Baby clubs

[aiyshajc]

Hi there!
I have a 17 month little boy named Kenny. He is the absolute love of my life and I couldn't ask for a better bubba. I've been really wanting to take him to baby clubs for a while now as he is a very active little guy and wants interaction with other children. When we are in shops he will try running over to random kids and try poking their faces out of interest lol. I am 21 so I'm quite a young mum, I don't have many friends I have around 3 and I don't see them often. One does have a baby but I don't hardly see her due to job commitments and living further away. I don't drive so I can't go see her myself. I want to take kenny to clubs but because I'm young I'm worried I won't fit in or people will look down on me Asif I don't know What I'm doing. Also people already have their friendship groups so I'll be the outsider. I struggle meeting and talking to new people. Any words of advice? Would really appreciate it

I would go and try as many as possible. A lot of baby classes have free trials. Hoop is a good app, local children’s centres (usually free) and maybe try NCT bumps and babies. Also join and ask on local FB parent/mum groups. That and taking the step of saying hi to someone and striking up a conversation who looks friendly and appears on their own. I always find complimenting their child helps!

I’d recommend Happy House (Hartbeeps) for that age group.

You could try drop in playgroups as well but might find it a bit more tricky meeting people as he’ll be off running around.

Good luck and keep trying. It can take a while and a few knock backs to find your ‘people’.

@Tobebythesea
Thanks for the advice I've already got the hoop apps so I'll try looking for clubs in my area! I guess it's just a case of trial and error!

At playgroups you're usually too busy following your own toddler round to have much chat! Go and say hello to all the parents. If your LO is playing with a child, you can ask their name, how old they are etc.

Funnily enough OP I went to a playgroup last week and was very much the oldest mum there so felt a bit out of my depth. I just played with my DS and said hi to the other mums/kids. I don't think I'll be making any friends there but he enjoyed playing with the toys!

@Yogurtcoveredricecake
Yeah that is very true. I mean I wanna go for him really not for me. I just wanna see him have fun and interact! I'll definitely give it a go. If any mum can do it I'm sure I can to! The health visitor was saying that older women and younger women actually feel the same because they feel Asif they weren't the same age as the other mums. I feel Asif no matter what age you are your a mum no matter what. Your baby cries? Well does mine. Your baby has pooey nappies? Yeah so does mine lol. We shouldn't feel out of place regardless of age x

Definitely. The most frequent chat at the regular playgroup we go to is sleep or lack thereof! A bonding experience regardless of age, background or occupation!

Yeah that sounds great, I'll definitely give it a try! Thanks for the advice

Yes I would definitely give them a go. Don't expect to make best friends on the first few visits as you are more supervising your little explorer 😂😂😂
But I found the friendships just came naturally, with a few little comments after a couple of visits and then more chatting to "do you fancy the park on Tuesday" We have a lovely group now, even have a little whatsapp group ( god I would have put hot pokers in my eyes rather then this before I had my son, but I bloody love it 😂😂😂)

Have you tried swimming, we met a couple of lovely parent there also, after we swim we meet in the cafe for a coffee and snacks.