Playgroup Disasters

Tumbling tots that can play the drums, do the backstroke, paint a mural, strike a yoga pose, and even play soccer at the tender age of two. Can your tot do all that? Well, that is what the plethora of playgroup experiences can offer the new mom nowadays.

Can we say-STRESS!

Yikes, I expected to feel anxiety when my son started Kindergarten or tried out for the high school basketball team but with the crazy amount of offerings out there-one might feel a bit-well-crazed when their child hits two years old. Welcome to the age of playgroup dates.

There are music classes, swim, gymnastics, yoga, art expression, and a myriad of choices at local businesses, churches, community centers, zoos, museums, etc. Nevermind, the impromptu play dates at another mom’s house-that’s another whole story! It is enough to exhaust an already thoroughly exhausted mother.

Worst, what if you feel your child’s chances of getting into Harvard, on the sports team, or being the next Picasso depend on these early play date experiences and he/she hates the playdate! They cry, stomp, and demand to go home! Or worse you want to go home after feeling like a play date loser! Double stress!

The question begs being asked-are all these playgroup dates really necessary? Do we really need a pre-school experience to a pre-school experience?

Sure, there is a myriad of stats to show that early exposure to music, art, sports, water, you name it, help to develop the child. But wouldn’t a tambourine to some Dan Zanes music at home or kicking a soccer ball around in the backyard do the same trick?

My opinion, if your tot and you love it-great! But, if it doesn’t work out-laugh it off and join the ranks of the numerous play date dropouts….like me.

Love to hear what others think-do you have a playdate drop out experience? Or want to share how your little one simply blossomed in a playdate experience?

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