I started my first playgroup with
my first child in 1995 when she was four years
old, and I am still attending each Thursday with
my fourth child who is herself now four years
old. I often wonder what has kept this playgroup
going for so many years despite such a fluctuating
membership. I think I have a few pointers on what
has worked for us.
Here are ten do’s and don’ts
for keeping your playgroup together.
Do keep the group between 5 and
10 parents to keep it manageable and fun.
Don’t let it get too big
or dwindle down to only 2 or 3 parents. When it
gets too big, the parents will worry about a child
getting hurt in the crowd. When it gets too small,
you run the risk of hosting a playgroup where
no one shows up because the other two members
are sick.
Do devise a set of guidelines and rules for parents
and children.
Don’t assume that other
parents should know not to bring their sick child
to playgroup or that they will know to call if
they can’t make it to playgroup that week.
Do limit the playgroup time to two hours or less.
Don’t linger for more than
two hours because little ones will get cranky.
Do meet about once a week and make an effort to
get to know the other parents.
Don’t think that you can
make friends out of strangers by meeting only
once a month or by talking about others behind
their backs.
Do expect a variety of parenting philosophies
and be tolerant of other methods of discipline.
Don’t expect other parents
to discipline the way you do.
Do be understanding of other children’s
behavior.
Don’t count on everyone
to behave and get along all the time (kids and
parents!). Everyone has a bad day every once in
a while.
Do be flexible and open to new ideas within playgroup.
Don’t expect that the founding
members will always be part of playgroup or that
the way things are done will always be the way
things are done; new members mean a whole new
dynamic and some great new ideas.
Do spread the word about your group by telling
every mom you meet, by putting your group on the
lists at OnlinePlaygroup.com and other online
sites, and by distributing flyers at any business
where a mom is likely to shop.
Don’t just think other parents
will find you. You have to find them, and it may
take longer than you think.
Do make playgroup your priority, and be there
every time.
Don’t expect everyone to
come every time because playgroup will not mean
as much to them as it does to you. They may even
forget about playgroup sometimes, so call to remind
them each week.
Do be friendly and keep a positive attitude; others
will follow your lead.
Don’t get discouraged and
don’t give up!
About the Author:
Carren W. Joye is the author of A Stay-at-Home
Mom's Complete Guide to Playgroups (ISBN 0-595-
14684-8; $13.95) and founder of OnlinePlaygroup.com.
A homeschooling mom of four children, she has
founded five successful playgroups and helped
start countless other playgroups around the world
