Running a Successful Playgroup - Part I

People often ask me why I decided to start my own playgroup. Simply answered, I like to be in control! That doesn’t mean I am a “control freak”… I just like to have control of my situations. I wasn’t crazy about the way some other groups operated or where or how often they met, so I took matters into my own hands and started my own, along with another mommy friend of mine.

3 ½ years later, we are 40+ moms strong, and I honestly believe there couldn’t be a closer, fun, interesting… and best of all, welcoming and friendly… group of moms in this area! Like plenty of playgroups, we have developed close relationships with each other – as have our little ones! After all, they have grown up together! But in addition to those friendships, I am always happy to see how welcoming and hospitable our members are to our newest members. Our members welcome with open arms new and expecting mommies from all different backgrounds and beliefs, and as different as we all are, we find out similarities in motherhood and build friendships on that. Here are some of our secrets to success!

~ There’s a method to our madness! We do not have planned or scheduled playdates. That works for some groups, but not ours. But even with no set schedule of events, we still manage to meet as a group at least once a week – usually more. We “fly by the seat of our pants” so to speak, and the laid back nature of our group really seems to work for us!
~ Get the daddies in on the action! We have quite a few annual events that the dads and older kids are invited to attend and participate in. This helps the dads get to know other dads – men they may not have met otherwise – and find out they have a lot in common with. Summer picnics (dads love to grill!), holiday parties and couple’s nights out are a great way to keep your partners involved with your “other life”. (to be continued...)

Carol M.
http://www.discoverytoyslink.com/esuite/home/carolm