As we start to windup our information about playgroups, I thought that it would be helpful to give you a give you some final advice about facilitating a playgroup in your community.
Being a playgroup leader can seem like a daunting task. How do you get parents to connect whose only commonality is the fact that they are parents of similar age kids?
Our identities are varied and rich. Being a parent is only one part of that but it is a powerful part and it brings powerful opinions. Attachment, Tiger, Helicopter, No Vaxx, Slow Vaxx, Time out, Cry it out, Cosleeping, SAHM, WAHM, WOHM, SAHD – All of these are potential land mines for a group of parents. So how do you bring them together?
For some communities it makes sense to connect parents who have common interests or who already have a connection to each other. Playgroups can help parents connect and meet one another.
Regardless of how playgroups are formed it is important to set some standards for facilitating and leading these groups. Ice breakers, Ground rules, Community Guidelines, and Storytelling are all powerful methods for connecting moms and establishing expectations for respect and acceptance.
Playgroup leaders can play a powerful role in modeling respect and creating an atmosphere that feels accepting and open:
Purposefully draw people into conversations. Make an effort to get to know the people in your playgroup. Help them make connections if you know that they have something in common.
Be aware of the language that you use. Are you indicating that you assume everyone in the group is breastfeeding or that breastfeeding is the standard? Actively be aware of and support the varied choices of the members of your playgroup. Realize where you may be making judgments and work to put them aside.
How many of us thought that we knew exactly what kind of parent we were going to be before we had kids? How right were we? Being a parent is a humbling experience and we will continue to think that we “know” how we will handle the next step, but we will continue to be humbled by the complexity of our children. If nothing else we all have that in common.
Have you thought about becoming a group leader and starting your own parents group? It’s easier than you may think and I’d love to give you some tips! Keep an eye out for my blog and I’d be happy to answer any questions you may have.
Chat with other group leaders on the Parent Community Leader Group.
*Original content courtesy of Parents Club On Board
What did you learn from your community when you formed your playgroup?
