To go to a group every day?

[Summermeadowflowers]

I have a 3 month old baby and a nearly 3 year old.

The toddler attends nursery for three days a week. On those days I do classes with my baby like swimming, baby sensory and so on.

On the two days I have them both we do mixed age style classes, although I think my eldest is growing out of them a little bit so will probably explore alternatives after Christmas. He also does swimming on a Saturday morning.

Quite a few people seem surprised we do so much but there seems a lot on where we are, and it’s nice! So not so much an ‘AIBU’ - more of ‘am I being unusual/odd?’

If they enjoy it and you can afford it, why not?

When my two were preschool age we did something pretty much everyday, either a toddler group type of thing or meeting friends at the park/soft play etc. They got up early and thr days would have been very long if I'd staying at home all day.

God, no. I hated being stuck at home and went to every group going just for something to do!

Honestly with a toddler and a baby I think everyone’s just trying to muddle through however works best for them! If that’s being out and about at classes everyday then rock on. I did a couple a week with my first and just one at the moment with my second, more than anything I don’t think I could afford to do one everyday

I feel guilty I don't do enough baby groups tbh. Once a week is enough for me atm

I’m sure there are other people in these classes doing just as you are. Not unreasonable/unusual, not sure why it would be.

I always struggled with days in with small kids so don't blame you.

I used to need "something" every day when I was on maternity leave because sometimes without it, I'd end up frittering the day away at home and getting cabin fever. I think we had regular baby groups like baby sensory at least 3 days and the other ones I'd either find a stay and play or would arrange to meet friends or run errands - just SOMETHING so all days weren't the same.

If it works for you, why does it matter what anyone else thinks?

Not at all. I did groups every single day and the kids adored them and despite both being in school now, they still have lots of lovely memories from them.
Staying in the house with 2 little ones was hard. I found it much easier being out with them.

If it works for you then fine. But don’t forget having unstructured time is good for little ones too so don’t feel like you have to plan everything.

If you can afford it, then it's absolutely fine. I used to have to get out every day on mat leave, baby groups were my saviour!

I think the main thing is the children do seem to genuinely enjoy them: obviously DD is only small but I do still get lots of smiles and coos. (And she naps peacefully after them which is an additional bonus!) But DS probably will be outgrowing them soon.

I know they aren’t for everyone but I was surprised people were surprised!

I think it's fine, do what you need (or want) to do! I did something every day when mine were babies. Some were paid for groups like baby swimming, Monkey Music or Gymboree, other days were local baby/toddler playgroups in church halls etc. If we had a group in the morning, I'd often arrange to meet with friends later in the day in a local park or at each other's places. Having a routine and something organised every day kept me sane.

I did the same and I met great people and also found it gave put a shape on the day - I struggled a bit with all the unstructured time after being used to a work schedule.

Do what works for you and your family.
I personally preferred to have at least one day with no set definite commitments but we're not all the same.

I wish I’d had those things to go to, I only had the shops or library.

Not unusual really. When I had my first we did a class every day while I was on mat leave and things like swimming at the weekend.

Now I have three children (two at primary school, youngest at nursery) and we have at least one extra curricular activity every day, some days we have all three doing one🙈🙈🙈. Some people just like getting out and being busy!

It's funny as before I had children I was quite introverted. I've never been any good at keeping them entertained in the house, you do activities and they just get bored within 10 minutes until they are older.

Depending on area, there may be various playgroups that are a couple of pounds to get in, such as church groups or Children's Centres.

@WhatNoRaisins i find the same and the house gets trashed when DS is in it. He’s better with outdoor play but not ideal autumn/winter!

I hated groups and did none. My friend loved groups and did so many sometimes she did two in one day.

It’s entirely personal choice and fuck what anyone else thinks. <- this advice can be applied to many of the questions on this board.

I was out whenever possible. My babies seemed to hate the house and always be screaming.

Nothing wrong in it at all.

It's also important that you get out and interact with others to.
I sometimes think that for some once we become a mother/wife/partner, or generally just giving to others we can lose ourselves along the way in life.

The weather has been awful here so I don't blame you! I use to do a stay & play one day and then park morning on the other day if the weather wasn't too bad. I found getting out in the morning set us up for a good day, whereas being the house all day was just hard work.