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Playgroup
With smaller and one child families on the increase, socialisation has become a major concern for many parents. Parents today worry that they may not be providing their child with enough opportunities to mix and play with other children, and want to provide them with interesting activities to meet and socialise with other children their own age.
Many parents may not wish nor need to put their children in long term childcare however are still interested in group activities outside the home, as well as looking for an opportunity for themselves to meet and mix with other parents and care givers.
Many parents may not wish nor need to put their children in long term childcare however are still interested in group activities outside the home, as well as looking for an opportunity for themselves to meet and mix with other parents and care givers.
This is where playgroup can come in. Playgroup is a cheap and relaxed way in which both you and your child can enjoy some play and socialising with other people in your local community and a great way for you both to meet new friends.
Playgroups are usually run by other parents and caregivers and are usually held at safe locations such as community and neighbourhood centres, church halls or women’s centres. The activities can range from free or low cost craft activities, through to reading, singing or general play with toys in an open play environment.
All children from 0-5 years are welcome to attend, and even young babies love having new experiences and benefit from developing sensory, social and communication skills through group activities.
Playgroup is not a child care activity and the child’s primary caregiver is required to stay, play and interact as part of the group. Most sessions will last around two hours and most groups will set up a roster for members to bring along or organise morning or afternoon tea, and everyone just pitches in and helps with setting up activities, supervising play, organising drinks and meals and cleaning up at the end of each session.
Most centres have a try before you try policy where by you can come along and see if you enjoy the group for say one to two sessions for free, and then if you want to join up you pay a join up fee, you then either pay a small fee per term or in some cases pay a casual rate per visit. Playgroup has a relaxed atmosphere and you can attend groups on whatever day or how ever often suits you and your child.
For me
Whilst my daughter will be attending long day childcare once I return to work I wanted her to not only have an opportunity to mix and play with other children before hand but wanted her to build her socialisation skills and learn to adjust to being in large group activities before I sent her off to child care.
Playgroups are usually run by other parents and caregivers and are usually held at safe locations such as community and neighbourhood centres, church halls or women’s centres. The activities can range from free or low cost craft activities, through to reading, singing or general play with toys in an open play environment.
All children from 0-
Playgroup is not a child care activity and the child’s primary caregiver is required to stay, play and interact as part of the group. Most sessions will last around two hours and most groups will set up a roster for members to bring along or organise morning or afternoon tea, and everyone just pitches in and helps with setting up activities, supervising play, organising drinks and meals and cleaning up at the end of each session.
Most centres have a try before you try policy where by you can come along and see if you enjoy the group for say one to two sessions for free, and then if you want to join up you pay a join up fee, you then either pay a small fee per term or in some cases pay a casual rate per visit. Playgroup has a relaxed atmosphere and you can attend groups on whatever day or how ever often suits you and your child.
For me
Whilst my daughter will be attending long day childcare once I return to work I wanted her to not only have an opportunity to mix and play with other children before hand but wanted her to build her socialisation skills and learn to adjust to being in large group activities before I sent her off to child care.
Without a large group of young children to play with locally I thought that playgroup would be the perfect activity to address these needs. So once she was 9 months old and able to sit and crawl around I thought it was time to see how she enjoyed mixing with other and older children.
Whilst she enjoys watching the other children run around and is interested in the new toys, I think that once your child is able to walk and sit at the table for the craft activities they will definitely find playgroup of more benefit. This isn’t to say though that a young baby won’t get some benefit to the early socialisation, and we will definitely keep going for the rest of the term.
Pros
It is a great low cost activity for both of you to meet, play and make friends with other families in your local area
Your membership fee allows you to attend any group in Australia
Cons
If your child hasn’t been exposed to many other people, you may find that you come home with a cough, cold or stomach bug at first as your child’s immunity builds up
Many classes are run in the mornings which can clash with your babies morning nap
Conclusion
Whilst she enjoys watching the other children run around and is interested in the new toys, I think that once your child is able to walk and sit at the table for the craft activities they will definitely find playgroup of more benefit. This isn’t to say though that a young baby won’t get some benefit to the early socialisation, and we will definitely keep going for the rest of the term.
Pros
It is a great low cost activity for both of you to meet, play and make friends with other families in your local area
Your membership fee allows you to attend any group in Australia
Cons
If your child hasn’t been exposed to many other people, you may find that you come home with a cough, cold or stomach bug at first as your child’s immunity builds up
Many classes are run in the mornings which can clash with your babies morning nap
Conclusion
Probably the best thing to do is go along to a couple of different groups and try and find a group that suits you and your baby. Or start your own.
If you would like to start a new playgroup in your area or Join an existing group, call your Playgroup Association on 1800 171 882 (free call) or visit their website at: http://www.playgroupaustralia.com.au/
Playgroup Australia