parent & toddler group do you go to one?

beaushalloe

im just wondering is this still a popular way for new mothers/fathers to meet and get support from each other? how long did you dtay attending/ did your baby/toddler enjoy this?

Nevyn

I did with my second when she was 3 it was a great way to get her playing with other kids in the run up to her starting school and to get a break from the house and to talk to other parents. The kids there ranged from 6 months to nearly 4, and there was also story time in the local library which was good.

Crumble Froo

my fella's sister did it, they have a whole coffee group for parents of similarly aged kids... they all meet once a week or so, and have a chat, and deal iwth the whole parenting thing together. recently a group that was brought up together as a coffee group, had a group of kids of their own, and became the first coffee group's group of coffee group... lots of photos etc were taken, but the important bit was really that hte paretns were bringing up kids with the general support of other parents, and the support of other rules for the kids.

kelle

I found it fantastic when I was on leave from work as I got bogged down being stuck at home with two small kids daily. This gave me something to look forward to every Friday, I could relax and have tea and a chat with other parents while the children played with the toys that were supplied. As a lot of new people had moved into the small town I've lived nearly all my life, I found it a great way to get to know them - and vica versa.

K&Bross

I have a 2 1/2 year old dd and a 8 month old ds and have been going to parent and toddler groups with both of them. On my dd I first started going when she was about 7 months old and only stopped going with her in December. My dd is now in playschool so I spend my mornings with my ds and we probably go to a different toddler group about 3 times a week. With my dd, I did find the groups quite helpful as I knew no one around with other children, now with my ds I go more for my sanity to get out the house. He seems to love it and my dd thrived, so it's all good.

simu

No, I would really hate that sort of thing tbh.

Nevyn

I stuck it out for a few months but then found that tbh I didn't have a lot in common with the other parents, I once had a half hour converstaion go on around me about eastenders and thankfully the week after that the group broke for the summer and I didn't go back.

lostinnappies

Having an 11 month old and a 4 year old I have found in the current economic climate that the toddler groups are in my area are used by childminders. More and more parents are having to go to work to afford houses etc so the only ones that are left are childminders. Maybe thats just my area.

Crea

I go to 2.
One has alot of activities for the kids and is great for socialising DD aged 3.
The second is more a chat group for the mothers and they're a really nice group. Lots of good advice and not just chat about babies. I didn't know anyone in my area so it was a great way to get out and socialise.
I started going as soon as I finished working coming up on 3 years ago and i'll stay going until baby (6mths) goes to playschool.

LolaDub

I went to one once, but i didn't feel comfortable at all. There were another 8 women a bit older than me, very done up and with the kids all kitted out in designer wear. I turned up in jeans and runners and baby in usual baby wear. The conversation revolved completely around brown thomas and dundrum shopping centres and every time i tried to voice my opinion there were little smirks all round and the 'lead' lady spoke to me in such a patronising way twirling her wedding ring-yes i'm not married, i have a baby but i'm still allowed to leave the house and talk to people!!! :eek:

Anyhow that really put me off. I would love to have more parent friends though!

Nevyn

That can be the downside to some of the groups they fast become cliques but I woudl say don't give up.

LolaDub

Yeah i'd say they just hit and miss, they're only as good as the people in them.

Sure i've found my own clique here thae!