Playgroups

Many new members have sought out the Pleasanton Mothers Club solely as a resource for playgroups. And, why not! Playgroups provide socialization for the children and some much needed socializing and support for the moms. A Playgroup Sign-Up and Information Form is included in our Membership/Playgroup Form [.doc 39kb]. Contact our Playgroup Coordinators for more info.

Playgroup Information & Guidelines

The role of the Playgroup Coordinator is the placement of members in groups of five to six moms, with children within a six to nine months age range and with similar family groupings whenever possible. Other duties include: monitoring and facilitating each group's development and success, starting new groups as needed, placing new members, and being available for any club member to consult on changes or problems within a playgroup and helping them to reach a satisfactory resolution.

1. PURPOSE - Playgroups usually meet weekly at a designated time and place, for the purpose of providing socialization for the children and some much-needed socialization for the moms.

2. PLACES TO MEET - A playgroup outing may be as simple as meeting at a nearby playground or as ambitious as an adventure to the zoo with a picnic lunch. Other suggestions include visiting the beach, pool or lake; taking a nature hike; walking/jogging with strollers; visiting County and State parks; or hanging out in your own backyard.

3. COMMITMENT - If a playgroup is going to be successful, each member must be committed to it. Regular attendance is essential in order for there to be a group. Playgroups are an important facet of the Pleasanton Mothers Club. Therefore, commitment also includes being a paid member of the club.

4. PLAYGROUP RULES - We suggest that each playgroup determine a set of ground roles for themselves. It may be a good idea for the moms to get together one evening without the children to accomplish this. They should anticipate problems that may occur and how they will handle them when they do. Some problem behaviors they can expect are fighting, grabbing, hitting or biting. It would be helpful to discuss parenting styles, discipline, parent intervention, health issues, or any other issue you think may arise in the group situation. The goa1 here is to have an open discussion, without judgment, so the group as a whole can make some decisions about how problem situations will be handled before they occur.

5. COURTESY - Another important discussion to have is on the subject of courtesy. A few examples include:

• Not attending playgroup when a mom or child is ill.
• Direct communication between members. Refraining from gossip.
• Being a courteous guest when meeting in someone's home.
• Letting someone know when you cannot attend.

6. PLAYGROUP REPRESENTATIVE - It is suggested that each member of the playgroup take a six-month term being the Representative. She acts as the contact person for the group, passing along or collecting information from other members. For example, picking up newsletters for members not in attendance at the General Meeting, helping a new member feel welcome in the group, or informing members of a change in the meeting schedule.

7. REFRESHMENTS FOR MONTHLY GENERAL MEETINGS - The playgroups are on a monthly rotation for greeting new members and providing refreshments at the General Meeting. The rotation is posted in the monthly newsletter.

Each playgroup will develop its own personality and style. It will change as the children grow, members get to know each other better, and new moms are added. No one hand-selects the other members of their group. Everyone is placed in a group by the Coordinator according to the children's ages. If all personalities don't immediately blend, stick with it for at least 3-4 meetings. You will be teaching your children, by example, how to get along with all kinds of people. As with all facets of the Club, your playgroup experience will depend on what you put into it. At times, new groups must be started and may be small at first. Please be patient and hang in there while your group grows.

Even with the best of preparations, problems or misunderstandings can arise. If this happens, it can be helpful to look upon them as a group or a "we" problem rather than that of a particular mom or child. In this way, solutions can be found without anyone feeling overburdened or picked on.

Remember the main purpose of the playgroup and the Club is to provide moms with support and to have fun together! There is some work involved in the beginning but it will be worth it in the long run. After a short adjustment period, members are usually happy with their playgroups. If you have any problems, questions, or suggestions, feel free to contact the PMC Playgroup Coordinators.