OHbaby! Forums : Playcentre https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/ Copyright (c) 2006-2013 Web Wiz Forums - All Rights Reserved. Mon, 06 Apr 2026 15:23:59 +0000 Wed, 20 Sep 2006 19:57:19 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 12.05 360 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=3783 <![CDATA[OHbaby! Forums]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_images/web_wiz_forums.png https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/ <![CDATA[Playcentre : I went to a couple of free ones...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=3783&PID=72983&title=playcentre#72983 Author: Jennz
Subject: 3783
Posted: 20 September 2006 at 7:57pm

I went to a couple of free ones like you Ana and decided it wasn't for us- Charlotte liked the toys but that was about it and I found the Mums a bit clicky or a bit full on. It seems like a pretty huge commitment and for us the benefits didn't seem good enough. Also I think Charlotte needs more of a structured environment (although thats probably just because shes older) but for looking ahead, again it seemed like alot of effort to put in for something I didn't see us sticking with.

I think it really depends on your local group (because some sound better than others) your parenting style, what you want out of it, your childs personality and what kind of environment/style you want them to learn in.]]> Wed, 20 Sep 2006 19:57:19 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=3783&PID=72983&title=playcentre#72983 <![CDATA[Playcentre : We went to a playcentre for about...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=3783&PID=72915&title=playcentre#72915 Author: busymum
Subject: 3783
Posted: 20 September 2006 at 2:02pm

We went to a playcentre for about a year, I guess my comments would be:
* Is it the right thing for your child? At first - at 1 1/2 - Hannah was overwhelmed by all the other children (she's quite quiet, not the boisterous type), by 2yrs she was really enjoying playing with most of the toys there, but really most children that age don't start playing with others until they are 3 - that seems to be the case here too. So free toys is great but the social thing she wasn't ready for.
* What are the other people like? Most of the women at my local playcentre are solo mums, so I found it really hard to fit in.
And lastly, it just didn't feel right for us. It's quite a personal decision but this trial period is probably a good eye-opener for you.]]> Wed, 20 Sep 2006 14:02:46 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=3783&PID=72915&title=playcentre#72915 <![CDATA[Playcentre : All the mothers have to stay at...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=3783&PID=72892&title=playcentre#72892 Author: Maya
Subject: 3783
Posted: 20 September 2006 at 1:19pm

All the mothers have to stay at Playcentre too. Some centres run sessions for INdependents but they have to be 3 1/2 -4 at least and have been going for ages so they settle OK.]]> Wed, 20 Sep 2006 13:19:24 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=3783&PID=72892&title=playcentre#72892 <![CDATA[Playcentre : Im not sure i like the idea of...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=3783&PID=72891&title=playcentre#72891 Author: my2angels
Subject: 3783
Posted: 20 September 2006 at 1:15pm

Im not sure i like the idea of leaving my kids with other parents that i dont know, i would rather preschool where i know the people are trained and monitored closely but in saying that i havent really looked into playcenter to much. we go to a music and movement on mondays, playgroup on fridays which is basically a free for all but the mothers have to stay there and kobe goes to preschoool one day a week so i figure thats enough for us.]]> Wed, 20 Sep 2006 13:15:53 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=3783&PID=72891&title=playcentre#72891 <![CDATA[Playcentre : and I don&#039;t think it is an...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=3783&PID=72874&title=playcentre#72874 Author: lizzle
Subject: 3783
Posted: 20 September 2006 at 12:41pm

and I don't think it is an Auckland thing Emma, cause apparently the ones in town are struggling. Ours in rural and the ONLY thing available for the kdis, so i gues we HAVE to put in a lot of effort.]]> Wed, 20 Sep 2006 12:41:35 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=3783&PID=72874&title=playcentre#72874 <![CDATA[Playcentre : the weird thing is, playcentres...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=3783&PID=72872&title=playcentre#72872 Author: lizzle
Subject: 3783
Posted: 20 September 2006 at 12:40pm

the weird thing is, playcentres are licensed for only so many under twos. Now I figure, if it's my kid - it shouldn't matter, much like taking them to the playground or something, but apparently it does.

we are putting in a massive garden this term. I'm so looking forward to it!]]> Wed, 20 Sep 2006 12:40:44 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=3783&PID=72872&title=playcentre#72872 <![CDATA[Playcentre : I think each playcentre is diff,...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=3783&PID=72862&title=playcentre#72862 Author: Anna
Subject: 3783
Posted: 20 September 2006 at 12:07pm

I think each playcentre is diff, apparently the one is my area is fantastic but there is a massive waiting list and I am such a commitment-phobe that the thought of being obliged to go on a regular basis freaks me out!!

I would love to go, mainly for Quinn to get some interaction withother kidlets and so that I could meet other mums in my area but am so slack!

I have seen that the people who enjoy it REALLY enjoy it tho! Just not my thing!]]> Wed, 20 Sep 2006 12:07:49 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=3783&PID=72862&title=playcentre#72862 <![CDATA[Playcentre : Must be an Auckland thing Liz,...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=3783&PID=72841&title=playcentre#72841 Author: Maya
Subject: 3783
Posted: 20 September 2006 at 11:12am

Must be an Auckland thing Liz, your PC sounds much nicer than ours! I was so growled for having Maya in daycare (like I had any choice!) and one of the Mum's who said she was only staying till her boy turned 3 and could go to kindy was told to leave because the other Mum's didn't want to "waste time making relationships with him" if he was only going to leave... ]]> Wed, 20 Sep 2006 11:12:07 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=3783&PID=72841&title=playcentre#72841 <![CDATA[Playcentre : wow, I can&#039;t believe people...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=3783&PID=72719&title=playcentre#72719 Author: lizzle
Subject: 3783
Posted: 19 September 2006 at 4:57pm

wow, I can't believe people are so anti-kindy Emma. I think half of ladies at my centre have kids in either kohnaga or kindy.

It's been great as Jake has met a little boy JUST like him. Jake gets angry and pushes Tim, Tim pushes back and give him a kick. No tears yet, but finally Jake has someone who will fight back. Not that i encourgae violence, just that erveryone else lets him get away with stuff...Oh i hope someone gets me!!!]]> Tue, 19 Sep 2006 16:57:35 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=3783&PID=72719&title=playcentre#72719 <![CDATA[Playcentre : lol Nikki - good priorities!! Hmmmm,...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=3783&PID=72707&title=playcentre#72707 Author: aimeejoy
Subject: 3783
Posted: 19 September 2006 at 4:08pm

lol Nikki - good priorities!!

Hmmmm, interesting, dont think it is really for me - I dont really like going to any kind of playgroups to be honest, probably should tho so Hannah will play with others...]]> Tue, 19 Sep 2006 16:08:39 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=3783&PID=72707&title=playcentre#72707 <![CDATA[Playcentre : LOL Nikki, I like where OHbaby!...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=3783&PID=72675&title=playcentre#72675 Author: Maya
Subject: 3783
Posted: 19 September 2006 at 2:03pm

LOL Nikki, I like where OHbaby! comes in that list...

I've heard that Auckland Association (which is what we came under) are one of the strictest, and I certainly met many a PLaycentre Nazi, whereas a friend who went to a Tamaki Ass. centre (east Auckland) said they were way more laid back.

They are fully anti kindy tho, and if they even THINK that you are going to put your child in kindy when he or she turns 3 they will completely ostracise you.]]> Tue, 19 Sep 2006 14:03:23 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=3783&PID=72675&title=playcentre#72675 <![CDATA[Playcentre : They tried to convince me to join...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=3783&PID=72640&title=playcentre#72640 Author: nikkitheknitter
Subject: 3783
Posted: 19 September 2006 at 1:09pm

They tried to convince me to join up... but I don't have the time... what between OhBaby, cleaning the house, and seeing my other mummy friends... oh yeah... and study!

]]> Tue, 19 Sep 2006 13:09:32 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=3783&PID=72640&title=playcentre#72640 <![CDATA[Playcentre : Thanks for all your comments ladies!...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=3783&PID=72628&title=playcentre#72628 Author: newmum
Subject: 3783
Posted: 19 September 2006 at 12:59pm

Thanks for all your comments ladies!

I don't know what I will end up doing but I am tending towars not starting up... The centre we went to yeaterday was pretty dirty for starters and I also would prefer a BIT of structure to the day, also the mums I met there were all a bit fanatical, hehehehe

Will still go for my two free sessions though, heheheh ]]> Tue, 19 Sep 2006 12:59:13 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=3783&PID=72628&title=playcentre#72628 <![CDATA[Playcentre : I think ours is unique in that...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=3783&PID=72623&title=playcentre#72623 Author: lizzle
Subject: 3783
Posted: 19 September 2006 at 12:39pm

I think ours is unique in that we ar rural, so everyone who goes, it is the only opportunity our kids get to play with other kids, and for many of us, the only chance to catch up with adults. All of us are SAHMs too. I don't think you could do playcentre and not be a SAHM. It is all about non-structured play, Jake sees it as time to play on a cool playground. you're not supposed to guide the child to do stuff...or something else. I have a book I could send someone if they really wanted, but most playcentres will give you a guide to what goes on. As I've said, I love it, but it is actually a lot of work and unless you are at home the majority of the time, probably too much.]]> Tue, 19 Sep 2006 12:39:22 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=3783&PID=72623&title=playcentre#72623 <![CDATA[Playcentre : Lol its almost like a cult. Ha...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=3783&PID=72592&title=playcentre#72592 Author: AlyAyde
Subject: 3783
Posted: 19 September 2006 at 10:09am

Lol its almost like a cult. Ha ha.
the playcentre i went to was VERY anti kindy.
you have to do your first course booklet when you join. Which goes over basic stuff. And part of it is attending meetings and getting materials for collage etc.
I found also with mine that they were very anti you starting late and leaving early. So this is very hard for young ones that need a sleep.

But like i said prev every centre is different. My mum ran playcentre when i was a kid and loved it. So if you think it may be something your interested in. Check it out. Go for your free sessions and see. ]]> Tue, 19 Sep 2006 10:09:47 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=3783&PID=72592&title=playcentre#72592 <![CDATA[Playcentre : I went to playcentre and I LOVED...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=3783&PID=72586&title=playcentre#72586 Author: Sarah Beth
Subject: 3783
Posted: 19 September 2006 at 9:57am

I went to playcentre and I LOVED it, I even went back after I was 5 as my sister was still there, so school holidays I got to play at my old haunt. My mum really enjoyed it too, but as she didn't drive and was newish to Auckland I think she liked making friends with the new people. She became quite involved, and is still in touch with many women she met though there, and I am still friends with a person I met there as well. My mum wanted to do all the training and finished a lot of it, she was still involved after my sister started school, planning family camps and the like and general management stuff. With the papers she completed she was able to get a teacher aide job, through the help of my dad (who was a teacher), but also I think the rules on qualifications have changed now so not sure if it could be done.

I think from memory the main idea is that kids learn through play, not structured lessons, guidence is given, but not outright told what to do. I could be wrong though.

I do still remember learning while there, we were making gingerbread men and putting sultanas on for eyes, nose and buttons, I decided that was too much effort and in my head I figured I could through all the suntanas on the mixture and they would still come out as eyes nose and buttons. They didn't ]]> Tue, 19 Sep 2006 09:57:53 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=3783&PID=72586&title=playcentre#72586 <![CDATA[Playcentre : Me too, quite curious now !! ]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=3783&PID=72568&title=playcentre#72568 Author: jax
Subject: 3783
Posted: 19 September 2006 at 9:12am

Me too, quite curious now !! ]]> Tue, 19 Sep 2006 09:12:23 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=3783&PID=72568&title=playcentre#72568 <![CDATA[Playcentre : Can someone please explain this...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=3783&PID=72512&title=playcentre#72512 Author: aimeejoy
Subject: 3783
Posted: 18 September 2006 at 8:53pm

Can someone please explain this playcentre thing for me? ]]> Mon, 18 Sep 2006 20:53:40 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=3783&PID=72512&title=playcentre#72512 <![CDATA[Playcentre : I so agree with you Angelnz i...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=3783&PID=72510&title=playcentre#72510 Author: kasbee
Subject: 3783
Posted: 18 September 2006 at 8:43pm

I so agree with you Angelnz i didn't even last a term. To much pressure to do things like meetings, course's, mother help and all the other stuff that goes along with playcentre, for my liking and most of the mums are so in to it there whole lives revolve around it and thats just not my thing.]]> Mon, 18 Sep 2006 20:43:06 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=3783&PID=72510&title=playcentre#72510 <![CDATA[Playcentre : I hated it. All the duties,...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=3783&PID=72493&title=playcentre#72493 Author: AlyAyde
Subject: 3783
Posted: 18 September 2006 at 5:29pm

I hated it. All the duties, All the meetings, the blimmey courses that i was told i had to do. Alyssa did like it. But it really didnt feel right for me. I probably went for about a year, maybe not that long. But my best friend takes her son to a different playcentre and they both love it. I do think it depends on the centre. ]]> Mon, 18 Sep 2006 17:29:22 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=3783&PID=72493&title=playcentre#72493 <![CDATA[Playcentre : my sister was a playcentre mum...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=3783&PID=72491&title=playcentre#72491 Author: Bizzy
Subject: 3783
Posted: 18 September 2006 at 5:16pm

my sister was a playcentre mum - but some of the first ones she went to were very clicky. when she found one she looked both her kids went there till school age. when they got older they used to hold an occasional day where the mums didnt have to stay, but otherwise she had to be there. you also have to help out with cleaning up and setting up too.]]> Mon, 18 Sep 2006 17:16:36 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=3783&PID=72491&title=playcentre#72491 <![CDATA[Playcentre : Mine is completely againest all...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=3783&PID=72478&title=playcentre#72478 Author: lizzle
Subject: 3783
Posted: 18 September 2006 at 4:22pm

Mine is completely againest all that stuff Emma, but they have commented that others have been a bit "playcentre-nazi"-ish. I don'ty have to go to meetings if we are busy. I was asked if I wanted to do the training but I said that I had my teaching course and was really busy and there was no pressure to do anythng. ]]> Mon, 18 Sep 2006 16:22:10 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=3783&PID=72478&title=playcentre#72478 <![CDATA[Playcentre : Ummmmm, well you asked for good...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=3783&PID=72457&title=playcentre#72457 Author: Maya
Subject: 3783
Posted: 18 September 2006 at 2:52pm

Ummmmm, well you asked for good OR bad...

I started taking Maya when she was 11 mths old to meet some other Mum's in teh area, and spend quality time with Maya since she was in daycare 3 days a week.

She loved it, and to start with so did I. But I got a bit of negativity from some of the other Mum's for having Maya in daycare as the whole PLaycentre philosophy is very anti daycare/kindy/preschool etc. and also because I was on my own with Maya at the time I couldn't go to all the meetings etc. as I didn't have a babysitter (and there were a lot of meetings).

We stuck it out tho, I completed my course 1 training, but I was getting abit sick of the politics. Then we went thru a really rough patch with Mona where I really needed support but instead I got told off for missing meetings. In the end Willie basically told me I had to chuck it in, coz even tho Maya loved it, it was doing my head in.

We lasted 18 mths there tho - Maya was 2 1/2 when we left, and I did make friends with two other Mum's with girls a similar age to Maya, so it was worth it just for that. The training for me was a bit of a waste of time as Maya was getting most of her 'education' from daycare, but I can see that it would be great for learning new things to do with your kids if you have them at home. My aunty started off doing playcentre training when her son was young and from there decided to do a degree in Early Childhood, so it can be a good starting point.

I think if you want to give it a go then go for it, especially if you are a SAHM and have the time to dedicate to it (which I didn't as a single working Mum) but be prepared for politics, a heap of PMS hissy fits, and quite a hardline attitude towards other early childhood education options.]]> Mon, 18 Sep 2006 14:52:33 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=3783&PID=72457&title=playcentre#72457 <![CDATA[Playcentre : At my playcentre, a parent must...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=3783&PID=72429&title=playcentre#72429 Author: lizzle
Subject: 3783
Posted: 18 September 2006 at 12:58pm

At my playcentre, a parent must be there at all times. I do know that some playcentres have an employed teacher - ours doesn't. Mine is just lovely. Both our boys have a great time. I do know that some people can be very..."playcentre mantra" kinda thing. One of my ladies went to another one. Now the playcentre ideology is that the child decides what to do. Anyway, she said to her little girl "let's get the glitter out and put that on your painting" and got yelled at for "directing" the child. Now I thought that was really rude. At our centre, we go with thye flow and all have a good time. I must say though, all the meetings are a pain in the bum. I went to the last one - started at 7. One lady said "gosh I hope we get out before ten" and I laughed thinking she was joking....she was not.

So all in all, I love playcentre, ]]> Mon, 18 Sep 2006 12:58:56 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=3783&PID=72429&title=playcentre#72429 <![CDATA[Playcentre : Things have changed. I went right...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=3783&PID=72427&title=playcentre#72427 Author: mummy_becks
Subject: 3783
Posted: 18 September 2006 at 12:55pm

Things have changed. I went right up until I was 5 and my mum came along to most of the sessions.]]> Mon, 18 Sep 2006 12:55:24 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=3783&PID=72427&title=playcentre#72427 <![CDATA[Playcentre : Up to 18 months I have to go with...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=3783&PID=72426&title=playcentre#72426 Author: newmum
Subject: 3783
Posted: 18 September 2006 at 12:39pm

Up to 18 months I have to go with him every time. Then after that I think he is allowed to go alone. ]]> Mon, 18 Sep 2006 12:39:21 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=3783&PID=72426&title=playcentre#72426 <![CDATA[Playcentre : I was a playcentre kid. I know...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=3783&PID=72424&title=playcentre#72424 Author: mummy_becks
Subject: 3783
Posted: 18 September 2006 at 12:35pm

I was a playcentre kid. I know my mum really enjoyed it, but she did know a few of te mums that were there as well as there ws 3 of us that grew up for the first 4 years together.

I thought children had to be older to go to playcentre (or have things changed).

]]> Mon, 18 Sep 2006 12:35:25 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=3783&PID=72424&title=playcentre#72424 <![CDATA[Playcentre : Sooo - I took Joey down to Playcentre...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=3783&PID=72421&title=playcentre#72421 Author: newmum
Subject: 3783
Posted: 18 September 2006 at 12:29pm

Sooo - I took Joey down to Playcentre this morning to have a look after getting called by someone after the Parent and Child show.

I am a bit unsure but we still have two "free" visits to go.

Just wanted some thoughts, views, comments on playcentre from you mum's in the know please (positive or negative). ]]> Mon, 18 Sep 2006 12:29:15 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=3783&PID=72421&title=playcentre#72421