| Playgroups are an important part of social interaction | | | | person who is considered the leader of the |
| for young children and their mothers. Playgroups | | | | group.What is the schedule and what activities are |
| prepare children for more formal daycare and school | | | | planned? Some groups are more free-form than |
| situations and provide moms valuable time with other | | | | others. Depending on your personality and your child's |
| adults. Choosing the right playgroup is essential to | | | | schedule you need to decide whether a group with |
| getting the most out of this experience.Sources of | | | | regular weekly meetings is better for you or if a |
| playgroups might include church groups, | | | | drop-in program with a flexible schedule will work |
| neighborhood-based groups, library or city-sponsored | | | | better.What are the policies, if any, regarding discipline? |
| groups or even internet-based groups. Regardless of | | | | Every playgroup has its own dynamics, rules and |
| who is sponsoring the group, there are several | | | | customs. Asking about these things ahead of time can |
| questions that can give you a good idea whether the | | | | save embarrassment and prevent conflicts. Do |
| group is right for you.What is the age range of children | | | | members discipline each other's children? What is the |
| in the group? Some groups have a set age limit and | | | | policy on biting? Toy sharing? Hitting? You need to |
| discourage bringing older siblings. Others have no | | | | choose a group whose values match your own.What |
| restrictions. Be sure that whatever the structure that | | | | are the hostess duties? Will you be expected to host |
| there are plenty of children at the same phase of | | | | play dates at your home on a regular basis? Be sure |
| development as your child. If your child is still crawling | | | | you're equipped to host a large number of children at |
| and all the other children are walking, he won't be able | | | | your home. Inquire whether you can hold your regular |
| to participate in the same activities as the other | | | | play date at a park or other facility rather than at your |
| children.Are there dues or a membership fee? Some | | | | home.Finally, what are the moms in the group like? Are |
| groups are completely free. Others charge a weekly | | | | they of the same socio-economic group as you? Do |
| or monthly fee to cover the cost of snacks and craft | | | | they have similar backgrounds and interests? Believe it |
| materials. If there is a fee, find out how the money is | | | | or not, these things become very important in the |
| managed and by whom. Some groups have a board | | | | development of a playgroup. The more the moms |
| of directors or oversight group and some have one | | | | have in common, the easier everyone will get along. |