really the only time they run around and get all dirty.
It’s important that my son meets other kids in the neighborhood. It’s good for him.
We have a regular playgroup . We make sure the our kids play with each other. There are no gadgets allowed.
I think they should.
I have six kids. They can just play together.
I formed a small playgroup for my son consisting of two other kids whose moms are friends of mine. We make sure the kids play together once a week. We take turns to host the play time in our homes.
I think it’s good that kids have a playgroup.
Joining a playgroup is a way for me and my daughter to meet more friends.
I make sure I’m friends with the parents.It’s hard to join a play group and not know any of the parents.
I only have one child and he gets bored at home. Given his situation, I make sure he joins a play group.