To be frightened of baby and toddlers

[nervousmums]

So I'm on maternity and my toddler is getting a bit stir crazy. Been thinking of going to a toddler and baby group but I am actually very nervous. I have no idea what happens at these groups. Not a bloody clue!

So -

What happens?
What am I supposed to do?
Do people go with friends and will I stand out as a loner?
If my DC doesn't want to play (they're a bit shy too) will we look like a weirdo family sitting not doing the right thing?!

Help! 🙈

Hey OP, good for you for finding one. I have always found them a really positive experience. With my first DC a girl at ante natal suggested we might go with babies ( she helped to run it) it was the best thing I did and the group of mums ( and dads) were just brilliant. So much so that now, 14 years on, there are 5 of us who are still really close and meet up ( now without kids!) All the time and text and chat.

Similarly, with DS3 I was in a completely new area, joined a toddler group and met lovely friends who I keep.in touch with now, 6 years later.

You can only go and try. Good luck.

Feeling a lot braver! Hopefully they are as nice as you lot!

And actually a bit excited.

I was in a very similar situation to you (went back to work with first after 5 months) and only started going to a group when my youngest was born to get out the house on the day my eldest is off nursery. I go alone and find it absolutely fine. There are some groups there who keep to themselves I guess, but most people will have a chat with anyone. To be honest even if nobody is talking I'm quite happy to sit quietly and watch my daughter play, perhaps I'm a little unsociable!

Best thing is that there's always somebody willing to hold the baby for a while.