A lot of moms want to prioritize socialization for themselves and their kids, but with the day-to-day stresses of parenthood it can be hard to figure out how to have child-friendly and meaningful engagements with other moms and their children.

That’s where playgroup comes in. And the good news is, you can organize it in any way you like! In this article, we have several ideas for you to brainstorm as you set up a playgroup.

Plan Before You Play

As with anything that involves multiple families with unique schedules and dynamics, it’s important to discuss expectations clearly before you begin. With that in mind, we’ve compiled a list of considerations for you to ponder as you organize your playgroup!

1. Purpose: Answer these questions before you make any definite playgroup plans. Is this group to help kids academically? Is it simply a social occasion for moms and kids? On the one hand, the adults could take turns planning little lessons and activities for more structured play. On the other hand, you could simply meet up at someone’s house or a park or public library and enjoy some social time. Either way is fine, but it’s good to know what you want out of your group before you get started.
2. People: Consider who you want this group to be for. Maybe you already have moms you know in your area and want to meet up with them. Or, maybe you want to get to know new people. In that case, you could poll your local Next Door or Facebook groups to see if other moms are interested in participating.
3. Numbers: In that same vein, you’ll want to consider numbers. Do you want to keep it to just a couple of people you know and trust, or open it up to a wider audience? Do you want to have people RSVP ahead of time?
4. Location: If you have a small group, you could trade off hosting at each others’ homes, or you could opt for only public places so that no one feels burdened by guests. Just don’t feel like you have to host every time just because you are starting the group!
5. Timing: Do you want to commit to a specific day and time each week for playgroup? If moms will be taking turns hosting, do you want them to choose the date and time that works best for them when it’s their turn? Is there a weekly or monthly rotation?
6. Snacks: All moms have to think about snacks! You could trade off snack duty with each mom in the group, or you could have everyone bring their own snacks. You could plan it around meal times and go out to restaurants or plan picnics. There are lots of options!
7. Budgets: This is important, as many moms are on tight budgets and won’t be able to participate in a playgroup that has heavy costs involved. So, ask your members up front how they feel on this matter, and make sure it’s a judgment-free zone. Is everyone comfortable spending money? How much? Is the money for snacks and supplies for planned kids’ activities? Will there be outings or meet-ups at places that require tickets, like zoos and museums? Does anyone have memberships? When in doubt, it’s best to focus on free options.
8. Activities: Going back to your purpose, think about what activities you want to do with the moms and children in the group. Do you want to have formal instructional time with group songs and games, like a preschool co-op? Do you want weekly themes? Is this an outdoor group where moms walk and push strollers in different parks in your area? Do you want it to stay relaxed and chill, with people bringing some toys and just hanging out? Think about how much effort you have to give the group, and then ask the members what they think about the nature of the activities as well.
9. Promotion: Depending on how you answered the previous questions, you may want to think about promotion. You can recruit other moms on social media or simply by asking friends and neighbors to spread the word. Once you get the group started, you might want to consider a regular email newsletter with upcoming dates, times, and assignments. If you don’t want to take this task on, consider delegating it to a friend.

This may seem like a lot to think about, but once you knock out these answers, it’s really just a matter of putting your plan into action!

Play On!

Whether you’re going for a more structured group or opting for a more go-with-the-flow approach, a playgroup can be so beneficial to you and your child. Socialization is a key part of development and overall well-being!

In fact, an article by the Baylor College of Medicine states:

Socialization is crucial to children’s development from an early age, shaping their skills and fostering companionship and empathy. Relationships teach young children about perspective, taking turns and meaningful friendships. A Baylor College of Medicine psychologist explains the importance of socialization for children while offering tips for parents of children who struggle in social settings. 

“[Socialization] gives the benefit of having peer support and friendship that can bolster sense of self,” said Dr. Eric Storch, professor and vice chair of psychology in the Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Baylor. “Friends not only provide emotional support, but also give feedback that, together with other important figures, helps shape the person you become.” 

So no matter what you decide, know that this is a great move for you and your kiddos!