I started sending my son to a playgroup when he was 18 months old. It was a once a week affair. We sent him to Gymboree in Bangsar Village. He had shown some steps of development after a few weeks. But he was still very clingy. The good thing was, we, parents, were required to be with him the whole time the playgroup was going on.
Bangsar was quite far from where we stay. So we didn’t go regularly. And when we learned there was a playgroup nearby (10 minute-drive), we decided to transfer him there. This playgroup was different because it’s not structured. It depends what activity the child wanted to do that day. And this was a lot cheaper compared to Gymboree. It’s called Sonshine Playgroup. This was a church-based playgroup and they wanted to reach out to mothers.
I liked it… it taught the kids some life practical things. But we had to stop coz we went back to the Philippines for 6 weeks and by the time we came back to Malaysia, it was time to send him to school.
What are the benefits of a playgroup? I have gathered some answers from moms who believe in sending their kids to playgroup.
1. It’s good for socialization.
2. They can go out, have an energy outlet
3. They get to learn social interaction, and assuming there is proper adult attention there – if they act out of place, which is only normal for toddlers, then you can correct them, and show them a better way of handling whatever situation they just encountered. its all about social skills, basically though.
4. Not to mention that intelligence ricoches from child to child. what one has not learned yet, will be easier to learn when they see someone else their own age doing; because it will be more relateable. and vice versa. just like with moms too though -
5. They have something to look forward to each week.
6. A mother also can be benefitted by making new mommy friends and can have mommy to mommy conversation. (This is my favorite). if our children play together, and we are also interacting – then what i know that you don’t, i can share with you. and what you know, that i don’t – you can share with me.
I believe there are still a lot of benefits I miss. I sure would love to hear from you if you have one that’s not in here yet.
We are planning to send our second child who is turning 18 months old in two months time. I am excited for that. It’s something to look forward to.
Also, you might be interested in these articles:
When Do We Start Potty Training
On Disciplining a Child
RBW – Enhance Your Baby’s Brain Development
by: janet
