Many new moms feel isolated at home with young children and need to find someone for their children to play with and someone they can socialize with, too. Mommy and Me types of groups fit the bill by providing good socialization opportunities for children and a support system for mothers. Mother and child companionship can be found through commercial, private, public and neighborhood groups. Websites such as MommyandMe.com can help you locate a local group by zip code.
Commercial Groups
Look around and you'll find many storefront operations that offer classes for young children and their moms at shopping centers and malls across the country. The Little Gym, My Gym and Gymboree are just a few of the franchises that provide classes for young children that involve age-appropriate gymnastics, games and songs. Moms can enjoy the time spent with their children and find other adults who are happy to listen to and commiserate with their stories about diapers, potty training and tantrums. However, the classes come at a price that some moms may be reluctant to pay.
Religious Groups
If you're looking for a cheaper alternative, see what your local church, synagogue or temple has to offer. Many religious groups sponsor Mommy and Me get-togethers on a weekly basis, and some are open to anyone who wants to join. These groups may be free or have a token fee. Sometimes parents alternate bringing snacks or take turns running the meetings by coming up with games and activities. Depending on the nature of the group, this may also be a child-friendly way of introducing religion to your child through prayers, songs and readings at the group.
Public Groups
Parks and libraries are another good place to look for Mommy and Me groups. Go to your city or county website or pick up a catalog of classes your local government offers. Ask at your local library. They often have activities for young children that also get moms involved. Again, these may be a less expensive option than the commercially-sponsored groups.
National and International Groups
Mothers of Preschoolers, also known as MOPS, is an international group that sponsors activities for moms and youngsters around the world. The MOPS website can help you find a local group or start one of your own. There are even special groups for military MOPS. Moms Meet-up Groups is another international organization whose website can help you find moms to meet up with in your local area.
Neighborhood Groups
Ask around in your neighborhood to see if there are any moms who get together regularly for play groups. These groups can be as informal or formal as the group wants to make it. Some moms may just take turns serving coffee and milk at their homes. Other groups arrange outings and run babysitting exchanges. If you have a homeowner's association in your neighborhood, check with the leaders to see if there's an established Mommy and Me group. If they don't know, just strike up a conversation with any mom pushing a stroller by your house to see what's going on. If you can't find a group already in progress, get a few friends with young children and start your own. Then, you and your children can play by any rules you establish.
