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Playgroup Tips
By: Jodi Van Lom
Playgroups are becoming a popular activity within communities. Playdates are being formed in local parks, libraries, public play areas and in the homes of parents/caregivers. If you are looking to participate in a playgroup here are a few helpful tips in securing a successful playgroup for yourself and your child.
Tips for joining a playgroup by Playgroups USA (www.playgroupsus.com):
1. Be Committed. Communication, commitment, and consistent attendance are the keys to a successful, long-lasting playgroup. When joining a playgroup, attend as often as possible. We suggest not missing more than 1 or 2 playgroups a month. Allow the children to associate the day as 'Playgroup Day' as you will soon find out that they will look forward to playing with their friends on that day.
2. Communicate. Proactively communicating when you’re unable to attend is courteous to other group members. Your commitment to the group shows respect and will make the experience much more enjoyable. The use of e-mail or playgroup calendars such as the tools Playgroups USA offers helps to efficiently keep everyone up to date on playgroup times and locations. Also, sticking to a consistent weekly schedule can keep attendance high.
3. Volunteer. Help recruit members to your group by assisting the Group Leader in spreading the word about your playgroup. Create playgroup business cards or fliers to post in local business and to hand out while you are out and about.
4. Get involved. Help the playgroup by volunteering to host the group and choose the theme, location and provide snacks, if desired. Whether your playgroup meets in a public places or in the homes, your Group Leader and members will appreciate your participation. A successful playgroup depends on the effort of its members.
5. Make Suggestions. Suggest ideas for adding activities for the kids to participate in during playgroup. Ideas typically include arts and crafts, themes with story time, games or planning for popular area field trips. By making this effort you may find other parents doing the same. This is a great way to share ideas, promote educational activities, and create fun for the kids - all at the same time.
6. Reach Out. Introduce yourself to as many members as you can. Remember, we all have a lot in common by being new parents. Once you begin to get to know the other parents you will be surprised on how easy conversations will flow and how much in common you have with other parents in the playgroup.
7. Keep it Civil. Be cautious and mindful about opinions shared by others and only take advice from professionals. Conversation among group members should be friendly and non-intrusive and never hurtful. If you experience or witness something that you feel needs attention, bring it up with your Group Leader.
It’s true that what you put into the playgroup is what you will get out of it. Often playgroups parents stay in contact with each other long after the children have grown up. Many lifetime friendships are made through playgroup.
Article by Jodi Van Lom, Mom of 2 and Co-founder of Playgroups USA. Playgroups USA can be reached by visiting www.playgroupsusa.com where users can build a profile and join a playgroup with no cost to the member. All site services including access to the playgroup matching system and calendar community space are at no charge. Playgroups USA is funded by site sponsorships from local and national supporters that believe in the importance of playgroups.
If you would like more information on Playgroups USA and its services, please email info@playgroupsusa.com or jodi@playgroupsusa.com.
