The Midwives of New Jersey Playgroup is a free program that meets several times a week in our Madison and Hudson offices. Playgroup is comprised of moms with children of different ages, ranging from infants through Kindergarten. Each hour-long session provides music, toys, games, and activities for children to explore such as sensory balls, blocks, puzzles, dolls, cars, and bean bags. We also have a parachute, crawl tunnel, and play tent to keep the young ones active!
Why Playgroups are Good for YOU!
The Midwives of New Jersey started offering playgroups in our classrooms in 2014. We saw a need for mothers to have a safe place to share their stories and make like-minded friends that includes their children. We promote a culture of kindness and acceptance. Mothers are all doing a good job raising their children and do not benefit from making comparisons between one mom and another.
Our playgroups are facilitated by moms who have delivered with the Midwives of New Jersey. Our playgroup facilitators post reminders about the playgroup on our Facebook Page. When you arrive at a playgroup, the facilitators will welcome and orient you. The playgroups are a good way to stay “plugged in” to the Midwives of New Jersey Community. The schedule is posted on our Facebook each month.
Studies have shown that playgroup participation is beneficial to moms.
Evidence that persistent playgroup participation may act as a protective factor against poor social support outcomes. Socially isolated parents may find playgroups a useful resource to build their social support networks (Source).
Playgroups are Good for Kids Too!
1. Good for childhood development
Children who participate in playgroups have a better vocabulary, are more curious, more creative and are better problem solvers.
2. Change in environment promotes better behavior
The playgroup is a way to fight cabin fever in the winter and a cool place to hang on a hot summer day.
3. Good experience for infants
Even babies like to look at and interact with other children
4. Children enjoy different types of play
Playing with different toys in different environment with different people is great for kids. Variety is the spice of life!
5. The children can participate in playgroup as much as they like!
The playgroups are offered as a community outreach to any parents interested without cost. We offer a baby-only playgroup for babies less than one year old who want a quieter environment, although babies are also welcome to come to all of our toddler playgroups too.
For the privacy of breastfeeding moms, this playgroup is only for women, not dads. We apologize for the inconvenience. We hope to see you soon!
Call it a clan, call it a network, call it a tribe, call it a family. Whatever you call it, whoever you are, you need one. — Jane Howard