A good reason why playgroups are benefical

My eldest daughter is a very picky eater. Not too long ago, she would not eat any condiment at all. I could not even get her to try ketchup; something I thought is a childhood staple.

Last Fall we had a play date with a friend from the playgroup. For lunch, we made a picnic spread on a blanket on the living room floor. Chicken nuggets (a staple in our house) made it's way onto the blanket. My daughter's friend looked on over the food with disappointment.

"There is no ketchup." She pouted.

Of course! Just because my child does not eat ketchup does not mean that other children don't. So I happily brought out the container of the ketchup and made a smiley face with it on a plate.

"Where is my ketchup?!" demanded my own four year old. I could not believe my own ears. Not one to argue, I put some ketchup near her reach, and all the kids ate happily.

Now my daughter reminds me "Don't forget the ketchup."

As if I would.

But I think it's safe to point out, that if your child is a picky eater like my own, one way to encourage them to try new foods is to invite a friend over that already likes it. Having a playgroup is even better.

Try a picnic at a park, and each child is to bring one thing they like to eat (that is somewhat healthy) and one thing they do not want to try. You never know they might try it if other children are eating it, and sharing the new foods may introduce yourself to food you have never thought to give to you child in the first place.


Just 'food' for thought.

Easy Recipes For Kids: Trail Mix

You might remember when you were a child, how special you felt when you were included in adult activities. One activity that is often considered adult is cooking. Even many kids books offer some adult interaction that requires an adult to put the food in the oven or on the stove top. Personally, I never liked help, so for my recipes that I do with my children, I try to make them with as little adult interaction as possible.

The first recipe that I did with the playgroup went really well. We made trail mix but because my daughter is allergic to peanuts, we choose to use almonds and cashews instead. Here are the possible ingredients you can use for your own!

any type of nut
raisins or craisins
m&ms, Reese's pieces
dried fruit
marshmallows
sunflower seeds
popcorn
gold fish or animal (or other small tough) crackers
cheerios or other cereal
pretzels
gummy candy

Put each individual ingredient into a bowl, and let the children take a small baggie. Let them choose what they would like to put in it with the rule that they need to have 3-5 types (this way they might pick something new!).

Very easy and no parent help to do!

M.A.M.A.s Take on the parade!

This past Saturday, we went to our city's annual tortchlight parade. Last year I did not attempt to do this for a few reasons; I was pregnant, the parade runs until 11 pm, and the walk to the streets is long. This year, I decided to face my fears when my assistant organizer decided to post it for an event. I suppose it also helps that my husband was marching in the parade again this year (The first year we were in spokane he also marched in it.).

Thankfully another assistant's wonderful mother had the nerve to save spaces for us from early in the morning. With space saved there was no worrying over the kids getting bored too early. Just in case, I headed over to the dollar store beforehand to stock up on entertainment. Here is what I bought:

Glow sticks (to avoid the "Mommy I wants" on the mobile vendors)
Box of jumbo crayons
Activity coloring book
Stickers booklet
Snacks (okay; these were from walmart)

I also brought sunscreen, but thankfully we didn't need it.

I had unbelievable luck. The parade started at 7 :45 pm and my kid's bed time is 8:30 pm. Being the drive took 20 minutes, the parade does not end until 11pm, I knew the kids would miss bedtime. Lucky me, my middle child did not go to bed on time for nap, and slept from 5 pm to 6pm instead.

Boredom fighters worked like a charm. When the parade came, the kids had used everything, at least once. I was pleasantly surprised that my 2 yr old watched it. It made caring for my baby easier. Both the girls got dirty, but what can you expect?

So here is a local town idea you can use as an event for playgroups. You can check with parks and rec or city hall for any annual parades. Also check with your schools and universities. My high school has a homecoming parade every year.  Most parades are free to watch, and don't have to be costly otherwise.  I only spent $17 and actually didn't use all the glo sticks.

Take it to the Park!

It's obvious that one place any mother and child can meet other families is the community parks. When it comes to mothers group meeting at parks frequently, it can get a little boring. Adding interest into a park play date is not as hard as it may seem, in fact, it's easy!

The first thing you'll have to think about it what your parks have to offer. Do they have grassy areas? Sand areas? Water areas? Sometimes the amenities won't accommodate what you are hoping for, so make sure you include obstacles in your plan. After all, you can't fly a kite in a wooded park, and the temptation of a community splash pad at the park might distract your toddler from a planned craft.

I have a personal park kit for those times when park play dates seem to drag on. Here's what is in it:

Parachute and accessories
Bubbles
Pop up Tents

Picnic blanket, snacks, bottled water

Hula hoops
bug kits
sand toys

balls

buckets

We'll go into details later in the blog, but if there is something you want more details specifically on, just let me know in a comment.

The important things you want to know about parks:

1. They are public, and anyone can use them. You cannot force anyone to leave unless they are breaking the law.

2. If you did not reserve a space with parks and rec, you may be forced to leave the area of the park if someone else did.

3. Know what the weather is. I am really bad about this. I cannot express to anyone how important this is because it will save the last minute changes.

4. Also, know that no one can make you move if they don't have a written permit to use the space or have a badge that says they have the authority. Just keep in mind, because parks are a popular place for moms groups to meet. Consider this though: Instead of separating, try asking if they'd like to join you. After all, it is all about getting together to talk and play.  If you are lucky enough to schedule the same time and place then how about the more the merrier?!

May I introduce you to

There are plenty of times I will refer to one playgroup or an other. I belong to several playgroups. Usually the one I write about is http://www.spokanemamas.org/. I have been running this playgroup for over two years. It's gone through quite a bit, but I have to say I'm proud of it.

Right now, we have over 60 moms and over 100 kids. Not everyone is active, but we have a core of members that come at least once a month, some even come weekly. The group does not have a membership fee, as I am not ready to take on that responsibility just yet. We typically meet four-ten times a week.

Out of eveything the group does, my personal favorites are the playgroup activities. I am not a professional, but I teach Isty Bitsy Yoga and baby sign language classes (with the help of my assistant organizer who has experience in sign language). We also have a parachute, and I hope to one day also offer other activities too.

The most popular event is our stroller walks. It is such a simple activity, but it really fills the needs of moms and children alike. Our walks usually take place at the mall. Since most of our children are around stroller age, it suit all age ranges in the group. Moms stroll around chit-chatting, without having to worry about where their children are or what they are doing. Afterward we let them play in the play area or playground (if we are at a park.).

I love the fact that we constantly go to places within the city that are child-friendly. We've been to the children's museum, chuck e cheese, etc. With summer on its way, we'll be making time for pools and splashpads.

There is such a variety of events that we do, it would be impossible to name them all. From time to time, I will talk about these events, share some pictures, and talk about how well they are recieved. I think the thing that makes our group our own is we all have need to join together. It may be for different reasons, but those different reasons fills other member's need in turn. It's amazing how so many moms can come together. So if you are ever wondering what my group is like---well, now you know.

A Typical Playgroup before the Internet

I am dependent on the the Internet. I shop there, read there, socialize there, heck you could say that I live there. Quite frankly, the Internet saved my life from isolation through playgroups. Ironic, no? For those of you who are stay at home moms suffering from that same isolation but do not own a computer; all hope is not lost. Just because you don not have a computer does not mean you cannot part take in playgroups, and  I am going to tell you how.

The first playgroups before technology where preschools and church groups. Preschools developed for children under the age five, and typically met for a few hours in the mornings on a weekday. Parents did not normally attend, as staff supervise. Church groups are really a core family, and it is only natural for parents to gather on a weekly or monthly basis to celebrate childhood, and parenthood alike.

Today, you can find playgroups at libraries, rec centers, churches, even some hospitals. There are tons of them online. It might take a bit of searching, but they are out there. As a matter of fact, some are national! I can't give you exact details of all of them, but here are the largest most popular ones that I know-

MOPS- Mothers of Preschoolers is a christian-based mothers group, usually meets once a month but can meet in other patterns if the steering team chooses to do so. Usually, child care is provided,  the mothers share a breakfast, listen to a speaker and/or do a craft. MOPS is so popular and large that most divide into smaller discussion groups so it is easier to get to know your fellow members. MOPS does have a yearly fee, and you can find out more about them by visiting their website.

MOMS club- Moms offering Moms Support is another organization that is nation-wide. Activities vary group to group, and also have an annual fee. MOMS club is not affiliated with any religious backgrounds, however many members have strong religious beliefs.

Moms of Multiples- Moms of Multiples is pretty obvious. They're purpose is to support mothers who have twins, triplets, etc. Since I am not a mother of multiples myself (Although sometimes I feel like my oldest is the same age are her younger siblings depending on the day!), I cannot tell you much about this organization, but it's definitely popular with parents, because it was the first group I had ever heard of.

All of the these group started with little Internet involvement. Look what they have accomplished! So what if there are no chapters in your area? Where else do you look?

Libraries- most libraries have story times, which attract mothers and mall children. Same with bookstore. Start attending these and just ask the moms there if they would like to come to a playgroup. Some libraries even have playgroups already.

Hospitals- If you are a breastfeeding mom, there are usually breastfeeding support groups. voila.-- an other playgroup in the making.

Put out a want ad.. in community newsletters, the newspaper, where ever!

Check with local churches. Some may not even be affiliated with the church.

I have to say, from my experience the easiest way is the Internet, but I realize that for some, it is just not a possibility. There are options, you just have to get creative.

The Super Mom....and her crazy ideas

People refer to me as super mom. I find it quite funny, because to me super mom would have the dishes done every night ( Confession: Today's dishes are still in the sink and I have no plans to touch them tonight.) Most of those who have called me that are members of my playgroup. I run a mothers group in Spokane Valley, WA. As of today we have over 60 moms in the group, and have anywhere between 5-12 events per a week. (No, I do not attend them all. ) This alone is why people bestow the super title to me; but I would like to set the record straight. I'm just a mom, with a passion for playgroups.

 

Sometimes I think people think too much of what I do. Sometimes I feel that people think too little. Whatever your position is, I don't really care. I'm writing to share my passion with you. I've been running playgroups since May of 2006.  Despite its pitfalls, I love it. I have even considered having more children just to keep doing so. (Do not worry; I think three is plenty. )

I know there are resources out there to help playgroups leaders, but finding a good constant source of  ideas, support, and encouragement is hard, even online.  This is my purpose for this blog. I have been told if you are lucky enough to find your passion, share it with the world. Here it is world; enjoy!