What’s a typical playgroup like?

During playgroup, your child might want your constant attention, saying, “Look at this,” “Let’s play with this,” or “Watch me.” While this can be frustrating, don’t get upset with your child for behaving this way, even if you don’t observe this in the other children. You might consider rejoining the playgroup at a later time. It’s okay if a playgroup doesn’t work out for you or your child.

Many playgroups are successful meeting in the morning, usually for an hour to an hour and a half, although some meet in the late afternoon, normally a slow time for at-home parents with young children. Other playgroups meet on the weekends so parents who work full time can participate.

Your playgroup will probably get together once a week, meeting at each member’s house in turn. In some groups, every parent comes every time, while in others, parents rotate attendance so that in a group with four children, two parents attend any one session while two have the time free. The success of this rotating method depends on the ages and personalities of the children, and how well the families know each other. Some young children don’t want to be separated from their parents.

Before your playgroup begins meeting, get together with the other parents involved, and develop rules and standards for practical issues. What kind of snacks will be served? What happens when children fight? Who should bring toys? How will you handle the problem of sharing?

Your playgroup will be most successful if your group shares similar interests and attitudes, especially regarding parenting, since conflicts can arise when one group member accepts behavior that bothers another. As long as the adults are compatible, you should be able to talk about differences and work out solutions to problems that come up.