To think that I can go to this baby class?

Personally I’m with your friend, these free classes I always left for those who couldn’t afford to pay for classes & for people who needed them more than I did.

If there are no eligibility criteria etc then there is nothing actually stopping you attending though, it’s just that I personally wouldn’t.

It’s not up to your friend to decide if you should go to these classes. The council will set eligibility criteria if they want to target certain demographics. If they haven’t, then you should go if you want to.

@YourLuckyBrickOttergood question. Many reasons, I suspect. Like I mentioned, it was a deprived area so many people had varying degrees of problems in their lives. I strongly felt that because many of the local mothers had social services involvement, they were inclined to stay away from any extra ‘exposure’ to services for fear that they might do/say something that may be judged or used against them later.

btw, reading this and my other post back I think my use of the word “local” makes no sense to anyone except me. I just used it subconsciously as I remember using all the local connections I had to spread the word (it was a very Local Large Village for Local People).

I think this is blinkered. I do not struggle with language - I'm a writer, have masters, etc etc - but both my sons were very late with language. Once they picked it up they were fine, but if I'd had a class like this nearby I might well have gone and I would defend my right to do so. How was I to know they would be fine in the end? I'm sorry you've only seen this with developmental delays or terrible parenting, but I don't believe either were true in my case. Just because you've never seen it doesn't mean it doesn't happen. Also, why would someone automatically know about how children develop language, just because we use it ourselves? I don't remember learning how to talk. I think it pays not to be arrogant and assume we know everything. If OP thinks the class will better equip her to help her child with language then the class is for her.

I don't think I am being unpleasant. I think i am just vocalising what happens in a lot of people's experience of navigating these areas of the system.

I’d be interested to know what your HV says OP.

We’re currently TTC and the main place for baby classes where we live is the local children’s centre so have been wondering about this. We earn good money so aren’t in need of govt support but I don’t know anyone in the same life stage near us, all my friends don’t want kids and work full time. I guess I might be in for a lonely mat leave if we’re lucky enough to have a baby!

No I'm just talking about the realities of being a parent in a worsening financial climate.

"But the truth is the world is run by people who show up."

I'd amend that to "people who can show up." Then we start getting into conversations about why some parents might find it easier to show up than others and we are back to social privilege.

You've clearly got some kind of chip on your shoulder or are deeply unhappy within yourself to be going on like this..

I think you're really wrong about what they're for and the purpose of them. Some better-off parents - even, shock, "professionals!" - do actually need this help. But you're being so unpleasant about people I don't know why I'm bothering engaging with you actually, nobody decent enjoys stereotyping and dismissing people to the extent you seem to be revelling in, even if they think they're punching up.

Yep!

Why do you think the locals weren't interested?

There is such a thing as working class teachers, and there are working class jobs that pay more than what teachers are paid.

OP, ignore the mad shite on here. You can go to any class you like.

I agree that bums of seats will justify future funding, but I honestly don’t know what you would gain from it other that your own social interaction with other parents. Like many things at this age tbh.

Good grief. Some bonkers posts on this thread. Of course you can go. Why on earth shouldn’t you? If everyone stayed away just in case they thought it wasn’t targeted at them, the class risks having no one turn up. Maternity leave is a financially difficult time for most people. If the class is being offered, just go!

The best 2nd hand uniform goes to their buddies so much of what is left for the normal people who aren't in the clique is faded and misshapen

Our PTA uniform sales are like this in the sense that the people who volunteer to help bag the best stuff. Funnily enough everyone is keen to volunteer for set up and nobody for packing away…

I’m on the PTA but definitely not part of a clique. See previous posts… I’m a neuro-divergent weirdo. But the truth is the world is run by people who show up. And the people who volunteer for the committee, show up at the school for committee meetings on dark rainy nights and then volunteer to advertise the sale, collect and store the uniform, then help set up the sale are going to be the people who earmark the best stuff. Just volunteer if it bothers you.

If the class is aimed at a certain group of parents that doesn't include you, that will be clear on the joining information. If its open to you, go for it. We can always learn something and even if it's not new material it will be good to meet other patents and babies. Personally I think a range of different people make classes better.

I honestly don't think you need a baby language class. Surely these are for people who actually struggle with language and communication themselves.
Really what are you going to learn that you don't actually know.
I have never seen a child without developmental delays or terrible parenting, not picking up language.
I would just not bother with this class and leave it for people who have genuine concerns about how to teach their child language.
Find another class of things that you actually want to learn and don't already know.

I do get where you are both coming from. Sometimes initiatives are meant to level the playing field but they don't as its already the parents who are most invested that attend.

A compromise might be to see if you can join last minute. If there are still spaces, you definitely aren't taking anyones place who needs it more!

I can’t believe anyone would equates some stains on clothes to a child being neglected. If the clothes fit and are clean, then so what if they have some stains on them.

I’m steadfastly confident that no one at school would look at my house, or where I live, and think I’m deprived.

You pay council tax, use the services! If it was targeted support for families exclusively on Universal Credit, it probably wouldn’t be publicly advertised without saying that. Screw middle class guilt and hand wringing - if you want to go, go.

No you should go because often engagement of these things can be low and this can lead to the groups getting cancelled so you are actually supporting the group by attending.

If you’re already well educated on child language development then I agree with your friend - leave the class to those who need that education (assuming spaces are limited).
They might not realise how important it is to constantly talk to the baby about everything that’s going on around them, for example. What is it you’re hoping to learn?

If you want to go because it’s a cheap way of getting out and socialising with other mums and babies, there are usually plenty of church playgroups that cost next to nothing.