When Joining a Playgroup

1. Be Committed. When joining a playgroup, please attend as often as possible. We suggest not missing more than 1 or 2 playgroups a month. Allow the children to associate the day as 'Playgroup Day' as you will soon find out that they will look forward to playing with their friends on that day. Since most playgroups take place on the same day of the week we suggest that you schedule other appointments around this day so you don't run into any challenges while trying to attend.

2. Volunteer. Help recruit members to your group. Use the “Invite a Friend” function and invite all your friends in your address book to join your new playgroup. Also, ask them to please pass on your email to anyone they would like to invite or might think may be interested. Your Group Leader will be happy to work together on this.

3. Get involved. Help the playgroup by volunteering to host the group and choose the theme, location and provide snacks, if desired. Whether your playgroup meets in a public places or in the homes, your Group Leader and members will appreciate your participation. A successful playgroup depends on the effort of its members.

4. Make Suggestions. Suggest ideas for adding activities for the kids to participate in during playgroup. Ideas typically include arts and crafts, themes with story time, games or planning for popular area field trips. (See our Activity ideas section). By making this effort you may find other parents doing the same. This is a great way to share ideas, promote educational activities, and create fun for the kids - all at the same time.

5. Reach Out. Introduce yourself to as many members as you can. Remember, we all have a lot in common by being new parents. Once you begin to get to know the other parents you will be surprised on how easy conversations will flow and how much in common you have with other parents in the playgroup.

6. Keep it Civil. Be cautious and mindful about opinions shared by others and only take advice from professionals. Conversation among group members should be friendly and non-intrusive and never hurtful. If you experience or witness something that you feel needs attention, bring it up with your group leader or contact us for some help.

Playgroup Etiquette

1. Use the Playgroup Calendar to communicate - especially when it comes to RSVP'ing for the weekly playgroup. Let members know if you will be there’ or ‘can’t make it’. This will keep the playgroup going strong and help the host plan for the event. As a reward for your commitment, Playgroups USA will award you a star on your profile for every playgroup you attend!

2. If your child is not feeling well, skip the playgroup until the following week or when he/she is feeling better. Many parents are understandably concerned about little ones catching colds from others and they won't appreciate the unnecessary spreading of germs.

3. If your child is misbehaving, don’t ignore the bad behavior. Give the proper warnings and leave the playgroup if your warnings are not heeded. Join up with playgroup next week and try again.

4. Keep in mind that playgroup is for both children and their parents/caregiver. Don’t use the playgroup as a babysitting service as your attendance is essential. Watch your child very closely while having a nice conversation with a member.

5. Help clean up after playgroup. You can also use clean up as a time to encourage your child to help.