I threw the diaper-bag strap over my head and lifted the car seat carrier. Oof! My back. Why are these things so heavy? Cooing, my son, then still a baby, reached up and touched my cheek. “Yes, we’re going to playgroup!” I said. “Mommy’s sweating already!” I clicked the carrier into the stroller and off we went to the bus stop. As we got closer, I prayed there’d be another nice passenger to help me up the bus steps. Getting to playgroup could be so stressful!
But, in the end, I was always glad we went. Is he going to remember those days with me, singing songs and beating a drum? Probably not. But when we take our babies or toddlers to a playgroup, we’re supporting their development, which will become more evident over time. Here are 5 benefits of loading up the diaper bag and taking your wee one to toddler or baby playgroup.
1. Kids grow their language and communication skills.
“Hello, sweetheart!” Miss Andrea said, bending over to see my baby. “I’m so glad you’re here! Yes, I am!” My son gave Miss Andrea a big smile and we both laughed. The more we talk to our babies, the more their language skills develop. Even at this young age, babies are soaking up language. And it helps to hear voices other than our own.
Hearing different words with a different cadence from other people can help brain development in those early years of life. He may not have much to say yet in return, but he’s communicating with eye contact and smiles. And that’s stimulating and helpful for his growing communication skills.
2. Kids have access to more toys and equipment.
Once my baby started toddling about, playgroup got a ton more fun for both of us. I loved seeing what toys he’d wander toward. He would make soup in the tiny kitchen at one of end of the room and then join others at the dress-up trunk to try on silly hats.
I don’t know about you, but we didn’t have space (or money) for all the toys that playgroup offered. So, getting on the bus and making sure we got to playgroup was well worth the effort. My little guy always enjoyed exploring the various toys, books, and climbing structures that he only got to see at playgroup.
3. Kids develop social skills through play.
In playgroup, my son got to socialize with other kids. When he and his new buddy Elliot both reached for the plastic spatula at the same time, they had to work out who got it first. Of course, Elliot’s mom and I were there to help guide them. But sometimes, the kids had to figure it out themselves, especially if they’d wandered to another area. Tears and struggles were normal! But playgroup gave all the kids opportunities to learn about resolving conflicts, taking turns, and sharing toys.
4. You might get early intervention if it’s needed.
“Take this survey first,” Miss Andrea said, handing me a sheet of paper. I’d had questions about my daughter’s speech, and she ended up connecting me to a free speech and language program through the public school system.
As Sarah Vallie at WebMD says, playgroups aren’t just fun, but they “may also offer additional resources to parents, such as information on community support programs and parenting education.” They can also connect you with local services. For a new mom, having someone to point you in the right direction can make a daunting situation so much easier.
5. You get a mental health boost from socializing.
“Oh, my goodness,” Alyssa said. “More spit.” She wiped her son’s chin as Jenna, another mom, said frankly, “Don’t feel bad. Mine does it all the time.” Alyssa smiled. These women I didn’t know a month ago had become my friends. When you’re all dealing with weird skin rashes or puzzling over goopy eyes, bonds form fast.
No one expects you to go it alone. Playgroups can give you a sense of belonging, and it doesn’t hurt knowing you’re not the only one struggling with a certain stage of motherhood. Caring for a baby or toddler at home can be intense. And getting out to a playgroup can be your happy hour, a time for you to nurture your own spirit by socializing with other women who get it.
Interested in finding a playgroup? Your town might host a playgroup at the library, a public school, or a community center. You might also find a playgroup at church or through your pediatrician’s practice. Another option is to look online at MOPS International to see if there’s a group that meets in your area.
Have you joined a baby playgroup? Have you found it helpful?
