Playgroups/Toddler groups?

[GruffaloandMouse]

I know it’s probably hugely unlikely, but does anybody think they’ll be opening in September if all schools go back? I’m really aware of how little socialisation by 22 month old is getting and that he’s an only child too.

I’m really hoping this too. Always with a toddler who’s an only child.

Also-*

I (personally) can't see it happening this year at all but I hope I'm wrong

Schools will still be social distancing in sept so I very much doubt it.

I don't know but I'm also wondering what the heck I'm gonna do with 7, 5 and 1 year old boys with no sports or playgrounds available. My 7 year old has been going to the skate park every day which has helped but I'm worried he's going to seriously injure himself there one day. I think they should at least open the playgrounds. There should be a balance between safety and quality of life.

Rubbish so I guess he won’t get to play with other children until next year. Worrying thought.

Could he not go to nursery? Or play with extended family? I'm sure we'll be able to see family by then.

@FTM30 we can’t really afford nursery and yes he could play with family, but that’s only if we’re allowed to by then.
The other option I guess is taking him on play dates with other children, assessing our own risks accordingly, but then again so many people are terrified I’m not sure they’d want to.

What about outdoor activities? Little Kickers (football) and such like.. I’m sure the risks will be a lot lower. That’s what I’m hoping anyway.

I wouldn’t be surprised if schools don’t go back in September. We might well have another spike or wave and even if we don’t, some parents won’t send their child to school (high risk or anxiety) and those who do go will likely have staggered start and finish times, perhaps being at school some days and home other days, means many previous normal things like toddler groups will struggle to run.

Even if children are proven not to transmit the virus, adults will still need to distance and venues will probably remain closed for such things.

Our local playgroup is planning to open the same time as schools if that goes ahead. They've been given all their guidance. They take children from two years old.

I run a toddler group and we don’t think we will be opening in September. Too much cleaning, too difficult to keep children apart, it’s a large gathering essentially.

Possibly park meet ups where everyone brings their own food and drinks.

@carystoppins just out of curiosity, when do you think you will open? Next year? Or sooner than that? I’m aware it’s all guess work.

I’m wondering if my local sure start centre will run their groups, they help support vulnerable families too. They were implementing hand washing at the door before lockdown.

Sadly I think playgroups may be one of the last things to come back. They involve a lot of random mixing, and many are run by older volunteers. So sad as they are a lifeline for parents and so important for kids, especially those not in nursery yet. We'll be trying to get our 2.5yo a day at nursery if possible when they reopen, as playgroups, soft play etc are his only chance to play with other kids and I think they'll be gone for a long time.

No idea! We often have 20 parents and 35 children so who knows when gatherings that size, indoors, will happen. Think it will be one of the last things, like pubs.

Obviously I have no factusl knowledge of this, but I'm pretry certain they will allow some sort of household mixing by September. The government can not honestly be so blatantly hypocritical about telling people to go back to work/school, but not mix with their own family. Not until or even beyond September anyway.
Many people would have flouted the rules by then.

What about playgrounds? Outdoor swings etc?

I miss them too. Its a big group situation though isn't it so who knows when they'll reopen.

I’m starting to get very worried about DS’s socialisation.

Sadly I don't think they will ☹️ They were one of the first things to close, so think will open last. I think some of the paid baby classes (baby sensory etc) will open again in September as they are mostly run by self employed who will need the money.

It makes me really sad for isolated mums with no nearby family. Personally I have found the first year of motherhood crushingly lonely. I don't have any mummy friends and don't know how I can make any now with no groups in the near future.

Right now I’d give anything to sit through Wind the Feckin Bobbin again at rhyme time

@TotorosFurryBehind our playgroups closed at the same time as schools.

@TotorosFurryBehind yes, that’s me. No family nearby and I’m worried about feeling very isolated.

Family is bloody useless of child socialisation unless you're very lucky about ages. Mine have cousins 600 miles away that are about the right age. More useful would be being allowed to play with the family opposite.

I think there need to be some outdoor play sessions asap. My 18mo needs to spend time with children his own age (and people other than his parents) as he's used to defending himself/his toys from a domineering 4 year old.

4 year old really needs schools or holiday clubs to be an option - she loved school in England but even if they started before term ends she'd not be school age here. She understands that she can't go up to other children she meets out on walks so they'll probably need to learn how to play again. Any kind of non video sports club would do too.