What can I expect from a playgroup?

Question

I recently enrolled my grandson in a playgroup. I thought this would be a good place for him to learn sharing and to interact with other children as he has never gone to daycare. Parents have the option of staying with their children or going into a parenting discussion. There are about 15 children ages 18 months to 4 years and two "aides". There are 2 activity areas for things like playdo and coloring. There are places to drive trucks, read, play house and dress up. There is no structure at all. No one encourages the kids to play together, breaks up fights, plays with the kids. If one cries he is taken to his Mom who must leave the discussion and return to the playroom. Playgroup is 2 hours, once a week and costs $12.
This is not what I was expecting. Please tell me your playgroup experiences or other ideas for my child to interact with other children.

Answer 1

Play, mostly, with occasional forrays into the realm of quantum physics.

Answer 2

It depends on how this playgroup was advertised and what you were told when you signed up.

I was part of a co-op playgroup where the parents ran the class. The group was was very structured with open play, circle time, snack and project and all of the parents were expected to actively participate. But all of that was clearly spelled out when I signed up.

However, with all that said, I think when you pay for a playgroup, regardless of the amount, then you should expect something substantial in return for your money. Whether it's the parents running the class or someone else, the children should be encouraged to play together nicely, share, there should be a snack, easy craft, storytime, songs, etc.....

I don't understand the need to have two aides if they aren't going to going to be actively particpating. If there is a director then I suggest you have a chat - this really doesn't sound right to me.

Answer 3

Yes playgroup was pretty much the same when I took my kids! You take them as you believe it is what they need and the right thing to do for them, but I found I didnt enjoy it at all. I had nothing in common with the other women and was bored out of my head. If you think your grandson is getting something out of the playgroup, or he is clingy and needs to learn to be away from his mum and grandma then you will have to keep going. Otherwise does he have anyone he could invite to his house for playdates, as that may be a better option.
I also think that all preschools are starting to head towards the non structured type learning as they are now not just preschools but creches where the kids spend the whole day.

Answer 4

I haven't heard of this type of playgroup. I hosted a playgroup in my home for 1 and 2 year olds this last schoolyear through my local MOMS club. It was 2 hours or so every week, and the moms chatted with each other but also kept an eye on their kids and helped them interact, share, broke up fights, facilitated group play, etc. It was a nice relaxing time for everyone.

Answer 5

I'm in a playgroup with other moms from my church. We get together 2-3 times per month and socialize while the kids play. The kids are always with us, so we can help them and redirect them when necessary, but they learn to play together pretty quickly, leaving us plenty of time to chat.

Sometimes we meet in a room at the church, and other times, we schedule outings to the park, zoo, museum, McDonald's Playland, or somewhere else that is kid-friendly. We also have an annual trip to a pumpkin patch and an Easter egg hunt that includes moms of older kids who used to be part of the playgroup.

Another way that my kids get social interaction is by going to library story hours, playing at the playground or children's museum, and scheduling playdates with other families with young children.

Hope that gives you a few more ideas! I was once invited to join a playgroup like the one you mentioned, and I knew that it wasn't right for us.

Answer 6

My Mom takes my son to a drop in playgroup in a big gym...it costs her $3.50 and he has the greatest time...there are numerous stations for them to play at and interact with other kids...take turns and share...there are 3 aides, and parents stay to supervise. Its called Motoring Munchkins and he has a ball...I'd find a new playgroup. This one is through the community center

Answer 7

Yuck!!!

Run from there lol, that's a horrible playgroup!

We formed our playgroup from people at the library. All of us took our kids to the library's program called "toddler time" and met each other there. One day, one of the ladies passed around a flyer to all of us asking if anyone wanted to meet at her apartment to form a playgroup and we just went from there!

We started with just 5 mom's and 8 kids, and now are about 12 mom's (not all of them come every time). We have no rules, except don't bring a sick kid. We meet at play areas like McDonald's or Burger King, we go to the park, sometimes we meet at someone's house and everyone brings something to contribute to lunch.

Try it, you'd be suprised at how many mom's (or grandma's) are just like you and want to meet!

Answer 8

I am amazed it is allowed to operate at all. That is nowhere near enough staff. A proper playgroup should have fun as well as structure, properly trained staff, and be registered with the local education authorities. I would recommend removing your grandson as soon as possible, and reporting this group to social services.

Answer 9

Not a good place there. Your grandson well either become black and blue or send someone else home with a bruise. Enroll him somewhere that the aides are more friendly and that actually help the children develope their skills.

Answer 10

$12.00 what do you expect
when kids are left alone unsupervised
there is hiting ,not sharing
children need supervision
find another place
ymca boys and girls club