How to Start a Play Group for Kids

Being a mom is filled with lots of wonderful adventures! It is extra fun when you have a play-group for your kids to play with AND a group of moms that you can talk diapers and discipline with! If you want to start your own play group/moms group of your own, it is pretty easy to do and the rewards for both yourself and your kids are endless!

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Flyers you create
• A list of ideas and outings
• A meeting place
• Calendar

1. 
    

   First start by writing down a list of what you want to get out of the group, how often you'd like to meet, where you can meet, what times you are available, and what ages the children should be. You should try to match the age group of your children. If someone is interested in your play group has a four year old but your child is 18 months old, that won't work out too well. Try to keep the kids ages within a year or two of each other.

2. 
    

   Using your list, create a flyer that states a new play group/moms group is forming, what age group it is geared for, how often you will be meeting, and a way to contact you. I would recommend putting an email or a cell phone number on your flyer. Then, put the flyers out where moms are! Post them on mailboxes, at a local park, or around your neighborhood anywhere you can! Keep some in your purse or diaper bag to invite moms you might meet in your weekly outings.

3. 
    

   When moms call or email you, ask the ages of the children, when they are available, (to see if it fits into your schedule) and if they are willing to help spread the word, or bring some kids snacks to the first meeting. Also ask them if they have ideas for a meeting place or field trips.

4. 
    

   Arrange your first meeting and coordinate snacks for both kids and moms if desired. Talk about rules of the group and sick kid policy. Get permission from all the moms to create a contact list with phone numbers and emails. Hand it out at your next meeting. Before you leave, arrange the next meeting time and place.
   
   Have fun!

Tips & Warnings

• The play group gets too crazy if it is big, so try to keep it to about 10 kids or less.
• At your first meeting, state some ground rules, like not letting the kids get unruly or bully each other.
• Discuss a sick kid policy.
• Brainstorm ideas for field trips to the zoo or library.
• After moms get to know each other, have a moms night out once a month.
• For your first meeting, meet at a local park or public place, then once you get to know each other, you can meet at each other's homes.

[ljbinkop]

on 2/3/2009 Well written and thought out article. Good job. My kids are beyond this now, but I miss it still!

[beachmom]

on 2/3/2009 I used to love play groups when I was at home with my children. Now I work full-time... Excellent article!

[darlenemichaud]

on 2/2/2009 If I only had grandkids I'd do this! *****

[healthymomof5]

on 2/2/2009 Great article!5*