How To Help your Preschooler Choose a Playgroup for Himself

Playgroups are a good venue for your preschool-aged child to learn how to get along with other children. Whether you plan to involve your child in a formal playschool or just a weekly informal gathering of moms and their kids, here are some tips to help your preschooler choose which playgroup suits him the most.

1.    Boost your kid's self-esteem.
Before your child can participate in social activities such as playing in a group, you need to make sure that she has enough self-esteem i.e. that she will be confident enough to hold her own among her playmates.

Constantly assure her of her uniqueness and worth as a gift especially created by God, so that when she goes out “into the real world” she will more easily adapt to making new friends. Show her how much you love and care for her by responding to her needs early on. Teach her cooperation by asking her to help out in age-appropriate chores. Praise her for good things done, and gently reprimand her for the bad.

Above all else, remind her every day that you love her, and that she is created unique and special – this will establish the foundation of your child’s self-esteem and help her withstand all trials that she may face later on in life.

2.    Expose your child to people.
Exposing your child to people of varying age groups will help him become a more rounded, socially-adaptable being.

Our son, who was born in East Timor, is a concrete example of this tip put into practice. Since birth he has been exposed to people, young and old, of different nationalities. Now that he is four years old, I can see that he has little trouble socializing with people older than him, as compared to most of his peers.

When joining informal playgroups or activities like the Awesome Kids gatherings held weekly during The Feast at Valle Verde, Tim has little difficulty in getting along with other children present. That’s why I know that his being homeschooled has not affected his social skills at all. In fact, it may have even improved them!

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3.    Offer your child choices.
Show your child brochures, pictures and websites, if any, of certain playgroups or playschools that you think she might enjoy attending. Talk to her about what she can do there, the new friends that she can meet, the “teachers” or “Ates/Kuyas”  that will be helping her out. Give her the opportunity to voice out her preferences as well, even if she is still young. Let her tell you what she likes or dislikes about the different playgroups that you have shown to her, and tell her that what is important is that she will enjoy the experience of going to playgroup.

Once your child has selected playgroups, make a list of the top five or three groups and schedule a visit to each of them. This will further help your kid choose which playgroup she likes the most.

4.    Take your child to a “tour” of the playgroup venue.
Whether your child will be having his playgroup in an actual playschool or just at a neighbor’s place, it would be best to let him go around the venue to familiarize himself with the surroundings. If you are planning to enrol him in a real playschool, ask the school director or staff to take you on a tour of the place. If possible, let your kid explore the area and interact with the teachers and staff present.

When you get home, get some feedback from him about the venue by asking questions like “What did you like and did not like about the place?”, “How did you find the teachers there?”, etc. Usually you will have a gut feel, so allow your parenting instincts to kick in. If you have doubts about the competency of the staff or safety of the equipment at any particular playgroup, it is best NOT to enrol your child there, even if he seems to like it there. Remember, you must always make his safety and well-being top priority.
 
5.    Join trial classes or sessions.
Most playgroups held in formal settings give children the opportunity to participate in trial sessions or classes for free, to give them and their parents a glimpse of what goes on during playgroup/playschool time. This would be a great time to observe your child to see if she is enjoying the activities, or is bored by them.

You may also find it useful to assess if the games and activities done are appropriate for your child’s age, abilities and temperament. For example, if your child is athletic, then having her join a playgroup that is into sports will be appropriate.

Needless to say, if your kid thoroughly enjoyed herself at the trial session, this is a good indicator.

Take time to help your kids choose the best playgroup for them.  Joining a playgroup will be beneficial for your child, and it is a decision parents should be involved in.

Photo from sxc.hu