Playdates are a good way for babies and moms to socialize. When they're younger, they seem to be more for the mamas but that's "Ok!" in my opinion. Mamas need to get dressed, put a tad bit o' makeup on, and get some fresh air to feel as normal as we can so that we CAN be good mamas at home.
If you're in the SE Michigan area, the Beaumont Hospitals offer a really great parenting program. They group you with other parents and babies similar in age that meet either in the mornings (mostly stay-at-home mamas) or in the evenings (where I hear daddies come too). They even provide you with a group facilitator that will schedule speakers and events for you. I like that you not only get to ask your peers for advice but you get real professionals too. Even though our group officially ended, we still meet up and really enjoy it. We've become friends and so have our babies!
And call me crazy, it seems like our bootiful bebes really "learn" from each other too. They start doing things you've never seen them do while at home!
Here are a few guidelines to follow to have a successful playdate:
- Find a time that works best for everyone, especially the babies. Don't schedule something during their routine naptime.
- Outings shouldn't be day-long events. I'm sure every baby is different so use your discretion and do what's best for your babe. Isabella does best with a 2-3 hr maximum (coincidentally, the maximum amount of time she can stay up before turning into the Hulk!).
- Sick babies and/or mamas need not spread their germs. No one likes a cranky baby--especially if it's your own! As much as you want to get out of the house, if your little one has the sniffles, you should stay home. [or, my secret trick is to go to the mall/grocery store/park instead for some fresh air]
- Rotate meeting at each others' homes, parks, and public areas. It's nice to change things up and change the scenery. Today, a few of Isabella's friends are meeting up at Pottery Barn Kids for a Sing Along concert! [unfortunately, my sleeping beauty reached her 2 hr maximum. after her nap, we hope to join them]
If you have other "rules" you like to follow, share them!
When the babies are under 2, I like to pick small play areas to gather. Like a gymboree play area vs. Jungle Java. That way you don't have to spend the entire time following your baby around because you're afraid them might get scared or lost. (Small play areas also allow you to socialize with the other mom's a lot easier too.) We use to live in a college town where we had early childhood development experts lead small groups for parents and babies. They would set up little stations that were just perfect for the babies to explore using all of their senses. This was very much enjoyed by both my boys!
ReplyDeleteAnother great gathering place that I enjoy, libraries. They often have story times for all different age groups. I know that our library has story times divided up into groups the youngest starting from 12-24 months, all the way up to 4th grade. The nice thing is, starting with age four they encourage them to go into the story time room on their own with only their peers and the story time leader. This allows for mom and any other younger siblings to hang out and explore the library without any big siblings interruptions.
And Isabella, your smile makes me smile! I loooove those two teeth!! :)
Those are some great ideas, Hope. Thanks! We also frequent the library and do our best to go when we sign up. But my sleeping beauty is just unpredictable sometimes and I hate seeing her as the Hulk.
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