articles

Southbury Mommy and Me: A Local Playgroup

By Kim McNeill December 22, 2011

          

From the moment we become parents, our whole focus changes to doing things to benefit our children. Playgroups are one way of helping our kids, and ourselves. With a playgroup, children have fun, they get to play and build relationships with other kids, and participate in activities they may not be able to do at home.

Some of my favorite reasons for joining a playgroup are the things I like for myself. Making new friends and getting out of the house are enough reason on their own. Add that I can ask advice and hear how other moms handle such-and-such situation and the deal is sealed.

Our area has such a playgroup! Southbury Mommy and Me is a playgroup of moms with children generally aged 6 and under. Though the name says "Southbury", don't let that stop you. Members are from all of the towns in the area, including Woodbury, Middlebury, Newtown, and even Waterbury and Danbury. 

The group meets weekly at local playgrounds (and the library in colder months), plans trips to local indoor play places and some of the larger events in the area. There are even special events like a Halloween Party, pumpkin picking, Easter egg hunts, apple picking, a family picnic, and the free Kidz Camp Danbury Mall hosts in the summer.

Kristen is the organizer of the group. "I have found that most people find our group very welcoming and down to earth. There is no application process as everyone is welcomed to join the group," she says.

The group currently has 57 moms as members.

Ana, from Middlebury, says, "Others should join this group because it is a GREAT group of moms & children!:)" 

"I joined this group when I was a stay at home mom and really enjoyed getting together with the other moms. Once I went back to work it was not possible to make the daytime meetups but I am thankful I am able to make the afternoon ones. The Mom's Night Outs are one of my favorite meetups because we all need that time out of the house without the kids," says Rebekah from Southbury

"With most of my family being out of state it is nice to have formed some wonderful friends for both me and my children," according to Kristen of Southbury

Danbury Patch included the Southbury Mommy and Me play group in an article over the summer.

Once you join the meet up group, or e-mail Kristen, you will find out about the scheduled play dates. After you attend two meetings, you can decide if the group is right for you and if you'd like to join full-time by paying $10 in annual dues (which goes toward maintaining the website and paying for the annual family picnic).

Meet Up Pagehttp://www.meetup.com/The-Southbury-Playgroup/

Facebook Page

E-mail the organizer, Kristenklg1079@msn.com