The Playgroup Scene

I'm sure we've all heard HORROR stories about those groups of moms that take over Starbucks with their awful children, that are way too young to appreciate the simplicity and solitude of the Starbucks, and have quickly gone dashing out once we see them invading.

I am proud to say, I'm one of them.

I am a huge part of the playgroup scene. I love meeting other moms, having children for my kids to play with, and getting tons of new ideas for where to go and what to do on hot/rainy/snowy/boring afternoons.

I don't enjoy the cliques, the judgements or the policies. For this reason I'm usually the one who starts the groups, so I can run them fairly and MY WAY. I know many moms who do...and currently that's the clique I seem to belong to.  The moms that volunteer to run groups so they can set things up the way they think they should be. Typically all inclusive, welcoming, and FREE; but there are always exceptions, as there are with anything. Sadly most of these groups die within a few months, mostly because not everyone sees eye to eye. A lot of the time its because they're so busy enjoying the friendships they made that plans are made via text or Facebook.

If you had not had the joys of scheduled group meetings there are many ways to find these clubs. Via internet is my favorite, Yahoo used to be a huge place for it, also the hospitals where you gave birth. I've also enjoyed a few MOPS meetings in my time (Mothers of PreSchoolers), which is a Christian organization. Some are focused less on the Christianity and more on the momminess; those are the ones I enjoy most. Library story times seem to be a group of their own, although its difficult to find those select few mom/kid sets you enjoy spending quality time with; but if you are lucky....you'll find a true gem.

I greatly encourage new moms (or old moms or just moved moms) to find a playgroup. Its great a great way to find a potential mommy soul mate. You can bug them for advice, go over to THEIR house (instead of sitting in your own), enjoy company with another adult, and the naps at the end are most often the best the kiddos will ever take.

I'm in the moment considering a revamp of an old group I once ran... I'll post a link later if it comes to fruition. I'm currently really enjoying the moms I have already picked up in these groups. I've even been lucky enough to have found a soul mate or two.

MOPS      for those who may be interested.