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My Playgroup Experience
When my eldest child was only 8 weeks old, we moved to a town where I knew absolutely no-one. Now, normally I wouldn't be worried by that at all - my husband and I had moved every two years since we got married and you meet people through work, hobbies and general socialising. This time was different. I was a very nervy first-time mum and the Litttle Princess
soaked up my nerves from the word go. Poor kid, she cried, never slept unless she was with me and never for more than 2 hours at a stretch. Getting out of the house seemed a major drama, but when my sister-in-law suggested I join a playgroup, I must admit it was the best advice I got (and you get a lot of advice when you have a newborn).
I found the phone number of the local playgroup in the paper and went along the next week. The Little Princess fell asleep in the pram on the walk there but woke up crying on cue just as some kind soul handed me a cup of tea. As I resignedly put the cup down, a wonderful woman asked, "May I?" and whisked The Little Princess off for a tour of the playgroup. Miraculously, she stopped crying and I managed to have the most relaxing cuppa I'd had in over two months!
Now, I was lucky enough to find a playgroup that suited me first time around, but you may have to do some 'Playgroup Shopping' before you find the right one for you and your child. Playgroups are as different as the people who are part of them, so if the first one you visit doesn't suit you, try two or even three, but these questions might help you to narrow down your search and let your fingers do the walking:
- How many people attend the playgroup?
- What are the childrens' ages?
- Where is the playgroup? Is there pram access (yes, it seems a silly question but I know of one playgroup that was upstairs and everyone left prams in the car and carried their babies in) and parking available?
- Do you have structured activites or free play or both?
- Do I need to bring anything (eg morning tea for you and your child)?
- Are toys supplied, if so what age range are they suitable for?
- If you are a Dad or Grandparent, you may wish to ask if other Dads attend.
Good luck with your playgroup shopping!
Keer
| About Playgroup Queensland |
What is Playgroup Queensland?
Playgroup Queensland is the Association which provides advice and assistance to the many Playgroup Queensland affiliated playgroups in Queensland. Member playgroups have the benefit of advice and shared resources of the Association as well as insurance cover and access to Toy Libraries where available.
What is Playgroup?
 A Playgroup is a group of mums, dads, grandparents and caregivers who meet together each week with their babies, toddlers and preschoolers for interaction and fun. Parents and caregivers work together to provide their babies and young children with opportunities to learn through play.
Why go to a Playgroup?
Children under five are going through a stage of rapid brain and skill development. For optimum development your young child needs a stimulating environment to play and learn. Playgroups offer babies, toddlers and young children a wide variety of early leaning experiences. It’s a great way for your child to learn about the world, make friends and develop social skills.
Playgroup also gives mums, dads, grandparents and caregivers a chance to meet and share ideas and experiences. Many long-term friendships begin at Playgroup.
At Playgroup your child will:
- Have fun
- Learn how to share through Play
- Discover how to get along with other children
- Learn and develop new skills
- Listen to music and stories
- Improve their ability to solve problems
- Have fun playing outdoors and going on outings and excursions
At Playgroup parents will:
- Get out of the house
- Make new friends
- Share experiences
- Play and learn
- Help run the Playgroup
 Playgroups are usually held once a week for a two hour session, and can be found in a variety of venues such as community and neighbourhood centres, council halls, preschools, church hall and people’s homes.
You may be a mum, dad, caregiver, grandparent or family member – everyone is welcome. Playgroups are as different as the people in them. There is a Playgroup that is just right for you!
To start or join an existing Playgroup in your local area, contact the Queensland Playgroup Centre on 1800 171 882 (toll free), or visit our website www.playgroupaustralia.com.au. |
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| Playgroup Queensland has a tool on their website which enables you to search for a playgroup by postcode. |
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If you have a Playgroup or Mothers' Group you would like to list with goldcoastkids.com.au please email info@goldcoastkids.com.au with the details and we will list it for free. |
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