So eventually when you’re a new parent you will come across an invitation to a play date or Play groups…..I don’t know about you but that word filled me with both a nervous excitement and certain kind of dread. My first foray into play dates was more of a playgroup held at public places during the summer. About once a month a dozen or so Mom’s would meet at a local playground. They were an established group that communicated via email and I was the newcomer. I felt like an outsider and was stared at with a curious eye and nonetheless never felt very uncomfortable in that large group situation. I’m more of a one on one kind of gal I suppose.


I gave up on the group idea for awhile. Then I started going to center based local playgroups and there I met a woman. Our daughters played so well together and when that group ended we decided to host play dates at each others homes and take turns. I was the first to host a play date. Oh the pressure… just what does one do at a playgroup? I had many questions. Should I plan a craft? Are her children allergic to cats? Did I tell her we had a cat in the first place? Do her children have a special diet? The playdate went off without a hitch and we were able to get the most of our newly redecorated playroom. I had some issues with clean up time… but being a newbie to the playgroup world I have decided to go with the flow.

Below is my list of Playgroup pro’s & cons. I will discuss more about creating or finding a playgroup in tomorrow's post.



The Pro’s

Support…. You can talk with other Mom’s

Socialization- Your child can play and interact with her peers

Validation- I felt like a weight was lifted when I noticed another child doing the same thing as my toddler

Making Friends

Resources- Other Mom’s can recommend pediatricians, cold medicines, sitters


Con’s

Sometimes the children don’t really play together depending on the age group

Finding a group that is a good fit for both Mom & Child can be hard

The children get along but the Mom’s don’t

The Mom’s get along but the Children don’t

High school like competition and gossip among Mom’s

Hosting can be a pain

Labor & delivery stories can often run rampant… this can be painful for an infertile Adoptive Mom.


Things to consider

Is your child having fun?

Is the group a good fit?

Is the location convenient?

Are you ready to host a playdate?

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