As a parent what do you think is missing in this area? I think that more mommy's days out needs to be offered, more activities for younger children (not sure what to be honest, maybe a place where you could "rent" toys like the bigger outside items, riding toys, or just things that the kids get bored with. Those are some of my ideas do you agree or do you have others?
I am a member of a mommy group! I havn't been to an outing yet, but it sounds like a lot of fun. Let me know if you want more info.
J.
Well... I don't know what area you are talking about but around here (Carmel, IN - Hamilton County), I'm never lacking for something to do with my kids (ages 1 and 4 and #3 on the way)! I'm a member of 2 mothers groups and both have almost daily activities. We do field trips to firestations, police stations, apple picking, pumpkin farms, make-your-own pizza at local pizza restaurants, holiday parties, etc. In addition we have smaller playgroups divided by age that meet once a week. There's always the zoo, children's museum, conner prairie and hiking in local and state parks. Of course, we always have park days, too. The water/spray parks in summer are nice. Many churches offer an Open Gym day once a week in the winter where they just put out tons of big toys in their gym and let kids go nuts for 2 hours (jumpy houses, ride-on toys, balls, etc).
As for mom's only stuff, both my groups have book club, scrapbooking clubs, monthly meetings with interesting speakers (or just a fun game night) and mom's nights out at restaurants or someone's house for a movie. Sometimes we do mom's day out and spend the day doing something without the kids like going to the outlet mall in Edinburgh. We also have mom's morning out where we go out for breakfast.
There's plenty to do out there... but sometimes you just have look for it. Or get involved in a mother's group and help plan stuff!
That's so true about the whole working moms' lack of activities! I never thought about that. I think the reason why that is, is because with stay at home moms, there are activities so we're able to keep some sort of social life still. There are many many days when we have no adults to talk to except our husbands, which definitely can never take the place of "girl time" with friends. After a while, it really can suck away your identity. You begin to forget what made you fun and what you used to enjoy doing. Moms who work outside the home are able to atleast get some adult time in. I would imagine this is why there's not such a big demand for playgroups that are geared towards them.
Having said that though, parks in the area are great places to be able to sit and talk with other moms. We love Indian Creek Park off of Aboite Center Road behind the YMCA. There are always lots of mothers there with their kids. Also, my kids have now left the toddler phase and are now preschoolers and it's amazing how many more things there are to do with them! My daughter is in dance class, so I get to sit there and hang out with the other moms while we're waiting for our kids to be done. Plus, she's going to be in T ball this summer. My son is three, so in another 6 months or year he'll be able to be in karate or something similar and T ball. So, if anyone is getting restless staying at home with their toddlers, trust me, enjoy it while you can! I was thinking the other day that it's so sad they've already grown out of another stage of their lives. I have a child going into kindergarten already and when I look back at those days where we were all cooped up at home with nowhere to go and I was constantly tossing around the idea of going back to work for something to get me out of the house, it really makes me sad because now she's going to be gone 5 days a week and I'll be looking back and missing those days! Enjoy those young ones ladies! The first few years go by in a blink of an eye!
I would be so happy if I could find something for working moms. I understand that being a stay at home mom is a job, but something for those of us that work outside the home. It seems like all the mommy/kidlet stuff is during the week, during the day. With the attractions only open Saturday (which is when I have to get running done) or on Sunday just from 12-5 (and nap time is 1-3), there's absolutely nothing to do. Oh, and forget about socializing with other moms. Ain't gonna happen. So, I just wish there was more stuff that took mom's that work outside the home into consideration.
Here are 3 great links for fun, safe activities for kids/families in INDY. Most/Alot of the activities listed on these sites are free and/or low cost. Have fun!
http://indianapolis.parentzone.com/parentresources.asp?pr...
http://indianapolis.parentzone.com/eventinfo.asp?date=3/1...
http://indianapolis.parentzone.com/calendar.asp
A.
