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Original poster

Weekend activities for mums and toddlers

59 replies

popsycal · 16/01/2004 10:33

Another threead has just reminded me that I wanted to post this query.

I work full time but feel that I am really missing out on mum and toddler groups, tumble tots etc but can't find ANY weekend activities like this where you can also meet other mums.

We go to soft play centres which DS loves,we go swimming every few weeks. I would LOVE something like Tumble Tots on a weekend or a little music/singing type group. Or anything really.

Does anyone know any websites I could check out? I have tried netmums and yell.com....
I am in the north east.
Thanks

OP posts:
DSW · 16/01/2004 10:35

Can't help you there Popsie but would be very interested in the replies myself as find myself in the same situation. Will be watching with interest

Hulababy · 16/01/2004 10:38

Can't help really Popsycal but about Tumble Tots:

We stopped taking DD when she was 18 months. I found it quite expensive for 45 minutes. Since I have taken her to a couple of different soft play places instead every other week or so. She gets just the same skills out of it IME and loves the freedom too. She is VERY confident at climbing, jumping, crawling through and over things, etc. And it is so much cheaper - £1.50 for unlimited play! Tumble Tots was £15 a year membership, and thn £3.50 per 45 minute session.

TT was great for her from 6 months till then though. The next classes up are much more structured and I didn't feel DD needed that type of structure; she has that at nursery.

LIZS · 16/01/2004 10:40

We used to go to a Fittots on a Sunday which I think is a franchise. Not sure if they have a website. also some leisure centres would do swimming classes at weekends.

Original poster
popsycal · 16/01/2004 10:41

HUla - that is interesting about tumble tots - thanks!
I am going to sit and search a bit now

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Original poster
popsycal · 16/01/2004 10:41

all swimming classes near us are weekday mornings!
Might try a few a little further away..

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salt · 16/01/2004 10:43

popsycal - I am in exactly the same boat.

Can you post if you find anything?

Original poster
popsycal · 16/01/2004 10:44

fond a webaddress for fittots
www.fittots.co.uk
but no webpage at the end of it

OP posts:
aloha · 16/01/2004 10:44

Ask the local NCT? they can usually help.

Original poster
popsycal · 16/01/2004 10:47

thanks aloha!
hadnt though of that!

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M2T · 16/01/2004 10:48

Oh there seems to be a lot of us in the same situation!

I always feel that these things don't really cater for working Mums. I find Antenatal classes etc to be the same. Everyone assumes you don't work.
It really peeves me off when you get an appointment through the door for...say.... your childs immunisations.... and the appointment is usually for the next day!!! Don't they realise it's the 21st century and like a man we need to give our work a bit of notice to get time off!

Sorry.... bit of a rant off topic.

Is there ANYTHING at the weekends for us working Mums to take our kids to?

Original poster
popsycal · 16/01/2004 10:49

yell.com
is good for finding soft play areas etc if you need that kind of thing

I want a 'group' though really!

OP posts:
Beccarollover · 16/01/2004 10:51

Popsy you will have to let me know what you come up with - I find the North East to be lacking in these sort of things, Ive spent many a day searching for things to do!

Original poster
popsycal · 16/01/2004 10:54

becca have you been to tj's jungle and ollie's ocean?
we also use concordia leisure centre in cramlington - small but friendly soft play

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salt · 16/01/2004 10:56

M2T - I agree with you on that one. Also would be nice to meet other mums that work.

I've always found that when I meet mums at parent and toddler groups they don't work so meet during the week and then I always feel al bit of an outsider.

lydialemon · 16/01/2004 10:58

During the week older kids would be at school, so you can have M and T groups, but at weekends you'd have to have to either have a Mums and Kids of all ages group, only have FTM's or hope you could find enough Mums who could leave older kids with DP/Dh/Mums etc.

Sorry to be a pain.

Original poster
popsycal · 16/01/2004 11:01

i hear what you are saying lydia
but there are lots of mums with one child who work full time
and i thikn mum and toddler groups are PARTICULARLY beneficial to first time mums..

OP posts:
lydialemon · 16/01/2004 11:05

I agree. I'm not trying to discredit the idea, 'cos I think its good - just trying to point out a potential difficulty.

Original poster
popsycal · 16/01/2004 11:06

thanks lydia - no worries
That is why it IS so difficult.....
business idea for any motivated person.....?

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Podmog · 16/01/2004 11:08

Message withdrawn

Original poster
popsycal · 16/01/2004 11:10

becca - here is a list of northumberland ones....we are closer to cramlington and blyth than other newcastle ones....
here
hth

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Original poster
popsycal · 16/01/2004 11:10

ooooh podmog.....
unfortunately i live almost as far away as i possibly could from bristol...

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zebra · 16/01/2004 11:11

Aren't FT-working mums just addicted to their weekend lie-ins (I would be!).
Tumbletots was all wrong for my tots, too structured, not challenging enough, too expensive (for us).
I think it gets easier when they're school age, Popsy, and you'll find more activities on the weekend.

Hulababy · 16/01/2004 11:11

Maybe you could start one Popsycal? Do you know any mums in your situation near you? You could start by just having it at each others houses to start with and see how it went. Mind, you might be a bit busy to sort it really as you work FT.

Hulababy · 16/01/2004 11:12

Zebra - I felt exactly the same about TT once DD got past about 16 months.

Original poster
popsycal · 16/01/2004 11:12

weekend lie ins!!!!!!
you obviously don't live in my house zebra
i am off work today...thikn i may have a touch of food poisoning.....
not feeling too bad atm

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