<Back to Featured Articles
10 Ways to Welcome Newcomers to Playgroup
By: Carren W. Joye
New members are essential for the long-term survival of a playgroup. In order to have new members, visitors need to feel welcome. How welcoming and supporting is your playgroup to newcomers? Here are ten warm and inviting ways to make newcomers feel welcome.
1. Greet visitors and new members at the door when they arrive. In a small playgroup, the leader often assumes this job. If the group meets in each other’s homes, the hostess that week may be the one to welcome visitors and new members. If she is likely to be too busy with other hostess duties, perhaps elect a person to welcome newcomers at each session as they first arrive.
2. Get their names and call them by name at any subsequent gathering; people feel more comfortable when those they have met remember their names. But don't worry if you forget their names; just say hello anyway, smile and be friendly. They may not remember your name either!
3. Introduce newcomers to the other members. Do not leave them to meet others on their own. This places the visitor as well as your members at an awkward disadvantage. And don't forget to introduce their children to other children at playgroup who are about the same age; it will help them make friends much sooner.
4. Wear nametags if your group is large. This is a great way to take the stress off of remembering names.
5. Try to involve newcomers in the conversations or discussions. Fill in any background information to bring them up-to-date if necessary. Or initiate a conversation by asking questions about their children, husband, previous hometown, or other interests.
6. Provide assistance if needed. Direct them to restrooms, help their children find the playroom, bring infant toys out for their babies, help them find a place to sit, and assist them during snack time or craft time.
7. Provide written information about your playgroup, such as the days and times, fees and what they cover, guidelines and rules, contact names and phone numbers. This not only gives newcomers something to refer to later, but it may also answer some of their questions in advance.
8. Consider giving a small welcoming gift to first-time visitors. Your playgroup may not have the financial means to provide anything, but if so, consider a mug or sippy cup filled with soft candies, one-item gift certificate to a local fast food restaurant, map of the city or community, packet of instant hot chocolate, etc. You could also give a small stuffed animal or other small toy to the visiting child.
9. Before they leave, be sure to get their phone number and any other pertinent information, and thank them for coming to playgroup.
10. Phone visitors a few days later to thank them again for attending playgroup and to invite them back next time. This makes them feel that they were truly welcome to visit. Also, it will give you a chance to answer any follow-up questions they may have.
Accept all members and children unconditionally in your playgroup. Make everyone feel welcome, regardless of background, social standing or abilities.
Carren W. Joye is the author of A Stay-at-Home Mom's Complete Guide to Playgroups, available at Amazon.com and your local bookstore. A homeschooling mom of four children, she has successfully founded four playgroups, a homeschool support group, and a homeschool co-op.
