How to Organize a Playgroup

Feeling lonely is common for parents, especially if you stay home with your kids. A playgroup gives you an instant circle of friendship and support for those difficult and joyful moments in parenting. Your community may already have playgroup options through a local community center or church. If you can't find a group that fits your needs, starting your own playgroup is an option. As the organizer, you get to decide the details of who, where and how often you meet for socialization for you and your kids.

Instructions

    • 1

      Clarify your goals and preferences for the group. Think about things such as the size of the group, the characteristics of the members and where you will meet. For example, decide if the group is for stay-at-home moms with preschool-aged children so that all members have something in common. Determine if you want to limit membership so the group doesn't become too large and difficult to manage.

    • 2

      Set up a private website or online group to use for coordinating events and to communicate with members.

    • 3

      Recruit members for your new playgroup. Start with parents you already know such as neighbors, friends, parents at preschool or parents you see regularly at events such as library story time. If you want to increase membership, check out local forums and blogs where parents post. Alternatively, post information on a community bulletin board. Consider screening unknown members by requiring them to attend a play date at a public venue before giving them access to private group information.

    • 4

      Enlist the help of at least one other member to organize and operate the playgroup as answering questions, enrolling new members and planning play dates takes time.

    • 5

      Schedule play dates for the upcoming month. Plan at least one event each week to get into the habit of meeting.

    • 6

      Vary the types of activities you plan so the group doesn't get bored. For example, meeting at a park each week gets old after awhile. Schedule some recurring events -- such as library story time or park play dates -- mixed with special events such as meeting at the zoo or going to an apple orchard. Ask for input from the members if you run out of activity ideas.

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