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Playgroups are for babies too!
Bub Hub E-Newsletter, February 2005, Issue 32 - Article 3
| Parenting is a challenging and rewarding role as anyone with a young child will verify. However the wonder and joy that a new baby may bring to many families can often increase the feeling of isolation for first-time parents. As family lifestyles have changed dramatically in the last few generations often the 'traditional' family support bases have also changed or may not be as accessible as the first-time parents may need. Grandparents, friends or relatives may not live close by, or they may themselves still be active in the workforce and therefore unable to assist the new parents. The times of 'village' style communities are more a distant memory or something from the pages of history book than a reality for most first-time parents bringing up their children in the suburbs or towns of Australia in 2005. |
Even with the 'best child in the world' everyone needs to be able to access support and resources to enhance the parenting experience.
Playgroups can provide these resources, with support being found among others sharing similar experiences. Playgroup is an informal session where parents, carers and children aged under five, (and that means babies too), meet together in a relaxed environment.
They are organised and run by parents and carers, with children choosing from a range of activities set up to meet their varying needs. Activities at Playgroup may include:
In a Playgroup, parents and carers stay to interact with the other adults and to play with the children, thus providing an important time for the child and parent to play together. This regular weekly activity also allows the adults |
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to mix and share with other parents of children at similar stages and development. Many long term friendships have been established at Playgroup sessions for both adult and child. |
It is universally accepted that a child's first five years are important ones. Play is recognised as being very valuable in the learning process and developmental stages of a child.
Free play and access to a variety of activities like indoor and outdoor play, messy play, music, painting and playdough all assist in developing a child's physical, intellectual and social skills. Playgroup provides useful structure and resources to facilitate this positive play experiences for both the parent and the child.
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Playgroup can be held anywhere that is safe for children and where groups of people can meet - community and neighbourhood centres, health clinics, women's centres, preschools and kindergartens, church halls and even in someone's house. Each State and Territory in Australia has a Playgroup Association that is committed to providing quality play experiences for families with young children. |
Membership to the Playgroup Association ensures access to a variety of resources including activity ideas, insurance, regular magazine or newsletters, special events, craft resources through Playgroup Shop, access to discounted tickets to children’s concerts just to name a few. Visit the Playgroup website for more detailed information about the benefits of membership to your local State or Territory Playgroup Association at www.playgroupaustralia.com.au.
Your local Playgroup is just a phone call away, to locate your nearest Playgroup contact Freecall 1800 171 882.
| This article was kindly provided by Playgroup Queensland ph: Freecall 1800 171 882 |
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