nervous about first mommy toddler playgroup

[YummyMummybee]

I am sham mam with newborn & 12 month old, I never attended groups with dd1 but noe m going to one on Friday as I want dd to socialise. Im very nervous as Im not great in group situations & find it very awkward making small chat with strangers... Advice please!.I know,all groups are run differently but could I have a basic idea as I have no clue what to expect!!!

You don't have to chat if you don't want to; you can just play with your kids. Don't put pressure on yourself to find best friends at play group, just go as something for your kids to do and pass the time. If you get chatting to someone it's a bonus bit no need to try if you don't feel like it.

It'll just be a load of women sitting around chatting, some playing with kids. Walk in, catch someone's eye, smile and say hello.
If no one catches your eye sit and play with your toddler, another kid will soon come up and interact. Talk to that kid, say hello, play a bit..the mum will then come over and you can say...'oh he's lovely, what lovely hair, jumper blah blah (or some rubbish), how old is he? What's his name? Once you've done baby small talk just say, so, do you live round here? Is this your only child?

I promise you, conversation will come. Mums go to these things to talk to other mums, they don't bite!

Agree with complimenting other people's babies and toddlers.
I'm making a few friends through groups and I've gone from being miserably lonely to having folks to text, meet up with and bump into. It feels AMAZING.

Some groups are friendlier than others though, I tried them all until I found ones I fit into.

Compliment, compliment, compliment. It's the way forward!

It is actually easier to start a conversation with kids than without, as there is an immediate topic for you "what's their name? how old are they?" and you can go from there.

With toddlers as well, the kids start playing around the same toy and if the parent follows, you sort of have to make conversation or you look very odd just sitting side by side at the toy kitchen ignoring each other!

But yes, remember that 99% of those mums are going for some adult conversation too, and are probably just as unsure but interested as you are.

Thanks for the advice all taken on board, Im will make the most of it for dd1s sake, any other helpful tips or advice would be much appreciated X

Don't worry if DD is a bit overwhelmed at first and just wants to stay with you and baby.
It can take time for them to feel comfortable at groups so let her know it's fine to stay with you and watch if that's what she wants.
Try not to let her see your nerves so she doesn't worry and don't be scared - focus on the fact that you're there to play with DD and try new activities together, anything else is just a bonus.

You'll be fine. Some groups are very friendly and that's great, others are quieter and that's ok too. Like everyone else says, compliments are always good as is helping with any tidying up.