Does your toddler go to playgroups etc?
Printed From: OHbaby!
Category: General Chat
Forum Name: General Chat
Forum Description: For mums, dads, parents-to-be, grandparents, friends -- you name it! And you name the topic you want to chat about!
URL: https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=39918
Printed Date: 29 August 2025 at 12:18pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 11.10 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Does your toddler go to playgroups etc?
Posted By: Marshkellow
Subject: Does your toddler go to playgroups etc?
Date Posted: 15 July 2011 at 9:57pm
| I'm curious to know whether other stay at home mums regularly take their little ones to weekly playgroups, activities like music/swimming etc, or whether you just go to the park, etc, and don't really take them to set regular places each week? |
Replies:
Posted By: Kylie30
Date Posted: 15 July 2011 at 10:58pm
| Hi, I take our 13 month old daughter to swimming classes. We have been to one music class but I thought it was too dear for what it was. We have been to a couple of sessions of Toddler Time at our local library. We also have a playdate one afternoon a week with a friend who has a daughter 6 weeks younger than mine. I coach two dance teams at our local primary school so my daughter goes 'to school' 3-4 lunchtimes a week and sees older children (6-11years) which she seems to enjoy. I definitely notice when she starts to need a full day at home for once! |
Posted By: notenufchaos
Date Posted: 16 July 2011 at 7:12am
|
we go to a parent centre playgroup on a Monday morning, swimming on a Tuesday morning kindy playgroup on a Wednesday afternoon(to prepare my 3 year old for kindy) wont go any more as she starts kindy next term, plus we do music and movement on a thursday. next term i will take my younger daughter to playgroup on a Monday music on a Wednesday and both swimming on a thursday we also have regular catch ups with friends ------------- http://lilypie.com" rel="nofollow">  DD 1-25/05/2008 DD 2-2/2/2010 |
Posted By: Mum_mum
Date Posted: 16 July 2011 at 7:26am
|
We are a pretty busy lot too, coffee group monday, tuesday either kiddy gym or park depending on what I can be bothered doing and weather, swimming wednesday, errand and shopping day thursday and mainly music friday! Will have to change swimming day when this next one arrives though.
------------- http://lilypie.com">  http://lilypie.com">
 Angel baby - May 2008
|
Posted By: MamaT
Date Posted: 16 July 2011 at 8:17am
|
We do the library one day (stories and songs) and music and movement another day, we have a reserve at the end of the street so I take him there quite regularly and we go for a swim one day on the weekend usually too.
When the new term begins I will start taking him to Playcentre for two sessions a week too. He really enjoys it when we get out and do things together -------------  
|
Posted By: caliandjack
Date Posted: 16 July 2011 at 8:24am
|
I take my girl to the library wriggle and rhyme on Monday and SPACE of Friday, we have a regular coffee group on Tuesday we do the park and walks when the weather is good. ------------- http://lilypie.com" rel="nofollow">   [/url] Angel June 2012 |
Posted By: Delli
Date Posted: 16 July 2011 at 9:48am
|
I think I'm one of the odd ones out. I don't take my boys to any playgroups or playcentre etc. We do get together with family often - my sister has a boy the same age as Jude. But it's still common to have a week or more without visiting or visits. We sometimes go to the park and sometimes the swimming pool but not regularly. We live on a dairy farm though, so he does get outside pretty much everyday for a walk to the cowshed or to see the calves etc. When J is older I'll look at a preschool/kindy/creche for him. For now, I feel he gets enough socialisation and I don't crave other mums company. ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
|
Posted By: pudgy
Date Posted: 16 July 2011 at 11:15am
|
I tried couple of playgroups but found them cliquey. Tried Mainly Music but dd was only interested for a short while. Mostly we meet friends who have kids of all diferent ages or we go to the zoo or just stay at home. We have a park over the road from ho e that we go to all the time too.
Both of mine get unsettled if we are out too much. ------------- http://lilypie.com">  http://lilypie.com">
|
Posted By: Marshkellow
Date Posted: 16 July 2011 at 11:43am
| Gosh what a busy lot we are! People who say stay at home mums do nothing have it so wrong! I take my little girl to a big playgroup on Mondays, and to a different smaller one on Wed and/or Fri, and the rest of the time I take her to the park, shopping, etc. I feel quite guilty if I don't take her to playgroup sometimes but then sometimes I would just rather take her to the park or to an indoor kids playground. I figure so long as she is getting out and about and doing fun stuff then I shouldn't feel too bad. |
Posted By: yermasyada
Date Posted: 16 July 2011 at 1:00pm
|
We have 'Bells & Whistles' playgroup on a Wednesday and we're just about to start Jumping Beans on a Friday.
We also meet our awesome Auckland March Mums (2010) group once a week and I also try to take him swimming. If I'm stuck for something, I'll go to what ever's on at the Library. Basically we're out EVERY morning and spend afternoons at home 
|
Posted By: High9
Date Posted: 16 July 2011 at 1:05pm
|
We've just enrolled our DD in baby soccer. It'll be weekly on the weekends.
DD did attend playgroup but we recently pulled her out after going for a year. It was a tough decision as she really loved going but I was finding it hard to get there last term after having an operation and not being allowed to carry her. We also have quite a bit on during the week this term so that also affected it. We don't do swimming lessons yet, would like to but maybe in a years time. I think swimming is very important and we go swimming a fair bit but atm I don't feel Lily will benefit from it just yet. We often do trips to the park or go for walks a couple of times a week and sometimes on the weekend. We do quite a few activities at home but DD enjoys going out so we always squeeze that in too! We are thinking of going to story time at the library too as DD loves reading/being read to! I find it a bit hard to get out sometimes as DD sleeps in until 9am every day so with most things starting around 9-10am it gets a bit tricky! ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
|
Posted By: nannyabbey
Date Posted: 16 July 2011 at 2:38pm
| We run a mainly music on monday, go to a porse playgroup on tuesday, story time on wednesday (2 1/2yr old sits and listens, 1yr old goes for adventures here there and everywhere!), a different mainly music on thursday and a 'whatever' day on friday. Saturday is usually 'what does dad want to do' day and sunday is filled with church and people. Quite a busy week! our 1yr old is such an outdoor kid and loves to go go gooooo so its nice to get out and about! |
Posted By: Mum2ET
Date Posted: 16 July 2011 at 4:19pm
|
DD goes 5 half days to daycare so I just take her to swimming once a week and then she is about to start ballet class on a Sat morning. I am still trying to figure out what works for Tom- I am about to starting jumping beans with him and have coffee group once a week (M'Moo ------------- Mum to Ella (5) and Tom (2) |
) and have taken him to mainly music a couple of times but he isn't really that into it (prefers to just run around the room) and have tried a couple of playgroups but have yet to find a really good one (have got a couple of ones I want to try out next term). Also sometimes take him to Rhymetime at the library. Once it gets to summer will probably just spend most of our mornings at the playground/park/beach. Posted By: Richie
Date Posted: 16 July 2011 at 6:16pm
|
We don't really do anything to be honest. I work 4 days a week (9am-3pm Mon, Tues, Friday and 8.30-12.30 Sat). My Mum and Dad mind her at their place on the weekdays I work and she stays home with DF on Sat mornings. I just find a lot of the baby/toddler activities a bit cringeworthy. Took DD to a mainly music session a few weeks back and it was dreadful. I just couldn't get into it at all, all the OTT Mum's just did my head in lol. DD hated it as well, she couldn't get away from there fast enough. I often feel bad that we don't do any of the 'activities' but we play heaps at home and go for a 30mins walk with our dog everyday. Once a week DD and I will go to the cafe for a coffee and a fluffy and she loves that. My friend with a DD 2 months older often comes along (antenatal friend, don't really see the other ladies anymore, we are just all so different).
I don't think my DD 'suffers' due to lack of activities. Infact she is actually very intelligent and more independant than most kids her age, which is why I don't think she is into doing things for kids her age. She has far more fun helping out around the house, reading, doing puzzles (3yrs+) and helping feed/clean all our animals! lol Sorry - that was a bit of a ramble -------------  
|
Posted By: crafty1
Date Posted: 16 July 2011 at 6:50pm
|
We do playgroup Monday, often go to local farm/shops/cafe Tuesday, Wed is catch up with coffee group or Friends, Thursday we sometimes go to Mainly Music, Fridays is storytime at Library and cafe. That is our mornings and afternoons we chill at home or go to playground.
Sometimes we have mornings where we just go for walk or do gardening etc. The boys like to do something and i like to see other people too. ------------- http://lilypie.com">  
|
Posted By: millemama
Date Posted: 17 July 2011 at 9:44am
Lisajo, I'm with you on the cringe factor, lol. I applaud mums who give it a go, thats great, but its just not me and had to laugh at your mainly music experience, I can only imagine it would be the same for me DD and I prefer to chill out at home and listen to music on the radio, she loves to dance to that, me too as long as no-ones looking lol, we are just not a wiggles type of family! I do however do playgroup with her which is a lot more chilled out affair and enjoy getting out of the house, especially winter, and after giving it a go for a while have got to know some of the other mums. Otherwise we keep active at home, she helps me bake and garden etc so all is good and no way is the right way.------------- http://daisypath.com"> 
http://lilypie.com"> 
|
Posted By: Danda08
Date Posted: 17 July 2011 at 9:53am
|
We go to Bounce & Rhyme at the library on Tuesday's, Playcentre on Wednesday's and swimming lessons once/wk (the day changes depending on the term).
Once a fortnight we have an antenatal catchup and the alternate fortnight I catch up with another friend with a bub. On the other days we just have impromptu outings/visitors. But my girls nap times at the mo mean it's hard to get to activities and I have to wake them for B&R which I hate doing but they love it so much it's worth it. ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
|
Posted By: AandCsmum
Date Posted: 17 July 2011 at 1:36pm
|
We try to do an activity most days of the week, we've got 3 days definitely set down. A church run playgroup Tues, School based playgroup weds, & a church (different one) run on a thursday. I also need down time on either a monday or friday so we tend to muck around at home.
I'm one of those OTT mums now, that gets up & dances & joins in with the kids. I find that is the best way to get them to interact & they love it, otherwise my boy tends to think everyone is a little bit weird. I never used to do it but I also decided that instead of sitting on my butt I'd see it as some form of exercise & at the moment a way to warm up!! ------------- Kel http://lilypie.com"> 
A = 01.02.04 & C = 16.01.09 & G = 30.03.12 |
Posted By: Kalimirella
Date Posted: 17 July 2011 at 7:52pm
|
Not at the moment but next term I intend to enroll her at playcentre and maybe start going into the thingie at the library (I think its wriggle and rhyme but not sure) which is on a different day to playcentre.
I'm just really not a morning person and everything round here seems to be in the mornings :( ------------- Kiara is 3 and Teagan is 2, now we're expecting our long awaited 3rd! http://lilypie.com" rel="nofollow"> 
|
Posted By: Whateversville
Date Posted: 18 July 2011 at 7:04am
|
At the moment we only do mainly music. I hate it and DS seems less then interested but I felt bad for not doing anything. We usually just meet up with friends etc. I do want to start taking him to playgroup tho
When we're home we just do whatever, paint, draw, play outside. He is quite an independent lil guy and likes playing on his own sometimes. |
Posted By: HoneybunsMa
Date Posted: 19 July 2011 at 4:28pm
|
We were doing My Gym on Mon and Weds but that will change to just Wed when the new term starts and we do a playgroup on Thurs. Sometimes I will take her swimming or to the park depending on weather. We have playgrounds in the bunnings and the chinese markets so if I need an indoor playground I can go there. Otherwise sometimes its chipmunks. Our playgroup is on hold over the school holidays but we have decided to go to one of the girls houses anyway lol. We were doing that anyway but one of the other girls is joining us. Our playgroup is only 4of us so its small and we treat it more like coffee group lol ------------- http://www.myfitnesspal.com/weight-loss-ticker"> 
|
Posted By: 1st_Time_Preggies
Date Posted: 19 July 2011 at 8:26pm
| We try to get out every day, as much for him as my sanity :-) We meet up with other mums at least once a week, go to parks, the playground at the mall etc, but am currently trying to find some sort of playgroup/mainly music activity as well. I find it quite hard to go along to those things and talk to people! |
Posted By: BabyNo2Time
Date Posted: 19 July 2011 at 8:55pm
|
We do a wee bit during the week. SPACE group at the Playcentre on a Monday arvo, errands etc on Wed, swimming Thursday and Music & Movement and coffee group on Friday. Just enuf really. Still enjoying it and as I work 3 mornings a week too. The days certainly fly by. ------------- Up the Duff with #2. DS turns 3 in July. http://www.fertilityfriend.com/home/293b14" rel="nofollow - My Ovulation Chart |
Posted By: My3Sons
Date Posted: 20 July 2011 at 8:06am
|
same here lol!! ------------- Mum to Mr 10, Mr 6 and Mr 4 
 
|
1st_Time_Preggies wrote:
Posted By: TheKelly
Date Posted: 21 July 2011 at 7:54pm
|
We have playgroup on tues,Mainly music on Weds,Coffee group on thurs and Monday and Friday,weather permitting I try to take them to the park or something.
I like to keep busy,for one thing,I find the day goes quicker,and for another,he gets cabin fever if hes cooped up at home all week,hes been sick the last few weeks so hasn't been to his usual activities and I really notice a difference between the weeks he goes,and the weeks he doesn't. The weeks he goes,hes a lot more settled and relaxed at home,the weeks he doesn't,he is bored and restless. And thats with me doing lots of games and activities with him ------------- 
http://lilypie.com"> 
|
Posted By: tiptoes
Date Posted: 24 July 2011 at 1:25pm
|
I like to get out most mornings too. Monday's I catch up with friends, Tuesday is playcentre, Thursday playgroup, then Wed/Fri either catch up with friends or there's another playgroup if I feel like it on Wednesday or playcentre on Friday. So usually 2-3 playgroup type things and then 2-3 friend catchups at either mine or their places or the park or wherever. Then afternoons we usually chill out at home, go for a walk, maybe go to the shops or things like that.
I'm dropping playcentre this term and thinking of giving mainly music another go. DS didn't really get into it when we went in the first term of this year and just wanted to cling to me, so we switched to playcentre but I find the 3 hr session is too long for me and him. Not sure what we'll do once the new baby arrives though. Probably not a lot for the first 6 weeks or so, then maybe 1-2 playgroups and some catchups with friends. ------------- http://alterna-tickers.com">  
|
Posted By: BessieBear
Date Posted: 25 July 2011 at 3:35pm
|
We ussed to have Anti natal coffee group, but that fizzled out at the start of the year. But other than that we dont' do alot. We shop alot and we'll stop at the differnert ride on's around the place. LOL I take them to the park when its fine and we're not doing anything else. We did go to a manly music seesion the other day and it was fun, 20 minutes of music and dancing then a sit down for something to eat (all provided) for 10 minutes or so then they got to play for 20 minutes on bouncy castles and stuff. All for $3 per child a session. So we might start that next term. ------------- Sarah Mum to, Boy 07/2008, Girl 03/2010, Boy 05/2012, Angel 07/08/2014
|
Posted By: JennBowman
Date Posted: 26 July 2011 at 2:24pm
|
Has anyone tried the Baby Gym's etc? Thougt that might be interesting... Ava is not into the Mainly Music and too big for wriggle and rhyme, too cold for swimming and playcentre was too cliquey.... so that was going to be my next thought? Anyone found anything reasonably priced??
|