My child is due in March, I want her to get involved with interactive groups and classes to get her social?

Question

I live in Milwaukee.
I choose to NOT place my daughter in a day care because alot of them arent on the level I want.
For instance, My friend has sent her child to 3 different day cares in the area, Her son was coming home saying all sorts of cuss words and apparently it is fun to run around and show your privates. This forced her to quit her job and raise her 2 year old full time.
I want to get my daughter have friends and interact with other children I would just like to have her attend something with a little more supervision and discipline. My husband supports us for the most part, my job isnt that necessary, Its just for some extra money to have. I intend to full time raise my daughter but I want her to be social with other children. Any ideas as to what I could do, what other options are there for children besides daycare, possibly ones I could attend. Serious answers only please, and thank you.

Answer 1

I think you might be jumping the gun a little, worrying about her social interactions and assuming that she needs to be in a group to get it, all before she's met anyone at all! "Organized fun" may not be necessary, and she may end up preferring other ways of spending her time.

My question is: Why do you think she needs this? Is there a shortage of other young families in your area, family, or social circle? They should probably form your initial 'play groups' before your baby is old enough to take a serious interest in other people.
When you go to see your doctors, visit schools or parks, or are just out and about, take a look at other women with children in the same age range. Make friends with the mothers, and you'll have a natural way of socializing both children at once.

My parent enrolled me in preschool at the age of 3 because there were no other young children in our apartment building or among their friends. But remember that your new child will get plenty of stimulation from adults and older kids early on, and that learning to interact with them as well is also very important. When she starts to express an interest in other babies you can, again, talk to other mothers in the area (be brave!) and find out where they take their children.

Answer 2

Remember that finding other children that are only his age should not be a major focus of his activities. Being with others older than him helps him to mature. Being with younger children will teach him patience. Age segregation is for school. Also, while taking classes can be fun and provide some good educational opportunities, there's not usually a lot of interaction that takes place. We find that the best, and most affordable, activity is to join a local homeschooling group that meets for park days once a week. Our group also organizes a lot of arts and crafts, science and seasonal type activities. The kids prefer simple play days at the park where they can just run around with their friends, have fun and be creative on their own terms. If you can't find a group near you, start one. My daughter has a lot of friends, homeschooled and public schooled. We make an extra effort to see that she has time to spend with them. We have a lot of sleep-overs here. She meets friends at the skate-plex. She Skype's with friends that she has all over the country. In a couple of day's we'll be attending a homeschool conference where she'll see many of those friends for 5 non-stop days of kid mania. (I'm exhausted just thinking about it, lol!) Contact your local zoo's and museum's to ask about homeschool activities. Our local zoo has classes once per month that are very reasonably priced. We also have a wildlife reserve, with a bit of a drive (3 hours), that has wonderful homeschool classes. We try to make it there a few time's a year. Other activities that my daughter has taken part in are Girl Scouts, Dance, Children's Theater, Musical Theater and Swim Team (YMCA). Contact your local Parks and Recreation Dept. to see about some affordable activities.

Answer 3

Well if you stay home and look after your Daughter then you will of course have the full reign on what you do. Having close friends with children to visit is a good way,take her to the playground, shopping, go where other children are and encourage her to play. I don't blame you for being skeptical about child care centers, I would be today also. I am sure there are some good ones though that you could take her to maybe 1 day a week. It is sad to say but we can't be overly protective or you will end up with a very shy timid child.

Answer 4

Sure.. there are lots to do with little ones these days. If you belong to a church you could start a mommy's day out in your home. You could invite 2-3 other parents over for a baby - play date or meet at a park. You can join a "mother's day out" type of place usually hosted at a church. In my area its 2 days a week tuesdays & thursdays for 2-4 hours, you choose. Its a nice break and lets your child intermingle with kids her age.
Daycares tend to be less watchful of other children, not as organized as a place like a mothers day out.
You could become the social butterfly on your block, pass out little invites to get to know your neighbors, this way you can build bonds and become friends with the world out there!
There are lots of things to do, search out your area on the internet and see if there are any organized outtings for little ones.
Gymboree has mommy and me classes!
Good luck!

Answer 5

I don't know if you are looking for immediate play groups but I'm sure you can find them in your area. I year Gymboree has a great program.

When your daughter gets a little older I suggest a Montessori school. It's a great pre-school that focuses on many things other than just social interaction. While it is a lot about learning it goes at your own child's pace. I looked up the schools in your city like this one. You can start in the toddler years 2-3 and it's really great. While you do have to pay I feel it would really start your daughter off on the right foot socially and educationally.

Answer 6

You could also try to create a Baby Ring. Start your own babies day out. Go to the park and meet other moms and form your own play groups. I'm sure if you look there are many other moms in the same position as you and just aren't sure where to start!

Answer 7

Once your baby is at least 6 months old you can find baby and me classes through your town. Also having a baby in March you will be able to take her out to the beach and parks. Just remember sunscreen and umbrellas.

I used a pack-n-play with a crib sheet over the top of it and a umbrella up top.

Answer 8

Suggestion have some over with small kids and let her interact like that. there are all sorts of things maybe parties and stuff cause of the day cares are awful and they learn some pretty bad stuff there. if you take her where you go shopping and stuff and let her wave at people say hi etc. just be careful not to let it go too far.

Answer 9

When she gets old enough to enjoy it, you might try Gymboree. Also, most cities have programs for kids of all ages. Ours is called mommy and me and you can start going at 6 weeks. We also take our older child to gymnastics through the city. Parent participation is required in all of these classes until the kids reach 6 years of age....