One of the arguments that mothers use for putting young children into nursery is that the socialisation will do them good. This implies that children who are not in nursery are unsocialised, but that isn’t necessarily the case…
Since Georgie’s birth, I have been keen to make sure that I am getting out and about with my kids and attending regular playgroups whenever possible, along with library sessions, and so on. It is amazing how much the girls have blossomed in the company of other children, having fun and learning to share, interact and play with other kids.
I was really disappointed with the only group within walking distance near our last house, especially in comparison to the amazing Sure Start centre group we attended every week when we lived in Halesowen. Georgie clearly missed her weekly group, and I was sad that Lydia wasn’t getting to see other children much either.
Since Christmas we have been getting out and about down here in Cornwall with the girls, and checking out the local playgroups so that Georgie and Lydia aren’t going completely stir crazy stuck in my parent’s little village for weeks on end. We have been having loads of fun at one particular group, where the snacks are healthy, they have a great variety of toys, it’s very well run, and they do a fun craft activity with the kids each week.
I always think that you can judge a playgroup by the snacks that they serve. At this particular group, they take money out of the kitty each week and walk across the road to the local store to buy fresh fruit and whole milk. The fruit is chopped up and served with either water or milk. In comparison, one group we tried (and didn’t like!) served Georgie squash so strong she coughed when she tasted it, and sugary biscuits.
Both girls really love going to the playgroup, and they have had so much fun playing with the other children. It’s good for me too, I enjoy the chance to chat to other mums, and relax with a hot cup of coffee while my girls happily play. Meanwhile, Dad is loving it – he is great with the kids and makes himself useful shifting tables and chairs and so on!
Georgie was absolutely amazed last week when we walked into the hall and there was a bouncy castle sat there inside the door.
We have never managed to get Georgie onto a bouncy castle before. She has been intrigued by the look of them, but always got upset, and climbed straight back down after climbing on. Surrounded by her friends and encouraged by Dad & I, Georgie braved the bouncy castle and conquered her fears. Before long, she was jumping about, bouncing around and having buckets of fun.
I don’t think we’ll have many problems with bouncy castles in the future… I think the biggest problem is actually going to be getting her off them.
I’m looking forward to seeing what playgroups there will be near our new house – I’ve had a look on Netmums and the children’s centre websites, and it looks like there are quite a few to check out. We’ll definitely be going to at least one of them regularly, as I can’t deny that they do my girls so much good.
It’s great when you find a good play group or parent and toddler group – I have friends now from when my 20 year old was tiny – it’s been lovely watching how those tiny children have grown into young men!
I hear you – my local play group saved my sanity when I had my second – a very ill baby. My three year old got to let off steam and have fun while I slumped in the corner getting support from other mums and staff. It was a difficult time but the play group made it easier. Great post – and I agree, you can spot a good one by the snacks they serve!