Updated: Feb. 8, 2021
Originally Published: March 9, 2012
Transitioning to suburban life prompted me to join my local MOMS Club International chapter. For a nominal annual fee of $25, fellow mothers in my community are expected to extend invitations to my child and me for gatherings, storytime, festive celebrations, and weekly playgroups. It’s one of the few clubs where breastfeeding mid-discussion is perfectly acceptable—perhaps only rivaled by adult entertainment venues.
Related: How to Distinguish Between Play Fighting and Actual Fighting
The highlight of my MOMS Club experience is undoubtedly the weekly playgroups, organized by birth year. My son is part of the 2013 cohort. Typically, we see a decent turnout of 6 to 7 mothers, plus an equal number of children—resulting in over a dozen participants within a single room. And let’s face it, these aren’t just ordinary attendees; they are toddlers!
Until recently, I successfully avoided hosting a playgroup. Despite the overwhelming guilt that comes with motherhood, I was apprehensive. What if a child got hurt? What if someone had an allergy to our dog? What if nobody showed up? What if everyone did? And what if chaos erupted, leading me to exclaim, “I can’t stand this! I dislike all of you!”?
Ultimately, guilt won out, and I agreed to host a playgroup. Surprisingly, I survived to share my experience. I might even claim I excelled at it. There were minimal injuries, and the carpet remained free of any unpleasant stains. So, in the spirit of assisting fellow mothers, I present to you:
Hosting a Playgroup or Managing a Children’s Encounter in 10 Easy Steps
- Prepare Snacks. Stock up on treats. If the children are occupied with cookies, the mothers may overlook the fact that your home resembles a chaotic toy store.
- Recruit Your Partner. Have your spouse assist in masking the traces of your child’s presence: clean the highchair of oatmeal, the floor of spilled milk, the walls of any mishaps, and any remnants of your previous adult activities.
- Brew Coffee. A fresh pot of coffee can effectively neutralize any lingering odors from the Diaper Genie.
- Conceal Stuffed Animals. Remove all plush toys—referred to in our household as “the dust collectors.”
- Post a Note on the Door. Direct guests to the designated play area while assuring them that the barking dog is confined to another room. An alternative message could be: “Interested in robbing my home? Act quickly!”
- Greet Your Guests. Welcome them warmly and immediately offer cookies. Casually suggest whiskey in a mug—”just kidding”—but perhaps not entirely.
- Observe the Children. Watch as the kids flock to the play station. Witness the chaos as they swing instruments, inadvertently turning on each other. Expect hair-pulling, cheek-scratching, Cheerios theft, and the inevitable tears. Just take a moment to watch; this is the way of the world.
- End the Gathering. Politely usher everyone out when the time comes.
- Check on Your Child. Retrieve your disoriented little one from a heap of toys and settle him for nap time, pondering why he’s sticky, missing a tuft of hair, or clutching a foreign tooth.
- Dispose of Toys. Gather all toys outdoors, spray them with disinfectant, and consider a ceremonial bonfire.
Congratulations! If you’ve adhered to these steps, you’ve successfully hosted a playgroup and/or a miniature brawl! Prepare for the likelihood of catching a cold or some form of contagion within the next few days. For more insights on parenting, visit CDC’s Pregnancy Resource, which provides valuable information on pregnancy and home insemination. Additionally, if you’re interested in enhancing your fertility journey, check out boost fertility supplements for guidance. And for a home insemination kit, explore CryoBaby’s Combo Kit.
Summary
Hosting a playgroup can seem daunting, but with the right preparation—such as snacks, cleaning, and a welcoming atmosphere—you can create a successful gathering for mothers and their children. Embrace the chaos, and don’t forget to take care of yourself in the process.
Keyphrase: Hosting a playgroup
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