Young Mom Seeks Playgroups or Get-togethers

Hi Alex!

I'm a WOTH mom, so I can't do playdates, but I think that the reason why you're not seeing requests on this site is because things in this area are *so good* - there are tons of ways to get into playgroups.

Here are a couple of ideas:

Mothers of Preschoolers http://www.mops.org/ - generally meet in churches and there are a bunch of groups in this area. Use the search box on the left to search by zip code to find the ones closest to you.

Our Kids http://www.our-kids.com/ - a site constantly updated with activities and events for kids in the metro-DC area. They have a community board (great way to find playgroups) and offer discounts for ticket events.

Meetups.com http://tinyurl.com/dg2zgr - this link is to the results of a search I did on the main page of the site using my zip code and the term Playgroup. The list is of over 95 groups. Several that popped up on the front page, I've been active with (a while ago.)

A Parent in Silver Spring is a fun blog to keep an eye on: http://www.aparentinsilverspring.com/2008/06/100-things-t...

Finally, look in your neighborhood - do you have a newsletter or website you can post a request for a playgroup to? Using the library is a great idea as well - ask at your local branch if they have events geared to preschoolers (a great way to meet others) or if you can post a request for a playgroup on a community bulletin board or something there.

Like I said, there are tons of groups operating in this area - your biggest problem will probably be narrowing the field down. = )

Good luck!

hey!

visit meetup.com. i moved here last summer and knew no one. my 5 yo went into Kinder and I had an 18 mo old. i went to a couple and found one where i synched with the other moms. what i found is you need to put yourself out there. i read one response call it 'dating'. it kind of is. you don't know where you'll meet ladies you can connect with . for me i started with church since that's where i found great friends before, but here was a bit different. know you're not alone in your search. the good thing is the more you put yourself out there the more likely you'll meet a great lady who becomes a great mom friend.

Hi Alex! I'm an "older" mom (36) with kids ages 5 and 7. I went through what you're going through when I had my first, and again when we moved when my girls were really little. I sort of looked at this whole experience like dating (sounds funny, I know) I would go to story hours at the bookstore or whatever and strike up conversations with other moms. Sometimes there was a mom that I really hit it off with but felt almost embarrassed to ask her for her phone number! I mean, I practically wanted to say "Will you be my friend?"!!!!! I eventually got over feeling weird about it. I ended up inviting myself to someone's playgroup, and these women became my support system (and best friends) for over 2 years (until, sadly, we left New York!) So just go out there and when you meet someone at a bookstore or a park don't feel silly about saying "want to get together sometime?" The other mom will probably be glad you did :)

K.

Hi Alex,

I know how you are feeling. I am 27 and have a 1 year old daughter. I recently quite my job and now find myself home all day. I would love to get together sometime to "play" and chat about things other then baby stuff. My daughter also loves to be around other kids so i think it would be great! I live in Falls Church which is not far from Alexandria. I would be happy to have you guys over sometime or we can meet at a location of your choosing also. Let me know if you are interested.

All the best,
E.

It's not that bad. Many moms probably start out at a library storytime and then get to know each other there. If you live in Alexandria, the Beatley Branch has a well-attended storytime that meets on Tuesdays, I think. The more you attend, the more you'll get to know the "regulars" and they'll tell you about the best parks in the area. If you get the Washington Parent magazine, that lists a lot of great activities throughout the metropolitan area. I often see events in Alexandria geared toward preschoolers. There are also events in retail stores, like Borders and Barnes and Noble, for babies. A few area malls have indoor tot zones where parents congregate. The one that comes to mind is at Tysons Corner. Also, the Green Springs Gardens in Annandale/Alexandria have beautiful grounds. When the weather breaks, you'll find many parents there with their infants and toddlers enjoying the beautiful day. Finally, many people connect to others through their church or a MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) network. You can find the nearest MOPS chapter by visiting www.mops.org (or .com)--can't remember which it is right offhand.

Hi,

I would try MOMs club international if I were you, they have several get togethers a month and playgroups by age once a week. It is really fun. My kids are a whole lot older than yours but you will find others.

R.

Dear Alex,
I totally agree with the other moms, check out www.mops.org and go to the Find a group link.. :) How far are you from Burke? I go to a playgroup on Thursdays there. It's on the corner of Old Keene Mill and FFX County parkway. That one is from 10am-noon. Do Arts n Crafts and in the summer the mom cordinates meeting at different local parks etc.
Pammy
PS I did check out www.our-kids.com and they have several playgroups/moms groups under Alexandria, but its not in the playgroups section it's in the moms and dads section. It's also listed by location in Alexandria etc. :)