Does anyone have any advice for joining an NCT group?

[PirateWeasel]

I'm kind of nervous about this. I'm not a super bubbly person at the best of times, and I have visions of being the only 30-something first time mum surrounded by lots of outgoing younger mums who will all get on well and I'll be left out. School rejection paranoia strikes again! How has everyone else's experience been?

Hi-our NCT group was lovely. All mainly in their 30's and absolutely wonderful company. Although NCT totally have agendas on some things they were very helpful and both my husband and I were hugely glad we went in the end.

If you're shy I recommend the longer course as it gives you more time to get to know people. But the majority were actually older than younger mums so don't worry about people being young.

I should add of course it depends on where you sign up etc but in the main I would absolutely go for it ❤️

Our NCT group only had one 20s couple one 40s couple and the rest in their 30s.

Don’t prejudge anyone and remember they are all there because they want to make friends.

I was in two because we moved. Great experience in both. Would definitely recommend. More likely to find 30 something's at NCT than the local GPs weigh in clinc.

Do you have to be NCT member to join their classes? Is it expensive? Thanks :)

I would definitely recommend it. Like you, I worried about being the odd one out, reliving schooldays stuff, but our group turned out to be really lovely and inclusive. Our teacher asked us whose house we were going to for coffee first, and made the first meet up happen, which was helpful.

So pleased I did NCT. DS is now 6 weeks old and I see the other women about 3 times a week.

I was the youngest there at 29!

My nct has me and 3 couples, I'm the only singleton there and it's very much designed for couples, activities are based around being in twos.
Also I'm early 40s two couples are mid to late 20s one is late 20s to v early 30s.

I feel very much the odd one out and am debating if it's worth going back to sit on the side.

Me and my partner are in our 30s doing nct soon...

Just finished our nct course today. I usually find it difficult to find new friends but it is a lovely group and everyone was very open about wanting new friends going through similar experiences. It is very focused on couples and so it might be worth giving the course leader a heads up if you will be going alone so that they can amend some of the activities. I guess it's pot luck as to who you get in your group but our experience has been good so far.

You don’t have to join Nct to do the classes. Everyone in our group was in their 30s. We are still in touch after 6 years.

Our NCT are still all in contact ten years on.

Ages ranged from 29 to 45.

Of course I’m closer to some than others but in general it was a lovely group and we all got on very well.

We still have meet ups that are: families all together; just the men and just the women.

I loved my NCT group ... we meet at least once a month and when we were all on maternity (at the same time) we met at least once a week.
It's lovely to be able to text someone in the wee hours (we set up a what's app group) and at least one other person will be up to take to you...

We've had 3 sessions so far, I'd say everyone is late 20's to late 30's, all very friendly, we've got a what's app group already
Go for it, even my DP (who is a bit antisocial at the best of times!) is enjoying it

My advice: Don’t.

Biggest waste of money we spent.

Be open minded. Having a baby is a great leveller.

I was 29 and the youngest in my group. 2 were in their 40’s, 3 in their 30’s. Real mix of personalities.
In complete contrast to a PP...

Do it. Best money we ever spent.

I had DD1 3 months after moving back to the UK from abroad. 200 miles from all my friends and family, 2000 miles from the IL’s. I knew NOONE. They were a life saver.

I've just done Nct course, everyone was over 30 and lovely. Found it really valuable and we have set up a little WhatsApp group so we can keep in touch
We did group activities but no one was made to talk if they didn't want to so don't worry about being shy

I had the same concerns but my group was full of very like-minded and similar aged couples. We didn't bond hugely during the classes but once they finished we set up our own Whatsapp groups (one for the mums and one for the partners) and we have all become really close from there.

You may or may not feel like the classes are hugely beneficial but the support network you get from the group is absolutely invaluable and priceless.

Good luck!!