Playcentre?

You know what Shirena, I think you'd make the perfect Playcentre mum. I tried it and it didn't work for us coz I didn't have the time to commit to it with working etc. but it would be a great way for you to meet new people, and for Makayla to play with other kids, and most of the other mums there are SAHM so you'd have something in common. Shop around tho coz some are better than others, some can be a bit 'cliquey'

Some playcentres don't ask you right away, it's sorta voluntary with a bit of pressure I think LOL but should be fine to get McKayla settled before you have to do too much? (But then, I've only been to one so it might have just been more relaxed there.)

The sessions are three hours long but 2.5 hours of that is playing time so they allow about 15 mins either side to set up and clean up. Everyone pitches in and helps. Most require you to attend a minimum of two sessions a week. As well as that you have monthly committee meetings and training to attend (usually a two hour workshop held in the evening and a bit of assignment work). You don't have to go to every meeting and can do the training over a long period of time.

I enjoyed the training as you were learning about child development while your children were young and it gives you some good ideas for things to do both at Playcentre and home. There are other jobs (Librarian, Secretary etc) you can take on as far as the committee goes but usually no pressure to get involved in that until you settle in.

If you are a social person and want to meet like-minded parents with children of a similar age it can be a great way to do this. Some Playcentres are really active and have regular trips during the week as well as family get togethers (camps, pot luck dinners, Guy Fawkes nights etc) on the weekends. I know people with teenagers who still go away on Camp a couple of times a year with their Playcentre group. There is no limit on how much time and energy you can put in. The centre will be able to advise you what your minimum committment is.

When I was there I found it didn't combine too well with Kindy or Daycare. Parents are usually pretty keen to socalise outside Playcentre and the kids build much stronger friendships with those they play with outside Playcentre. The kids doing Kindy and Playcentre got left out of the loop often.

Do you have to pay?

I am really considering it because our playgroup doesn't really have any kids Jacks age and he really needs some more kids to play with.

Ask Sharon with Jenna and Jodie about the playgroup at the all saints church in Howick,
You know Sharon if I remember rightly