Getting to know other families child started reception - tips?

[98739hkj]

Anyone has any tips for getting to know other parents in reception? Child just started in reception, lots of other kids came together from the two local nurseries or have siblings in the school. We dont really know anyone as have only just moved to the area. It would be nice for our kid (and us, I guess) to get to know a few of the families but not sure how best to approach this. Everyone seems very busy both at drop off and pick ups (and so are we) - plus our little one goes to after school clubs three times a week. Would love to hear what worked for other people.

Birthday parties are a good place to socialise with other parents. Or the park after school on the days they don't attend after school clubs. If they're different after school clubs (rather than wraparound care) you'll probably find yourself chatting to other parents while you wait for them to finish.

Oh following because we are the same. I’ve just invited a couple of kids round to our house for a play this weekend.

On days when you can arrive a few mins earlier or have time to stay, worth making conversation. Many reception classes end up with a group of Mums who go out together, some stick with it, others don't. I still have five lovely Mum friends I met 17 years ago when my DD was in reception.

@Kfjsjdbd juKfjsjdbdt wanted to check - did you invite new kids from the class? I feel like at the moment neither my son nor I really know many people. Having said that we're only on day 2.

Yes birthday parties are the prime social opportunity for parents. The tradition in my DC's reception class is to invite the whole class and usually most turn up. Are you part of a class WhatsApp group? If not definitely set one up.

Obviously another thing you can do is see what kids your child tends to play with at school and ask those parents if they'd like a play date.

Once the PSA /PTA school events start up try to attend them - cake sales, jumble sales, discos. You'll meet other families this way.

@98739hkj I am on the class WhatsApp, and I just invited a couple of the girls from that (obvs via their parents). Though I’m sure that the kids will get to know each other and make friends without our intervention! I’m feeling nervous about it though!

whatsapp group? Ask school to help or just be brave and talk to a few parents to see if they would like to join one? Ours is thriving - bit too busy- but nice. We also had a pre term and during summer holiday park meet up for kids to meet / not forget each other. Was nice for those who arent the chatty lot to pop along as not formal.

Asdk other parents a few questions about uniform or reading books or PE days - even if you know the answer?

Get on the class WhatsApp group. If there isn't one, set one up. Suggest an afternoon or weekend playground trip if anyone wants to join.

Try and build rapport through the WhatsApp

The kids will build relationships and then you csn contact the parents of their best friends. Maybe arrange a play date or park meet?

Become a rep or rep helper.

There's a Facebook group at our school - very grateful it's not WhatsApp as I always think that must be too much!

As someone who doesn't do the school runs due to work I struggled a bit. At the beginning of the year there were a fair few full class parties which helped, then I just made sure I was quite active replying to the Facebook posts. Someone did an initial introduction one which was quite nice, so people just put a bit about their children and work etc.

We don't have a PTA at my school so that wasn't an option either.

Agree with birthday parties.
We also had a whatsapp group and arranged to go out for drinks. I didn't really know any of the mums but went along and we now meet up regularly.