SAHM Key to Survival – Create a Playgroup

We’ve heard from the working mom team about how they do it. So I thought I’d tap into the stay-at-home mom’s world and how we survive. In my opinion, one of the first things you need to do once you get your baby on somewhat of a schedule, is to establish your playgroup. These women will be your closest friends when it comes to mommyhood. When I first stayed home with my oldest child, I struggled a little in finding my niche. I had a few friends who had children already at home, but they were at least a year older. And I quickly learned the hard way that you need to find moms with children your child’s age, or it just won’t work well. I knew I had to start my own playgroup – for me, my daughter and my sanity!

So I packed up my diaper bag and off I went to every activity Charlotte had to offer. I went to Gymboree, Music Together, Kindermusik, My Gym, Little Gym, you name it, I was there. My first class at Gymboree introduced me to two of my closest mommy friends to date. I also made a point to power walk in my neighborhood and stopped other moms who were exercising and exchanged phone numbers. Neighborhood playgroups are wonderful because it’s so convenient for all members. Then I ventured off into these other classes and found even more moms. I found some at the Y, found some at the mall, at mom’s groups (Charlotte Mommies, CMOM’s, etc) – as you can probably tell, I’m not afraid to approach anyone and strike up a conversation! I was fortunate enough that when my oldest started preschool, there were 6 of us who were on the same baby track. So our numbers 2 and some 3’s are now in the same preschool class – which works out nicely.

The women you meet in your playgroups will become your support throughout your child-rearing years. You and your children will grow together and it’s such a beautiful thing. One thing I must mention and this will not apply until January when you are shopping for preschools. But once you are in a playgroup, you all will be pretty much on similar schedules with babies under 1 year old. But as you enter the preschool years, it is critical that you plan your school schedule similar to that of your closest friends. And if you can, even those with children the same gender. I know it sounds crazy but it will pay off as your kids get older. We are in that predicament right now with our twins playgroup. All but one of us got into a M/W/F program. She is currently on the waiting list and we’re all keeping our fingers crossed!

Please share any stories you have with your playgroups. We’d love to hear them!