To not take the baby to baby groups?

[Ivegotyourgoat]

Ds is 11 months and I haven't really taken him to any baby groups, and tend to stay at home most days.

We did go to a few courses, baby massage, baby music and baby sensory but they were just short courses.

I only really thought about it when my neighbour asked why I don't take him to any groups (she's nosey).

I just find I've got enough to do around the house, I'm a bit of a slave to his naps too and he has one really long nap. I just love this time when I either have a mad clean or put my feet up with some nice lunch and watch tv.

I find come 3.30 I'm really busy making dinner, doing reading and homework with ds1, driving ds1 to his after school activities so I guess I like quiet days. Plus if I go out I prefer a walk round the shops and some coffee and cake.

Is ds really missing out?

I do a few baby groups with 10mo DS but I have no network where we live so they are mainly for me. I like meeting other people and find that I have made a few friends through groups.

I can see why they are not for everyone though and if you already have a social network and a busy life then it's completely fine to skip them. I tend to hope that all the interaction with other babies will be good preparation for nursery for DS, but this may not be relevant.

DD2 is now 19 months and I've NEVER taken her to a single baby group. Like your was content being home with her & running around for DD1's tasks. I also loved my little pockets of quiet if/when she slept as she was a poor sleeper. Don't think it did her any harm, just kept her away from the bugs on the contrary.

I love baby groups. DS is 11 months and we have no family over here. And not many friends who are free during the week either. It's my main source of social interaction with adults.

However they are almost entirely for my benefit. I don't think DS really cares either way. I'm also a slave to naps, but we time our meet ups to fit with naps. I'd go completely mad stuck at home every day. If you don't like them then don't go. Your Neighbour is weird!

YANBU, I am socially anxious and took the plunge to take my DS to baby group and the mothers there were awful! So cliquey! I didn't feel included at all, I tried to make conversation and got nothing back. It was awful. They're torture.

I can't bear competitive parents who think their child is the best or being judged for my choices.

He goes to a childminder and he plays with my friend's children... He's a very social little chap.

I went to one once. A few people spoke to me about my son. Nobody asked me my name. It was weird and boring - never went to another one. I've also never been to a soft play centre and my son is 4. Quite proud of that.

I had the same experience as bluebelle. Very cliquey. Was also ostracised from a breast feeding support group as I had dared to mix feed

Never been to any either....

I worry that I'm isolated. I live abroad and have no friends or family here apart from dh. Ds is a very sociable little guy so maybe I should? It's just that they're all about an hours journey away, the thought of going and not having anyone speak to me is a bit grim... I don't really mind if I have no friends but I want ds to play with other kids.