Tips for finding a playgroup?

[Deleted]

We will be moving to the DC area with DD in a few months and she will not be going to school/daycare because I won't be working and it's too expensive. I don't really know a lot of people there, especially ones that don't work so I dont know where to look to find a playgroup.

Montessori style would be an awesome perk but mostly I don't want DD to be completely socially cut off. Any tips for finding something (church is not an option)

[constancegoodspeed]

Are you moving to the city? Several of the rec centers, playgrounds, libraries, children's stores, even a few coffeehouses in my city have weekly drop in playgroups. We went to several to gauge how structured we liked (the rec center does snack and games or a craft, the coffeehouse is just moms chatting while their kids play in the courtyard).

I learn of them by eavesdropping on nannies at story time, or signs out front of the store, or the neighborhood google group.

[michieu129]

I second meetup.com. They have tons of mom and playgroups for my area.
I always mean to try one but I am so introverted and too scared of judgy moms.

[TheEleventhHour]

Jun 10, 2015 12:22:19 GMT -5 @aeroplaneoverthesea said:

Have you tried meetup.com? Otherwise I'd probably just check out play gyms, the YMCA, libraries, etc.

This is what I was going to say as well. There are a ton of Meetup groups with all different "themes" in my area and I am sure DC area would likely have even more. 

We also like story time at the library and the YMCA for open swim. And going to places like that will expose you to meeting new people and you may even end up creating your own playgroup. 

[Deleted]

I tried a group on meet up, and it did not go well at all. It was in the middle of a coup by one faction from another in order to shut it down or something- it was super awkward.

After that I became a fan of the natural/ organic method. Yes it takes longer, but basically start with neighbors, DH's co-workers/ friends once he makes some has some, and also move onto library story time, swim class/ gym class etc. Get to know friends of friends and friends of neighbors etc.

I don't think Montessori does this, but you can check in at mother's day out programs or pre-school programs at the local park district etc.  Yes you would drop your child off 1-2 times a week, but she gets socialization and you get to meet parents or with the mother's day out, you could probably do it as infrequently as maybe 1 time a month.  Montessori I think typically does 3 days and maybe starts at age 3.  You can always check with a school though to find out. 

[RedGiant]

I found a nice group of ladies when I took DS to The Little Gym (toddler gym). Unfortunately, we have drifted apart with some going back to work, moving away, taking different classes, etc. I tried out stroller strides, and those ladies were great too. And trying to chat up other moms I see at the playground often. But I'm in the same boat, trying to get a new playgroup for DS. Maybe I'll try meetup.

[Deleted]

I just don't hae enough time or opportunity to let it happen naturally.

[Deleted]

Jun 17, 2015 19:14:59 GMT -5 @aest said:

I just don't hae enough time or opportunity to let it happen naturally.

I didn't mean to come across as against structured activities- totally not, just had zero luck with the meet up model.  It is like dating- you have to kiss some frogs to get to meet some cool moms, but for sure baby classes etc. makes it more easier I think that meet up.  If you do try it though, I hope you have better success than I did. 

[brachysira]

I seriously have to devote a lot of time to this. Meet-up is good but you just have to not be put-off by weird people and keep attending events and trying groups until you meet some people or find an event you like.

School districts might have free playgroups.

Library storytimes and parks. Pretend you have great social skills if you don't. Be friendly. Make conversation. Go a lot. If you/the kids hit it off, ask if they want to meet you at the park again and arrange to text. I nearly have "pick-up lines" like "I hear it's easier when the little one starts walking" to moms with one in a stroller... It's not easy, but you gotta try.

You could also find a preschool. Maybe built in friends, maybe not, but at least some social opportunities for your child while there.

Church? My DH is opposed, but might work for you.