Interaction

I agree with the other poster. At that age the playgroup is more for the mommy's social interaction than the childs. So I would decide how much I needed to talk with other moms.

Hi,

I have a 2 year old and a 9 month old who I have tried getting involved with other kids. My two year old does great, but my 9 month old doesn't care too much for other kids. He's always being pushed around by them. I decided to start a playgroup for them, but it's hard for him because of the fact that the playground is a little difficult for him to get around. He's not walking yet.

So, to answer your question...it depends on your son. Would he be able to get around okay without being fussy and getting trampled on at the playground. I could see going someplace that's not as busy/crowded, and where he could be comfortable yet able to have fun and enjoy himself. At the same time, he's still a little young, but if you want the interaction, I would start as soon as possible.

My daughter was in Gymboree from 10month. They have groups time that fit your childs age. It was great. and then you meet kids parents that you cn later do playgroups outside. My best friend her and i meet at Gymboree and our kids are best friends to..

Well the other bloggers are right in my opinion. I used to work in the child care industry and all child developement classes discuss this. Children play side by side but not together until around 18 months, sometimes not until age 2, they will interact more with mom, dad, or their caregivers than their piers. He probably likes the 2 year old because she is more intertaining and does things mommy does like plays peek-a-boo, talks, walks, smiles. I think its always good to meet new people, for you and your baby, and exposing your baby to other children and places can be rewarding. They are little sponges. So make sure its fun for you both or he will sense your stress. Don't expect too much at his age, you are the most important person to him right now, its wonderful that he responds to other children of any age. You may want to join a playgroup and thats great, you will probably get more out of it then him but theres nothing wrong with that, if moms happy he will be too!

My son was basically not around any other babies until around his 1st birthday, he had little interest in them before then and I had little ways to make that interaction happen. We recently joined a play group and found a great church with a great nursery, and now he LOVES other kids. He can't get enough of them! We went to the zoo last week and he was more interested in the little kids running around then the animals! Don't worry about his lack of interest right now, his time will come! ~J.

We have been a part of playgroups since my daughter was 4 weeks old. It is just as much for me as for her!

Meetup.com has great groups that you can find in your area!

According to a childrens social skills timeline on Babyconnection.com....... Infant play along side one another but not together until they are about 18 months old that is when they start to interact!