Nothing to do? Try GoCityKids!

I come from a small town. I know what it is like to have 'nothing going on'. When I married my husband we lived in a metroarea, and it is extremely frustrating to me to hear these city folk complain that there is never anything to do.....

Alright, I've been living in metro areas for almost seven years now, and yes, sometimes it is difficult. If you look though, you'll find something. Whether you want to do the searching or not, is up to you.

If you are lucky enough to live in a metro area there should be plenty of sources online to find activites. One of these is http://www.gocitykids.com/ I'm very jealous that my current city is not listed here, but it does cover larger cities, so if you are lucky enough to live in one of these cities, you'll find plenty of stuff to do!

What is your favorite site for finding local events?

The Playgroup Handbook

One of the books I purchased when I first started running playgroups is The Playgroup Handbook by Laura Peabody Broad, and Nancy Towner Butterworth. My first impression of this book was very unsatisfied. The book focused mainly on activities for the children between the ages of 2-6. I suppose had I looked at the cover I would have relized this, but because this book is not usually in surplus in book stores, I purchased it online. I suppose I was just lazy cuase I didn't notice.

When I firt bought the book, I had one child; still crawling. The activites did not suit her at all. So this book got lost in the sea of books I own.

But I gave it a second chance, and I'm glad I did. I have recieved plenty of advice for activities from this book. It is formatted for seasons, so it's handy when you are coming up with new activites that need to be weather-friendly.

My favorite is still Carren's Book. I have used this book more now my children are older. Trust me, as the old saying goes; Children grow up fast. You'll want this book in now time.

Stay at Home Mom's Guide to Playgroups

As much as I would like to share my secrets of succesful organizing, I have an ugly shelfish side. I really do NOT want to share this book with anyone. I cannot tell you how many times I've opened this book.... ok, ok. Enough taunting.

Anyone who even thinks about setting up a playgroup needs The Ultamite Stay At Home Mom's Guide to Playgroups by Carren Joye. It's just a no-brainer. If you look at all the Mom's groups books in bookstores, you'll find very few: this is the best choice.
The other books do not cover the organizing side of playgroups as well. Plain and Simple. You can find many books on activities for children under kindergarten age it's ridiculous. Many 'playgroup' books take these ideas, throw them together, and call it by that name. It may breifly talk about running groups, or whatnot, but it does not go into details. Carren's book is the most detailed book out there.

However; I do have complaints. It doesn't really touch enough on drama. Perhaps that is because Carren's playgroups never reached the multitude that online playgroups are. Perhaps, I and my fellow organizers that I've met so far, are just drama-mamas.

Nevertheless, it's a good jumping off book. I just hope that you still have questions afterward to relay to me!